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Spam comes in all forms...Those of you who have a blog have undoubtedly received all manner of free offers for content, offers to "try something & then blog about it" or simply had someone make a comment that is somewhat relative to your content but is only there so they can post their backlink (website or email) with the comment.
Last week, we discussed backlinking on blogs and forums as a way to generate hits on your website and increase your Google ranking. If it's a relative and useful comment (or just simply a positive note about the content), most bloggers will keep the comment and the linker may get some relative business. If you see a local business linking to your blog posts, instead of hitting the Spam button, why not consider this an opportunity to show them a far more effective marketing tool?
Try responding (to their email of course - not on your blog comments) with this:
"I see that you're also based in Vancouver. Are you getting many responses from posting on related blogs? If not, why not join me for lunch Thursday where you can present your product/service/opportunity to our 25 members and guests in our business group? I may not be able to help you personally, but I would be happy to introduce you to my networking partners. Space is limited each week, so let me know as soon as you can so I can reserve a spot for you."
But wait -- there's more!
Don't forget to ask if they know anyone who could use a boost in their business. Whether it's product sales or a service, we have such a diverse group, that they'll surely find someone who's looking for their product or niche. By inviting them to bring a guest or two, they'll feel a greater commitment to actually attend the meeting.
Don't forget to add:
"Once I've received your confirmation, I'll register you as a guest and will send you details about the meeting. I'll also notify our chapter President, so if you show up before me, someone will be expecting you and be able to greet you."
By saying you're notifying the "Chapter President", you elevate the group (in other words, it's not just a group of strangers standing around a room passing business cards) and you make them feel important. To personalize it a bit more, you may also want to point out some members of the chapter who they could benefit from meeting. Your guest will be able to tailor their presentation and bring any appropriate samples or materials.
In just one meeting, they'll see the level of success that we achieve on a regular basis and will be able to see how effectively it could help their business.
A referred sale is almost a sure thing, but if the person doesn't know you personally, chances are they'll Google your name to research you a little. Whether they search by your name or by a key word search, do you know if you'll turn up on the first page of their search or not at all?
Here are a few easy ways to improve your Google ranking through backlinks.
- FORUMS. Post something relevant to a forum and be sure to include a signature with a link to your website or to a promotion. Knowledge on any topic is useful and may cause another reader to click on your info, but if the topic is relevant to your job or service, it's a double whammy and you might pick up a new client in the process.
- NEWSLETTERS. Compile your list of customers and send them irregular information about your services. If you send it every Tuesday, it will become stale - rather send it randomly so it's fresh & unexpected - people will actually take the time to read it through. If you create a lot of links in your newsletter, that will increase your Google visibility.
- ARTICLES. Create and publish articles including your signature in each one. There are lots of websites out there looking for free content that will increase your traffic. Some will even pay for you to provide expert content.
- CROSS-LINKING. Try to get related websites to link back to you. This should be to websites that are in the same or related fields. (eg. Realtor = Mortgage Broker, Tanning Salon = Vacation (Travel agent), Personal Trainer = Massage, etc) Email the person who manages the website and ask if they'll do a link exchange. Remember this doesn't need to be within your same geographical area - think creatively!
- LINK YOURSELF. We all typically have a FaceBook Fan Page, Blog, Website, Twitter, and LinkedIn account, and maybe more. If you have 5 online points of contact, make sure that each one contains links to the other 4 sites.
Effective backlinks = higher Google pagerank = more Google results. Better results make you look like an expert in your field and will almost certainly solidify that sale!
