Just Plain Folks Mentor Jodi Krangle on Networking
DOING UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU:
Or - Linking as a Networking Strategy by Jodi Krangle
The last time I wrote a JPFolks article, it was about web directories that you
might have overlooked. Keeping to that same theme, here's some information
about a commonly overlooked method of getting your site higher up on the search
engines and making friends at the same time - linking to other sites.
Before you say it, yes, it's true that being presented with a large list of
links within a web site, might get your visitor to leave your site before
they've really had a chance to look around. However, if visitors are interested
in the content of your web site, they'll be happy enough to use their browser's
"Back" button. Chances are also pretty good that they'll have a more
rewarding experience being able to look around as they please rather than being
"herded" in a particular direction. Visitors typically appreciate
open navigation concepts so that they can easily jump between subjects and
sections of a web site rather than having to click several times to get to a
particular area of interest. There's one inescapable fact here: a web site is
called a "web" site for a reason. Use that "web" of
interconnected information streams to your advantage.
To begin with, most web site administrators and/or owners, love to be
approached by those who are impressed with their efforts. A web site is a lot
of work. (Take it from someone who knows. ;-)) What's the most flattering way
to express your appreciation? Easy: Link to that web site from your own. This
is a fantastic way to build relationships between yourself and your site, and
other web site owners with similar content or concerns.
First of all, set aside a page on your site that specifically lists resources
visitors to your site might find useful. Approach web sites that offer similar
services and/or resources to your own and ask them if they would consider
exchanging links. This is important - the word EXCHANGE. It's important because
building relationships has to do with offering something in return for a favor
granted - and make no mistake - having another web site link to your web site,
is a PRIVILEGE - not a right. Remember also, that the other site in question
*does* have the right to say no. If this happens, it could be for several
reasons. Don't take it personally. Make your own assessment about whether or not
that particular web site is worth including in your list (usually, I think
you'll find that it is. You approached them initially for a reason, after all)
and move on. There are plenty of folks that WILL link back to you.
Consider putting together specific graphics for such links (for instance, I've
set aside a page of such linking ideas for The Muse's Muse at
http://www.musesmuse.com/linking.html .
Make sure you have both graphical and simple text examples of them as some
sites only do text links. If the site only does text links, it's likely due to
design considerations more than anything else and has no bearing whatsoever on
how much they value your site. Give them the option and they'll be much more
likely to reciprocate.
These are some ideas on how to go about creating a links page while getting
other sites to link back to you in return. But you might ask - WHY is this
important? Besides adding value to your web site in terms of what you can offer
your visitors, there are two main reasons. The first is the idea of
relationships. Relationships are what make the world go round. They are
especially important in the business of making music. Many times, it all comes
down to *who you know*. That isn't to say that talent isn't important or that
it can't open doors for you. That is to say that talent on its own doesn't
necessarily open those doors. It's *people* who open those doors. Though the
web is a different environment from going out to songwriting organization or
association meetings or playing live and meeting folks personally, it is still
an environment where relationships can be extremely important. Don't
underestimate how many extra people might check out your web site should
another site say yours is a good one. Also remember that networking may not
help you today, but it will most definitely help you tomorrow - sometimes in
the most surprising ways.
The second reason is a little more mercenary, and I hope you'll forgive me for
"telling it like it is" in this respect. Here it is: The more people
linking to your web site, the more popular your web site will be assumed to be
by the search engines, and the higher it will rank. (Remember: this is ONLY
relevant in the search engines - the ones that use what are termed,
"spiders" to crawl through web sites and categorize them. Directories
use human editors and therefore won't be affected by this sort of
"popularity contest.") This is not to say that a good title, good
keywords and good description for your web site won't help you equally as well
- but it IS to say that linking is one of the best ways I know of to keep a web
site high in the search engine standings on a consistent basis. Titles,
keywords and descriptions often change. Have you ever noticed how links tend to
linger forever and a day? If you've ever bought a new domain name and have
contacted those linking to you in order to have them change their link to
reflect the new url, you know what I mean.
Ultimately, the relationships you build on the web will benefit you. This is
one instance where nice guys actually finish FIRST.
©2000, Jodi Krangle. All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission
Jodi Krangle is the Proprietress of The Muse's Muse Songwriting Resource @
www.musesmuse.com Join us for weekly chats Mondays @ 9PM EST! To find out more
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