Link building can feel like a game of chess for ecommerce businesses. It's not just about gathering as many links as possible; it's about strategically building links that actually drive results. But how do you set link building goals that are effective and meaningful for your online store? Let's unpack this together.
In this post, we'll explore the ins and outs of setting link building goals. From understanding why link building matters to defining what success looks like for your business, you'll get a comprehensive look at how to navigate this crucial aspect of SEO. With practical tips and relatable examples, you'll be equipped to create a link building strategy that aligns with your ecommerce goals.
Why Link Building Matters for Ecommerce
Before diving into goal-setting, it's important to understand why link building is a big deal for ecommerce. Think of links as digital endorsements. When reputable sites link to your store, they're vouching for your credibility and authority in your niche. This not only boosts your SEO but also builds trust with potential customers.
Why does this matter? Well, a strong link profile can lead to better search engine rankings. And we all know what that means—more visibility and traffic. But it's not just about quantity; quality matters too. A handful of high-quality links can be more valuable than dozens of mediocre ones. So, as you set your link building goals, keep in mind that it's the quality of links that will ultimately make the difference.
Link building also plays a role in brand awareness. When you're featured on reputable sites, you're putting your brand in front of a wider audience. This exposure can lead to increased recognition and, eventually, more sales. So, when setting your goals, think about both the SEO benefits and the broader brand-building potential.
Defining Your Link Building Goals
Setting goals is like plotting a course on a map. Without clear objectives, your efforts can become scattered and ineffective. So, how do you go about defining your link building goals?
First, consider what you want to achieve. Are you looking to boost your search engine rankings, increase referral traffic, or build brand awareness? Each of these objectives requires a slightly different approach to link building. For example, if your goal is to improve rankings, you'll want to focus on acquiring links from high-authority sites in your industry.
Next, think about the time frame for achieving these goals. Are you aiming for short-term wins or long-term growth? Short-term goals might include acquiring a certain number of links from specific sites within a few months, while long-term goals could involve establishing ongoing relationships with industry influencers.
Finally, be realistic. It's easy to get caught up in ambitious targets, but setting unattainable goals can lead to frustration and burnout. Instead, set achievable milestones that allow you to track progress and adjust your strategy as needed. Remember, link building is a marathon, not a sprint.
Researching Your Competitors
One of the most effective ways to set link building goals is by taking a peek at what your competitors are doing. This isn't about copying their strategy but rather understanding the landscape and identifying opportunities for your own efforts.
Start by identifying your top competitors. These are the businesses that rank higher than you for your target keywords. Use SEO tools to analyze their backlink profiles. Look for patterns—where are they getting their links from? What types of content are attracting these links?
Once you've gathered this information, you can look for gaps in their strategy that you might be able to exploit. For instance, if a competitor is getting a lot of links from guest posts, you might consider reaching out to those same sites with your own unique content. Or, if you notice that a competitor is missing links from certain high-authority sites, target those sites for your own link building efforts.
This research not only helps you understand the competitive landscape but also gives you a benchmark for your own goals. If a competitor has 100 quality backlinks, you might aim to surpass that number or focus on acquiring links from higher-authority sites.
Choosing the Right Types of Links
Not all links are created equal. When setting your link building goals, consider the types of links that will be most beneficial for your ecommerce business. Here are a few options to keep in mind:
- Editorial Links: These are links that are naturally given by other sites because they find your content valuable and relevant. They're some of the most trusted links in the eyes of search engines.
- Guest Blogging Links: Writing guest posts for reputable sites in your industry can be an effective way to build links and establish authority. Just ensure the content is high-quality and offers real value.
- Resource Page Links: These are links from pages that curate resources on a specific topic. If your store offers valuable information or products, it could be a good fit for these pages.
- Broken Link Building: This involves finding broken links on other sites and suggesting your own content as a replacement. It's a win-win—you get a link, and the site owner fixes a broken link.
Each type of link has its pros and cons, so think about which ones align with your goals and resources. For instance, if you have a strong content team, guest blogging might be a good fit. On the other hand, if you're short on time, focusing on editorial links might be more efficient.
Creating Content That Attracts Links
Content is the backbone of any link building strategy. After all, people need a reason to link to your site. So, how do you create content that naturally attracts links?
Start by understanding your audience. What are their pain points, interests, and questions? Use this information to create content that addresses their needs. This could be in the form of blog posts, infographics, videos, or even interactive tools.
Next, focus on creating high-quality, original content. This means providing insights or information that can't be found elsewhere. It could be a unique perspective on a common issue, an in-depth guide, or original research. When your content stands out, it's more likely to be shared and linked to by others.
Don't forget about promoting your content. Even the best content needs a little push to gain traction. Share it on social media, reach out to industry influencers, and consider using paid promotion to get it in front of a wider audience. The more eyes on your content, the more likely it is to attract links.
Building Relationships in Your Industry
Link building is as much about relationships as it is about SEO. Building genuine connections with others in your industry can open doors to valuable link building opportunities.
Start by identifying key influencers and thought leaders in your niche. Follow them on social media, engage with their content, and participate in industry events where possible. The goal is to become a familiar face and trusted voice in your community.
Once you've established a connection, look for ways to collaborate. This could be through guest posts, joint webinars, or even co-authoring content. These collaborations not only lead to valuable links but also help build your reputation and authority in your industry.
Remember, relationships take time to build. Be patient and genuine in your interactions. People are more likely to link to your content if they know and trust you. Plus, these relationships can lead to other opportunities beyond link building, such as partnerships and referrals.
Tracking and Measuring Your Success
Once you've set your link building goals and started executing your strategy, it's important to track and measure your progress. This will help you understand what's working, what's not, and where you need to adjust your efforts.
Use SEO tools to monitor your backlink profile. Look at metrics like the number of backlinks, referring domains, and the authority of those links. Pay attention to any spikes or drops, as these can indicate changes in your link strategy or external factors affecting your site.
In addition to quantitative metrics, consider qualitative aspects as well. Are the links driving referral traffic to your site? Are they leading to increased brand awareness or conversions? By looking at both the numbers and the bigger picture, you can get a better sense of how your link building efforts are contributing to your ecommerce goals.
Don't forget to celebrate your victories, no matter how small. Whether it's acquiring a link from a high-authority site or building a new relationship in your industry, each milestone brings you closer to achieving your goals.
Adjusting Your Strategy as Needed
Link building is not a set-and-forget activity. As your business grows and evolves, so too should your link building strategy. Be prepared to adjust your goals and tactics based on your progress and the ever-changing digital landscape.
If you're not seeing the results you hoped for, take a step back and evaluate your strategy. Are you targeting the right sites? Is your content resonating with your audience? Are there new opportunities you haven't explored?
On the flip side, if you're achieving your goals faster than expected, consider setting new, more ambitious targets. The key is to remain flexible and open to change. The digital world is constantly evolving, and staying adaptable is crucial to long-term success.
Remember, link building is a journey, not a destination. Keep learning, experimenting, and growing, and you'll be well on your way to building a strong and sustainable link profile for your ecommerce business.
Final Thoughts
Setting effective link building goals can be a game-changer for your ecommerce business. By understanding the importance of quality links, researching your competitors, choosing the right types of links, and creating valuable content, you're setting yourself up for success. Remember to track your progress and adjust your strategy as needed, and you'll be well on your way to achieving your link building goals.
Now, if you're looking for a partner to help you navigate the complexities of SEO and link building, consider working with Pattern. We specialize in helping ecommerce brands and SaaS startups grow by driving more traffic from Google and converting that traffic into paying customers. Unlike most SEO agencies that focus solely on rankings, we care about real results. We create programmatic landing pages that target hundreds of search terms, helping your brand get found by more people ready to buy. Plus, we craft conversion-focused content that doesn't just attract visitors but turns them into paying customers. With Pattern, SEO isn't a guessing game—it's a growth channel that drives sales and lowers your customer acquisition costs.