The best way to ask for a backlink
Now that your website structure, copywriting and all are in place, you are getting a few referral visits through links on third-party website (backlinks). You are happy but since you’ve been looking at you feed reader (one of the tool you are using everyday to create content), you have in mind other websites on which you would like to a link. However, reaching out to them organically (without any push) seems far beyond your hopes.
Hopefully, you can use the following example to get a backlink on their website.
Step 1: Know the publication and/or website
I know it may be obvious for most of you. But how many automated emails you have received, asking you to have a look at this article because it could be interesting for you. Most of the times the content is off topic. And those cold emails are more a burden than an invitation to collaboration. However you have a few trumps to play here.
With time and experience, you have a hot list of blogs and publications where you want to have your links. In addition, you know perfectly your editorial calendar and publishing pace.
As you browsing your usual sources, you have notice a couple of articles that are so tied to your semantic field that you want a backlink in there.
Bonus: Try to find as much information as possible on your recipient. Is he a entrepreneur, a marketer? Profile him-er to define what are his-er centers of interest. In 3 words: know your target.
Step 2 Start by the recipient
In an easy way, you found an email address to write to, and not even after a short introduction, you praised the content you’ve just read. In addition, you mention what a great valuable source can be add to the recipient’s article and a reason why you are contacting him.
Ex:
Hi [NAME],
I’d like to suggest an additional resource for your article [your-article]. I found it because you have like a piece that I used in research [a-notorious-website url].
Here is my article : [optimized anchor link]
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In the first part, you talk about the recipient. Then, you specify that you are a serious writer because of your research and quoting a famous website. To finally suggest the optimized anchor link you would love to see. We are not done yet with this email. You have to ask about the link and why it should be a great addition to the recipient’s article.
Let’s go on.
Step 3 Find and end with the right argument
Now that you have established the “connection” it’s time to ask and justify why it would be a fantastic reference for your article.
Example:
This article adds a different perspective because we talk about creating a culture of security at work, and also debate the positives and negatives of hiring a manned and patrol security service.
The Article has been recieved [NDLA: it’s not a typo, I received it like this] very well in the industry and it would be great if you could add the link as it would also be a valuable addition to your already fantastic article, we’d also be happy to promote your article on our social media.
It’s all laid up. You explain why the article is great (in case your recipient won’t read it and explain how great it could be to have a link, in the “already fantastic article”. You close your email by muttering a not-compulsory counterpart action; sharing on social media.
So far so good. The approach seems to be sincere and full of good will. Even if I would have operated the same way, I would have acted differently for the next step.
Step 4 Avoid automation. Click “send” manually.
As much as I love automation, sometimes a good and old email can work so much better. Afterall we are writers. We can find the perfect word to make it work. What do you think?
Nobody wants an email starting with “Hi there” or simply “Hello”. I know you can add a name in most of email solutions, if your database is well maintained and your data collection is neat. However, when I receive an email asking me for something and starting with Hi [your company name], it freezes me from taking any further action aside from the delete button on my keyboard.
For an experienced marketer, identifying those desperate requests for a backlink, is piece of cake. Nowadays, personalisation is the key, even better if we had a few exchanges on social media. It could speed up the request.
I can’t emphasize enough that most of the time, those requests will be successful. Most certainly if you send them to a “not a marketer”.
I have to say, that without a few mistakes from the sender, I may have respond positively to this request. On the other hand, the profile picture as a signature killed it all. Was it supposed to give me more trust?
Just be yourself. Someone recognizable within a few clicks. And not a random or made-up content specialist.
What are your thoughts?
Have you ever encountered those requests? How did you respond?
Let me know in the comments !
