Do You Have Good Link Bait?

Link bait, as defined by Wikipedia, is any context or feature, within a website, designed specifically to gain attention to encourage others to then link to the website.  Do you have successful link bait?

To get people to want to click on your link – or to get them to share it with others – requires a few things.

First, the link needs to deliver as promised.  The question is: What are you promising?

Second, the link needs to offer something.  Will it make you laugh or shock you?  Will it inspire or anger?  Is it newsworthy, obscene, outrageous, or unique?

Third, links to images or videos can be powerful.

Fourth, if the link offers a big-prize contest application, that could draw clicks in.

Fifth, if the link takes a strong stand on a critical issue, people may be apt to click and share.

Sixth, have a strong network of people who will gladly share your links with others.  Incentivize them to do so.

Seventh, be first.  Links purporting to show an exclusive, breaking news, or the first time something’s being aired get more attention.

Finally, promoting the lure of a link to get people to your website or to sign on to follow/connect with you is what makes the Internet glow.  Take a look at what others are doing and see how you can equal or excel beyond their offerings and approaches.

Brian Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog are his alone and not that of his employer, Media Connect, the nation’s largest book promoter. You can follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog © 2014