Link analysis - which tools should you use?

In these turbulent times for link building thanks to regular Panda updates, I thought I'd share a video from Matt Cutts about the link command in Google. Basically, this video explains that the link command is restricted on purpose by Google to avoid SEOs focusing on link quantity instead of quality.



How do I get information on backlinks and how can I improve my link building?

Link building basics part 2 - article directories

Following on from the first post on link building basics - directory submissions, today's post covers another important part of any link building strategy: article directories.

What is an article directory?

An article directory is a site that aggregates unique content submitted by web users. These articles cover a wide range of subjects and are usually listed under specific categories. Some directories allow anchor links or basic links within the copy, hence their importance for SEO.

The Golden Age of SEO? the times they are a changin'

As I was reading "The Golden Age of SEO" article on search engine land this morning, I remembered a post I wrote back in 2010 about the demise of onsite optimisation (Whatever happened to good old seo).

Funny to see how things have gone even further with SEO in the last 2 years and I now find myself including link building, social media and conversion optimisation advice in SEO audits for my clients. As every good SEO expert or agency should do, I adapted and keep learning everyday, which is probably why I enjoy my job so much.But I'm glad to see onsite still matters.

If you're new to the wonderful world of search marketing, here are (some) of the things you'll need to consider to get good rankings for your site:

• Onsite optimisation - making your site and its content as search engine (and user) friendly as possible
• Traditional link building - we're talking directory submissions, blog posts, article sites here
• Social media - building and maintaining social media profiles for your business (G+, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Linkedin, Pinterest....). Engage and respond with your audience on an ongoing basis
• Conversion optimisation - driving masses of traffic to your site is great, but where's the ROI if you don't get conversions? Testing is key
• Tracking and monitoring - you need to know what's working (or not working) to refine your search strategy

What's been your seo experience over the past few years?

Backlink Analysis Tools

I'm currently getting back into SEO monitoring and link building and I came across this very useful article about the best tools to analyse your backlinks: The 5 Best Backlink Analysis Tools

With link building in the spotlight again since the Google Panda update, it is crucial for all business to get their strategy right.

It is also essential to use the right metrics to find out who links to you and your competitors, so using the right tools is critical.

According to various sources, link building weighs around 60 to 70% of search engine rankings, so it needs to be an integral part of any SEO strategy.

The evolution of link building

Very interesting article in Search Engine Land on the evolution of link building and how demographics influence link building strategies. Can Likes, Pluses & Tweets Cleanse The Link Graph?