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?


Well there are a lot of tools out there that can help you analyse not only your links but also those of your competitors. These tools will also give you information on the quality of those links, helping you focus your activities.
Here's a quick list of my favourite link building tools:

• MajesticSEO - thanks to an easy to use interface and a lot of free functionality, majesticSEO is my tool of choice for link analysis. 
• Opensiteexplorer by SEOMoz - another reference in the world of link building, well worth a look at. Some free functionality, but as with MajesticSEO, you only get the most advanced tools if you pay.
• Google Webmaster Tools - The first step in understanding how many links are aimed at your site. No details on the quality of these links but a good starting point if you have an account for your site (and you should have one)

There are of course many more sites/software designed to help you with your link building efforts online, but the ones above are tried and tested.


How to start building links?

Link building is a very tricky exercise as it involves not only websites but also social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Google +. One of the keys to success is to think quality and relevance of links as well as quantity.

There are many ways to get links online, but the list below gives you some of the essential activities you should undertake to get some results:

• Directory submissions
• Social bookmarking
• Interaction in blogs / forums
• Social media platforms
• Content syndication - article distribution

Link building is extremely time consuming and requires fresh content for best results, so get your pens ready! And of course, do not pay for links as this could lead to penalties by Google, so keep everything white hat.