Content specifically designed to attract backlinks, such as research studies, tools, or unique resources.
Why Link Bait Matters
Link bait is a crucial part of a modern SEO strategy because it’s a direct path to acquiring high-quality backlinks. A website with a high number of high-quality backlinks is more likely to rank higher in search results. It’s about earning a reputation in your industry. When other websites link to your content, they are essentially vouching for your expertise, which helps to build your site’s E-E-A-T signals. It is a way to take control of your backlink profile and to strategically build links from websites that are relevant to your niche.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of link bait is a content strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress is the most popular platform for link bait. Its flexible nature and vast ecosystem of plugins make it easy to create and manage high-quality content. You can use plugins to manage your headlines, schema markup, and other technical details, while focusing on the content itself.
Shopify
Shopify is an e-commerce platform, but you can still use it to build a stronger brand reputation. A great way to do this is by creating in-depth blog posts about your products, your brand, or your industry. This can help you attract organic traffic and build a strong brand reputation.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still apply the principles of link bait. The best way to do this is to focus on creating high-quality, well-written content that provides a great user experience.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and content, which is perfect for link bait. You can create a beautiful, modern, and clean design that is easy to read and navigate, which is a key part of providing a great user experience.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a content management system that is perfectly tailored to your strategy, with a focus on a clean, modern design and a simple, user-friendly interface.
Across Different Industries
The principles of link bait can be applied to any industry.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites can use it to build trust and authority. A great way to do this is by creating in-depth product reviews, buyer’s guides, or articles about the history of your brand or your industry.
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use it to build a strong reputation in their community. A great way to do this is by creating content about local events, news, or people.
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can use link bait to establish themselves as an authority in their industry. A great way to do this is by creating in-depth case studies, original research, or articles about the latest trends in your industry.
Blogs
Blogs are the most natural home for link bait. A great way to do this is by creating original, well-researched articles that provide a unique perspective on a topic.
Do’s and Don’ts of Link Bait
Do’s
- Do focus on original content. This is the core of link bait. Create content that is unique and provides a new perspective on a topic.
- Do build a reputation as a trusted source. This is a key part of your E-E-A-T.
- Do prioritize user experience. A great user experience is a key part of link bait.
Don’ts
- Don’t use keyword stuffing. This is a dated tactic that can harm your SEO.
- Don’t use thin content. Thin content is a clear signal of a low-quality website.
- Don’t use fake news or misleading information. This can lead to a severe penalty from search engines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to check your facts: This is a major mistake that can harm your site’s credibility.
- Using stock images: Using original images is a great way to signal that your content is unique.
- Ignoring the importance of a headline: A great headline can attract a lot of organic traffic.
FAQs
Is link bait a black hat SEO tactic?
No, it is a white hat SEO tactic. It is a way to earn backlinks naturally by creating high-quality, compelling, and unique content.
How is link bait different from content marketing?
It is a type of content marketing that focuses on creating high-quality, compelling, and unique content with the specific goal of earning backlinks. It is a more specialized approach than traditional content marketing.
Can a website with a low domain authority use link bait?
Yes, a website with a low domain authority can use link bait. By creating high-quality, newsworthy content, you can attract links and social shares that can help you build your domain authority.
What is an example of a good link bait?
An example of a good link bait is an in-depth guide on a complex topic, a controversial opinion, or a viral infographic.
Does link bait lead to a Google penalty?
No, it will not lead to a Google penalty. A link bait strategy that uses dishonest tactics, such as fake news or misleading information, can lead to a penalty, but a well-executed link bait strategy will not.
