Linkbaiting (aka Link Baiting) Part 2 - Classification and Types

Author:: Pascal-Denis Lussier
Date:: November 12, 2008

In part 1, “The Good the Bad and the Annoying,” I introduced the term linkbaiting and perhaps went on a bit of a rant as to why it can be perceived as something negative.

In all fairness to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) companies and to all those who ‘linkbait’ honestly, I will reiterate the following in the hopes of dispelling the negativity ‘linked’ to the word: the act of linkbaiting is only as bad as the linkbaiter! To make my point: two bakers are selling donuts; one makes his with wholesome ingredients while the other throws a handful of bugs into each doughnut. The act of selling doughnuts isn’t bad, but the mad baker is!

Linkbaiting is an essential marketing tactic that is crucial to good search engine placement, which is why SEO gurus can offer their services.
And linkbaiting is everywhere on the Web. Like most things, when it’s good, it doesn’t annoy us!

The following is a classification system I devised based on research done for this segment and the lack of clear classification available. Linkbaiting techniques that are commonly used can be divided into three main categories:

1. Offer / Proffer: Essentially this category groups any method that offers something or in turn asks for your participation or for you to provide something. Examples include contests, quizzes, surveys, offerings or promises, etc.
2. Referencing: Simply put, getting others to include a link on their site or an email.
3. Exclusivity / Trendy-ness: Although exclusivity and being trendy will certainly drive 1 and 2 above, this category refers to your ‘product’ i.e. reason behind your Web site, rather than external links driving people to your Website. Luck has a lot to do with this, but with ingenuity and cunning, it is possible to create a community, cult phenomenon or just a ‘buzz.’

Each category above can be broken down:

1 a. User participation
b. ‘Freebaiting’
c. Link-backs
d. Creativity

2 a. Search Engine Placement: Tags, keywords, etc
b. Ad placement
c. Using ‘comments’: i. Extol
ii. Condemn
d. Content
e. Spam

3 a. Being the only one i. Expertise / Quality of information
ii. Uniqueness of site or product
iii. ‘Scoops’
b. Controversy
c. Humor
d. Awards and competitions
e. Sense of belonging / loyalty
f. Media attention

We will look at each of these in future posts.

Until then, happy clicking!

Tag : Linkbaiting, Link baiting, Methods, Freebaiting, Advertising, Web, Internet, Classification, Practices,

Main Tag : Linkbaiting Classes

Rate it: 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10/1votes

Please enter your information and abuse message

Send Your Comment!

Related articles on : Linkbaiting aka Link Baiting Part 2 - Classifications Types

CP Rail eyes link to access U.S. South (National Post)
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. is discussing a new partnership with Kansas City Southern Railway Co. aimed at granting the railways access to each other's lines. For CP, this would create a more direct route to the Gulf of Mexico in exchange for greater access to Chicago along its own network.

Wrong to link Dziekanski's death to alcoholism, inquiry hears (CBC)
The pathologist who examined Robert Dziekanski's body erred by suggesting alcoholism played a role in the Polish immigrant's 2007 death at Vancouver airport, a public inquiry heard Wednesday.

Morning Link Dump – Erin Andrews, UFC, Ankiel, Blackhawks (TheScore.com)
Obligatory Sports Babe I think I might be way ahead of the curve when it comes to questioning this whole Erin Andrews blogosphere obsession thing, but… I guess people can’t resist her (probably because she has yet to do any sort of slutty photo shoot, FYI. Think about that.). And I guess she talked to Fanhouse recently, and apparently people give a shit. So here it is. Silva-Griffin Apparently ...

Related pictures on Linkbaiting aka Link Baiting Part 2 - Classifications Types

Eeepc Asus 900 (122 views)

by Neena

Tags:

Eeepc, Eee pc, Asus, Netbook

Desc:

Do you like mobility but do not want to clutter with a big laptop? Why not buy an EeePC? The mini PC can surf the internet, view movies and video clips, listen to music, read, and compose your emails, edit documents, excel, word etc. These little machines are really surprising. Here, an Asus 900, 16 gigs of storage, 1024 MB RAM, Intel Celeron M 1.6 Ghz, 1.3 mp webcam...
Eeepc (156 views)

by Neena

Tags:

Eeepc, Eee pc, Netbook, Asus

Desc:

The NETBOOK Asus, EeePC, are very convenient. Whether you're in the office, on vacation, in transport, the EeePC will be with you. To surf the Web, check your emails, instant messaging chat or make video conference, the EeePC will be at your side. This model is an Asus 900, capacity 16 Gigas, and integrated Webcam 1024MB of RAM.