So, you have a website filled of large content, optimized for the search engines, but yet not ranking well? Perhaps it is time to build your link popularity.

Link popularity is a gauge of the quality as well as quantity of web sites which link to your site. The hypothesis is that great sites will attract lots of links whereas poor sites won't. But, you notice that word "quality", true? Yep, the search engines would think the quality of your links, not just how several you have. So, just as you have tweaked your keyword density and Meta tags, you need to be certain your links also exemplify the relevancy of your site.

So what are those darned search engine spider looks for?

The GOOD (Improve link popularity):
1. In coming links from quality web sites associated to the topic of your site
2. Links from main directories

The BAD (most likely unnoticed by search engines):
1. In coming links from zilch pages, or other less quality sites
2. In coming links from web sites with topic not related to your site's topic

The UGLY (most likely to damage your link popularity):
1. Links from web sites that are nothing but a link or banner "farm"
2. Links to your web site that are buried in a long list of links on unrelated sites

By the method, the search engines look at the links OUT of your web site, too. As much as probable, out-going links must provide your visitor by an additional valuable basis of information linked to your website's topic.

Do your greatest to avoid the enticement to put in your website URL to any site that would have you, or to swap a link with anyone who asks. And, be very cautious on using software to build a "links page". If these sites have low quality and/or immaterial to the topic of your website, exchange of links with them can actually injure your link popularity.

So, what's the best method to get good quality links?

Your first strategy is to fill your site with high quality content. No one needs to link to a site with deprived content. And you are more likely to obtain links with no even having to ask! Second, get scheduled in the main directories. Third, look for out quality sites with topics associated to yours and demand that they link to you site, or if they will swap a link with you.

The search for links can be dreary, but it is definitely value the time as well as effort. Luckily for all of us, there is a fresh free service that will radically cut that effort and time.

Even if you are not involved in increase of your search engine ranking, being listed on other pertinent sites is still a fine idea. These kinds of links will sometimes carry you a lot of traffic all on their own!