Power Linking Strategies and Website Promotion Secrets - Link Trading Etiquette

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I have one or two pet peeves as far as link proposal etiquette is concerned. Here are a few things to take on board when proposing a link trade:

1. Place a Link Before Asking For a Link
   
   If you are going to propose a link trade to someone then add their link first before you shoot off an e-mail. It shows you are serious, professional and will give the recipient an incentive to trade back.
   
   
2. Give an Exact URL
   
   When you propose a link trade, state the exact page that they can find their link on your site. I can't tell you how many times I get link requests from people saying they have added a link back to me and when I go to their directory I am hunting for 10 minutes trying to find it! Very often I can't as they haven't added it yet! When you propose a trade, don't simply give the URL of your links directory index page and say "you can find it in the appropriate category." No no no! Give them the exact path so they can get to it in one click. Time is precious.
   
   
3. Don't SPAM for Link Requests
   
   Don't simply get a mailing list of websites and send a blanket e-mail requesting a link trade. If I don't see my personal e-mail address in the header of a link trade request I know it has been spammed and they haven't even been to my site. I also know they haven't visited my site because I have link proposal contact forms on all of them. If they actually went there they would have filled out my form. Spammed link requests don't go down well because they are usually from webmasters who are trying to cut corners at every possible turn. Send a personal e-mail to a site that you personally visit. (You can still use software like Arelis to help you find the sites and automate everything else).
   
   
4. Keep Your Proposal Short & Sweet
   
   Long convoluted e-mails explaining "how trading links benefits everyone" really aren't necessary. Keep your e-mail short and to the point. Tell them where their link is, and exactly how they should link to you.
   
   
5. Don't Delete Without Good Reason
   
   Once you add a link it should remain on a static html page unless there is good reason to delete it. If your partner has deleted his link then by all means send an e-mail and give them an opportunity to repair. If this is fruitless then go ahead and delete.

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