As the algorithms of Google and other search engines continue to change, it is becoming more and more vital to get as many good quality back links as possible. The main search engine players are now looking to discount bought links, putting a higher emphasis on links which occur naturally – or after some persuasion from various site owners!

So how do you go about attracting natural back links?

While in theory you only need to give a free service, free information or promise a mention of some sort on your site to attract back links, it is not always so easy in practice. You really need to offer something a little different, something unique and ultimately something which is in demand. Whether this is some kind of affiliate program for today’s must have product, or just the latest giveaway which webmasters can use to reward their own customers, it really does not matter – so long as they give you a back link!

Even though Page Rank is not as vital as it may have been in the past, there is nothing to say that Google will not bring in a new form which may be bigger and better than all before – possibly restoring the Page Rank system to its former glory. There is also the issue of traffic, and putting the Page Rank issue aside, the more quality back links you have the more chance of follow through traffic.

Those who stand still in the online industry will die, but those who look and plan ahead have every chance of planting a few seeds which they can reap in the future. While it is not always good to be “first to market” with something new, you certainly don’t want to be the last to market. The best webmasters are able to ride the popularity wave just as it reaches its peak, jump off and then find the next one!