Backlinks are a web site or web page’s incoming links. Generally, the more backlinks a web site or page has, the more popular or important it is. Backlinks are also called incoming links, inbound links, inlinks or inward links occasionally. The two main benefits of backlinks are increased traffic and higher Google PageRank. Here are 5 tips to help increase the backlinks to your site.

First you need to submit your site to directories. There are many free and paid directories that you can submit your site to. Once your site has been submitted theses directories should begin showing a backlink to your site. Make sure your check any of the requirements they have as well as any waiting period for backlinks to become available.

A second way to increase your backlinks is to comment on blogs or web sites similar to your own. You should find several blogs, forums and sites in your market and become a regular contributor there. Then include your website in your signature.

Third, take advantage of social bookmarking. Post your articles on sites like Digg and StumbleUpon. This will increase your exposure, but will also create more backlinks if people Digg your article.

Fourth, you can create your own WordPress theme and then give it away for free. The trick to this is putting a link to your web site in the footer of the theme you design. Once you upload it and give it away, any one who uses it will create a backlink to your site.

Finally, you can hire someone to do the work for you. Companies such as PayPerPost let you pay to have bloggers review your site. Although, this is a little dangerous. Make sure the blog writing about your site has some common interest or Google may determine that the links aren’t valuable.

All in all getting backlinks is a part of being actively involved in your community as well as knowing your field. If you are competent in these two fields then people should want to backlink to you automatically.

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