The pitfalls of link baiting

I seem to recall a link exchange service called “linkfart.com” a while back. The site no longer exists. Such a name as “link fart” is attention-getting, but not the kind of attention that would a site an overnight success. To be sure, I have no idea how much of a factor the site’s name was solely responsible for linkfart’s downfall, but its flatulent name was not enough to keep it afloat.

Link baiting has become a catch phrase in the SEO community nowadays. The idea is to get others to link to your site naturally through attention-grabbing, often provocative, content. You can bait others to link to your site by stirring controversy. The concept is basically a new twist on the old “content is king” mantra. The concept is perhaps more descriptive of methods that provoke.

Anything that evokes a negative response, such as anger, disgust, and envy, even on a subconscious level, may backfire, so it’s not always prudent to provoke to get people attention.

Link-baiting can be a double-edged sword. One should not try to create a buzz at the expense of detracting from their online professionalism and reputation. One should set a limit on how far they’re willing to go to get people’s attention.