One of the things that is most difficult to explain to people is the process of acquiring a backlink from an authority site. While this is an example of the process going about as smoothly as possible, I thought it would be worthwhile to demonstrate the process to those who haven't seen things in action. For the sake of my client and the link target's anonymity, the emails have been altered slightly, but the general concepts should remain clear. I've also added some additional comments at important points of the exchange.
For a bit of background, my client is a fairly prolific writer in his industry and I have a catalog of unpublished writings to share with potential targets. This target is an authority site whose home page currently ranks above my client's site for one of their target keywords. The site had two potential link locations - a resource page for my client's industry, and an article section where they publish articles from prominent figures in my client's industry.
The emails occur in chronological order, with running commentary in parentheses:
From: Adam Henige [mailto:ahenige@netvantagemarketing.com]
To: Target
Subject: A recommendation and a request
Hello,
I just recently came across Target site while digging around for some industry information and ended up finding a lot more. I really like the concept of your site, and actually found myself bouncing around between target site article #1, article #2 and started reading about topic #1 and topic #2. Interesting stuff, and a very sticky site. (Running commentary: Everyone likes to feel important, and showing you appreciate the content and the time and effort they put into their site is a great way to start a relationship.)
I also notice you've assembled a fine list of contributors - my main interest being in industry information. That said, I was wondering where I could find information about potentially becoming a contributor?
My company works with an industry professional who has published quite a few works and still writes regularly for his website, blog, and newsletter. I think he would be an excellent addition to your already impressive roster. If you’d like to check out some of his writing, you can find an extensive list of his articles here – http://www.clientsite.com or check out his relatively new blog at http://www.clientsite.com/blog which has some of his more recent writing. (Note: I try to offer direct links to existing content so the target doesn't have to do any more work than necessary to review my client's work.)
If you like what you see, we would also love to be included on your resource link page at: http://www.targetsite.com/links as I see several of my client’s contemporaries listed there. (Note: If the first tactic doesn't work, why not try route number two? Or if number one works, maybe we can get a second link here.)
If you have any questions or need more information from me, please do not hesitate to send me an email or give me a call. (Note: Just to let the target feel at ease, I open all courses of communication. I've found in the past that some people actually do want to give you a call to discuss next steps.)
Thanks!
Adam Henige
From: Target
To: 'Adam Henige'
Subject: RE: A recommendation and a request
Hi Adam
Link to your client blog/articles being uploaded as I type. (Note: Bingo!)
Very happy to use your articles (Note: Bingo x2), but I'm not too busy to do admin of filling in requests, etc. However, you can see what I publish and if I can select articles and republish them, I'll be happy add an end-piece you give me.
So. Do you trust me to get it right, like I do for other contributors? Hope so. (Note: Here he's referring to the author information at the end of the article.)
Best wishes anyway,
Target
From: Adam Henige [mailto:ahenige@netvantagemarketing.com]
To: Target
Subject: RE: A recommendation and a request
Thanks for the fast response. (Note: I've got one link, so let's be grateful and keep working for the articles!)
Actually, I guess there are a few ways we could proceed with the articles.
1. I supply you with an end piece (ideally I would like to have this also link back to the original article so as to not confuse search engines) (Note: If the target chooses an existing article, I still want credit for the link, and linking back to the original is our only real hope. I certainly want control over the "end piece", as I can add any anchor text I want for my client.)
2. I supply you with a couple of articles that we don’t have published elsewhere, which would give you some unique content (Note: This is the ideal situation, and I'll also add my desired "end piece" and anchor text - win/win!)
Number two might be a better option for both of us. I think I’ve actually got an end piece sitting around here, too, if you’d like me to save you the trouble.
Anyhow, let me know what you think, and thanks!
Adam Henige
From: Target
To: 'Adam Henige'
Subject: RE: A recommendation and a requestv
Hi Adam
Let's give it a whirl. Send me article/end piece or so. I'll publish next weekend (I update weekly). If you're happy, we can repeat the process ad infinitum. (Note: Doesn't get much better than that, does it?)
Best regards,
Target
