Copying Competitor's Link Backs?
-
Hello,
Is it a viable idea to copy competitors link structure? Imagine we manage a new site with low page and domain authority. Is okay to use the Link Tool and filter domains that link back to our competitor and then work our way up from low ranking directories and related sites?
Currently I am using RoboForm and trying to 'catch up' to a competitor in terms of link backs.
Additionally, I've been reading articles about whether submitting to directories is good, but if we see they have alright domain and page authorities, does it make sense to apply to them when our competitors are in them?
Much appreciated
-
-
SEOmoz's Open Site Explorer is all kinds of super awesome.
-
what is the best tool to use to find out who your compeditiors are getting links from
-
Thanks for the reply.
I now understand it's not the goal to be included in every directory out there.
I would like to add that by finding who links to my competitors I am able to learn about related industry directories, sites and bloggers. Is this the type of space that is recommended?
-
Totally agree with Doug on how to analyse. Try to out think your competition, not copy your competition is the best way to go about it.
If your best competition's backlink portfolio is built up with directories, then you should save yourself the trouble in copying all of their links. For the same amount of time you will take submitting to hundreds of directories you can be building good links, creating great content and being productive. Not to say all directories are bad, SEOmoz just published a list of trusted directories http://www.seomoz.org/directories If you must, submit to those or other relevant directories.
I have never used RoboForm before, but I looked at their site, it looks like it just makes it easier to copy stuff into forms? Its not a good idea to submit to directories using all of the same descriptions/info.
That being said, try reaching out by guest posting, rebuilding broken content & links, etc and only submit to trusted or relevant niche directories if you absolutely feel the need to.
-
Analysing your competitors backlinks is a great idea. I don't think you need to copy your competitors link structure exactly though.
As well as looking to identify immediate backlink opportunities, think a little broader...
Don't just focus on the specific sites that link back to your competitors. Look at how you might group and classify those sites to help identify other similar sites that even your competitor hasn't got backlinks from.
As well as looking at the sites that link to competitors, also look into why/how they are linking to your competition. You want to understand what reason they have to provide the link, what you can offer as an incentive (what content you need on your site) and how you can refine your request to be as compelling as possible. If you can offer something of value, and create a win-win scenario it may make things easier.
As far as directories go, if there are niche directories that your target audience would expect you to be present in, then it would be worth getting a listing. Getting links from low value directories can be easy, but the rewards are going to be less. I don't think I'd "work your way up from low ranking directories..."
Appearing in reputable directories along side your competition may help reinforce the perceived authority of the site. Prioritise your efforts on those backlinks that are likely to provide the greatest benefits.
Remember, it's not just about getting the backlinks to improve your rankings and as a result your organic search traffic. Good quality backlinks can provide highly qualified traffic.
Hope this helps, Good luck!
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
Post index of quality back links; How long should you leave it to see if it's had any impact?
The question is pretty much in the title. We had a link from a Charity site (high PA/ DA) and from Metro online recently. Indexed about 3 weeks ago and 5 days ago respectively. No movement to speak off. (Previously we've seen significant boosts from far lesser links). Should I assume they have had no effect? Or is too early to tell I know it takes up to 2 months for some of our new pages to rank, same with passing authority from links? (Note: I appreciate the competition will play a significant part in this, but my question is specifically about how long one should leave to know one way or another. )
Link Building | | isaac6630 -
What is dofollow back links
hi i am new in online feild i dont know waht is backlinks i want get high backlinks for my web site my site url is Paki.pk how i use this site for dofollow html tags please make dofollow http://paki.pk/ please help
Link Building | | Starelse0 -
01 November 2013 - A possible Google's update??
Hello Guys! On 01 November 2013, one of our website's traffic has been dropped by more than 70%. We had added plenty of domains to the disavow tool, I am just wondering if its a Google's update or the disavow tool has destroyed the site? Any ideas? 9p3sN3p.jpg
Link Building | | TheSEOGuy10 -
How can I find all my "nofollow" back links?
I have reason to believe we're being penalized for having to many links with keyword anchor text, and these links are typically no follow. I wouldn't normally think a nofollow link could do this but I've exhausted all other options. Any idea how I can find these links?
Link Building | | absoauto0 -
Back linking via blogging
I asked a different question, which this one might over lap. Say your website has 100 pages, and you blog on different sites for back linking- should you do an article per page to keep the back linking to each page fresh? So for a person like me this would take me 100 days to recycle around. Just trying to figure out the best way to do back linking.
Link Building | | sansonj0 -
Quick Wins and 'Low Hanging Fruit' - how do I identify them?
Hello, I have fairly recently taken up a position as an in-house SEO, having previously had my own (not terribly successful) ecommerce venture, so my SEO experience is at beginner level. I have read a LOT in coming up with a strategy (Laura Lippay's 8 Step Strategy, amongst so much more on here, has been epic), and have come up with something fairly comprehensive. However, it's taken me months! This is partyly due to other non-SEO responsibilities, and partly due to finding my way around all the tools & resources available, how everything fits together and what should be prioritised over what. This is massively inefficient for future projects, or indeed if I ever got a job in agency, and so I need to get quicker/more productive. I keep reading about identifying and capitalising on 'low hanging fruit' - how does one go about this? Details would be hugely appreciated - starting from the bottom up, i.e. keyword research, competitive & backlink analysis, link building etc. For the record, I have zero coding capabilities (something I plan to rectify one day soon) and so my strategy revolves primarily around content and outreach, rather changing site architecture. In any case, our website seems well put together, since new content is indexed very quickly. Thanks so much in advance, Ali (UK)
Link Building | | AliClinks0 -
'dilution' of link value.
Running ecommerce site selling childrens clothing for norwegian market. Most important keyword childrens clothing (barneklær) isnt too competitive (34 if i remember correct). The 2nd most important has very low competition (5 i think). I am starting a 3 month add with the best blog i found in norway. I am getting a 150x150 ad. In addition she is giving me a presentation in her blog tekst and allows me to arrange giveaway on my terms. She is allowing me to choose anchor text to use in presentation. Her stats to me seem very solid PA 58, DA 50 mozr 5,2 , mozt 4,6. http://www.joridkvam.com/ Should I in the upcoming months try to get in as many anchor texts links from her to different pages on my site. I have main words and producers etc that i am optimizing for on differnt sites. Or will the value of them just get diluted? so basically try to get in 2 links or 10 ? I am also curious as to which extent this one link will affect my ratings. I am ranking 24th for main term atm ( http://www.epleskrinet.no/ ) . Any one have any guesses ? thanks
Link Building | | danlae0 -
April Fool's for Link Building
Is there a better day for link baiting than April 1st? The time has come for everyone to share their April Fool's Day link building campaigns! This is our second attempt at capitalizing on April Fools with the first attempt (2010) falling flat. http://bigfi.sh/aFd2011
Link Building | | RyanOD0