Due to the success of the Google search engine, other major search engines have decided to change the method used to rank Web pages. Unlike other search engines, which rely mainly on keywords or meta-search technology to find the most relevant Web pages, Google offers an advanced technology called PageRank to deliver the most relevant results.

Due to the success of Google, major search engines have decided to adopt a similar ranking system to Google's. The new ranking system will measure and rank the number of links that are directed towards a particular Web site. Not only is the number of links important, but the quality of the links also very important. Therefore, a link from a popular site such as Yahoo is going to give your site a higher rating.

You'll notice the first three links are from Yahoo. It would be logical to conclude that out of all the pages linking to eboz.com, Yahoo's links are given the highest rating.

To search for Web pages linking to your site, simply search for: "links: yourdomain.com".

Get Your Site Linked

Ok, we've established that you need other Web sites to link to your site to improve its chances of receiving a high ranking. So, where do you find these link partners?

Well, since you can find out who links to your site, it's just as easy to find out who's linking to your competitors' Web sites. Simply use the same search formula, but replace your domain with that of a competitor.

It would seem logical to conclude that sites who would link to your competitors would more than likely be willing to link to yours as well. Now you can steal some of the traffic your competitors have been getting from these sites! The great thing about this technique is that sites that link to you are likely to stay linked to you for a long time. Some links will be removed as Web pages change. You simply replace those lost links by finding new sites.

So how do you go about getting a site to link to yours? Simple. Just ask! You may be surprised to find how receptive webmasters are to these proposals.

It might seem like a lot of work to personalize every single email, but it will greatly enhance your chances of success. That extra touch of personalization can be the difference between the recipient reading your email or sending it to the trash bin in 2 seconds. In your email, clearly explain exactly how you believe a link to your site would benefit their visitors.

When you contact the webmaster of the site, make your email appear as personal as possible. Address each by his or her name. Usually you can find it in their Web site somewhere. Also add your direct contact information to your email; full name, company, address, and phone number.

Make it easy for them to link to you. Offer a variety of links; banners, buttons, and text links. Email them the HTML link code, so all they have to do is copy and paste the code into their pages. This will dramatically increase the odds of them agreeing to add your link.

Some webmasters will want something in return. In that case you can either offer a link back to their site, or offer them a payback in terms of a commission for each visitor they refer. You can buy software that will keep track of these links.

By persuading other Web sites to link to yours, your search engine rankings will improve greatly. In addition they will be sharing some of their traffic with you. Another bonus is that as their sites grow, your site will grow with them -- without any extra effort on your part!