It’s not always easy to get loads of sites linking to your site, especially if you’re a new kid on the block. Getting links is pretty important however, since it not only helps customers find you, it also helps search engines find you. So how can you get sites pointing to your own? Here are a few easy ways to get things started.

1. Article Websites
Posting articles to sites like DivineCaroline.com and ezinearticles.com is a great way to start getting some links. These sites are established authorities with search engines and, even better, a lot of website publishers turn to those sources for content. This means your site may end up with even more links if your article gets picked up.

2. Sweepstakes Websites
If you’re running any sort of contest it makes sense to promote on contest websites like online-sweepstakes.com or prizey.com. Not only will this bring more people to enter your content, it will also get you some links.

3. Directories
Getting your site added to directories like indiecollective.net is another great way to start getting some link love. An even better idea is to get your site listed on some niche directories. There are link directories for just about every interest from airplanes to veganism. My retail website gets quite a bit of traffic from being listed on directories about kawaii and cats.  Make a list of all the niche interests that may apply to your website and then find appropriate directories where you can submit links.

All of the suggestions above are pretty much guaranteed links. If you submit your site it’s almost a given that you’ll get a link back. This is a wonderful way to get started but not the only way to build links. Eventually you’ll want to focus on other strategies like getting fans to tweet about you on Twitter and getting blogs to write editorials about you. We’ll touch on some of those strategies in future posts but for now, these are a great way to begin the process.