The concept of linkbait is simple - linkbait is a post, video clip, podcast, or article created specifically for a particular audience or niche (or social media) that has some kind of clever hook or unique angle that encourages other bloggers to write about it and link to it, resulting in more traffic and a higher position in the SERPs. Obviously, creating compelling linkbait can be excellent for your website’s search engine optimization. However, while the concept itself is simple, writing quality linkbait is something that is easier said than done, even for an experienced SEO company or consultant.

There are six main types of linkbait:

1. Useful Resources/Tools

2. Humor/Entertainment

3. Breaking News/Scoops

4. Shock Value

5. Research & Analysis

6. Controversy

The first sort of linkbait is a valuable resource or useful tool, like our free SEO and SERP tracking tool. Basically, develop something that helps people make their websites better, learn a new skill, or otherwise improve their lives, and you can get links, especially if you promote it wisely on the relevant social media sites or share it with bloggers in your field.

Next, there is the funny or otherwise entertaining kind of linkbait - while this may not be appropriate for every company, it certainly can work. Most of the successful viral marketing campaigns involve humor or clever twists somehow; after all, people tend to enjoy and subsequently link to things that make them smile.

Third, you could be the first to break some important news or get the scoop on a major event in your industry. Granted, it isn’t always possible to be the first one to learn about major occurrences, but if you ever happen to be in that enviable position, be sure to take advantage of it on your website. Being the first in your niche to do something also can lead to lots of inbound links.

Another type of linkbait involves being shocking, outrageous, or just plain disturbing and even gross. Maybe it is just human nature, but some people just like to share those things. It is the linking/blogging version of “Wow, this is awful. Here, you try it!”. Again, this is a tactic that might not work for every website or blog, but if it works for your objectives and brand, give it a shot.

The fifth kind is similar to the first - create some kind of useful information and chances are, people will bookmark and link to it. If you have performed a lot of research and analysis on a given topic, take a cue from industry white papers, and distill that concept into an article (or a series of posts, if you have a lot of information). Add some nice charts and graphs that will make it even more helpful (and memorable), and you’ve got some excellent linkbait.

Last but not least, courting controversy can result in a lot of inbound links and traffic. Of course, this is another linkbait technique that may not be suitable for every business or blog, but if for the right brand (or the right blogger personality), being contentious can work wonders in terms of link building. Just make sure that you aren’t arguing for attention’s sake and that you actually have a valid point to debate.