I think we can all agree that the term “link bait” conjures up some less than positive imagery. We think of something somehow sleazy, or deceptive, when in fact, link bait can and should be merely a particularly well-crafted piece of content.

In fact, Google’s Matt Cutts, defines link bait as anything “interesting enough to catch people’s attention”.

The fact of the matter is, that for whatever reason, link bait has come to mean outstanding content that is specifically constructed to attract more links and viral traffic, usually by virtue of a “must-open” headline, controversy and other elements designed to grab the most readers.

Content created with this in mind has been shown to get up to 500% more views than the average piece, and that’s something worth talking about!

OTHER GREAT BENEFITS OF VIRAL MARKETING USING LINK BAIT

Besides the obvious attraction of more visitors and links, there are several other elements that make using link bait a wise marketing tactic.

Some of these include higher search rankings, as all those new links and traffic, plus now social shares are going to result in better rankings. Also, you have a great opportunity to expose a whole new audience to not only your brand, but your offers, resulting in more sales and/or conversions.

DON’T BAD MOUTH YOUR COMPETITORS OR MAKE “SCAM” CLAIMS

My only personal view is that you can be hypey without harming your own profession. I don’t like to see the headlines such as “X Company is a Scam” or articles that “bad mouth” other companies or people purely to generate traffic. People scan search results and headlines often without reading them so if they continuously see “X Company scam” then they subconsciously build up a defense mechanism about online businesses generally. We shouldn’t be encouraging that. There are way more creative ways to achieve viral marketing using link bait tactics.

HAVE YOU BEEN PAYING ATTENTION TO SOME OF THE MASTERS?

Love them or hate them, Dave Woods and Dave Sharpe are a great example of how to generate viral marketing using link bait tactics. It’s currently impossible to ignore the “Blog Beast” promotion that is all across the internet to launch Empower Network’s new blogging platform.

Link bait can be and should be providing exceptional, attractive and irresistible content that will benefit others and make them want to share it. As this big launch commences, pay attention to how the campaign runs, and the viral nature of the three part video sequence that will build up to the cart opening. This campaign is designed to create a highly viral marketing campaign and will generate substantial shares across the internet space. In addition it will create huge value and entertainment to its viewers.

SO WHAT DOES LINK BAIT LOOK LIKE?

First of all, it’s not ordinary. It can be controversial and even hypey, yet manages to deliver on its promise.

It’s fun, visual and topical, with a title that people can’t help but click on.

Breaking news in your market or industry is always good fodder for link bait. Being first to the party with a comprehensive, edgy look at the news is bound to garner social shares, and thus, links and viral traffic.

5 WAYS TO POWER UP YOUR VIRAL MARKETING CAMPAIGNS WITH VIEW-PULLING LINK BAIT!

Here are five terrific ways to create tantalizing link bait!

• Videos – Far away the vehicle with the most potential horsepower, a link bait video that goes viral can deliver many thousands of visitors and links. The same principles apply, but remember that people now would much rather watch than read!

• Interviews – If you can manage to score an interview with a thought leader in your market or industry, you can trade on the authority of that person for a boatload of visitors. This one can be delivered in many different ways, such as a transcript, video, audio podcast, webinar or recorded Hangout.

• Infographics – Everyone loves infographics. The ability to condense content into a bite-sized, consumable format that is colorful and visually stimulating is appealing to anyone, particularly the pressed-for-time web surfer.

• Google Hangouts – The new kid on the block, conducting a Google Hangout live, and then using the recorded version on YouTube for marketing in diverse channels is a prescription for getting many views, shares and links. Check out my article here on Google Hangouts.

• Lists – People can’t resist lists, particularly if they are concerning methods or information they really need. You could have read 100 different pieces on how to drive traffic, but the cleverly worded, edgy list will still get you to click!

 VIRAL MARKETING USING LINK BAIT SUMMARY

Creating view-sucking link bait is an effective way to gather loads of new, topical links, as well as an audience that may not have been exposed to you or your business beforehand. Look into creating some link bait and harness the power of viral marketing.