Building backlinks to a website can be a time-consuming and difficult proposition. Popular methods of backlink building that revolve around content and social media marketing, etc., will only get you so far, and are easily replicated by any competitor checking your backlink profile.

Nevertheless techniques like these, although often low impact in terms of ranking benefit, are good for maintaining a diverse backlink profile and keeping a steady flow of inbound links ticking over.

But today I want to introduce you to a method of generating high impact backlinks that also offers great link diversity and a link profile your competition will find it hard to replicate.

It centers on generating some buzz, and getting thought leaders, industry experts, buyers, and other important people talking about your website. To do that, you’ll need to offer something that interests them. Almost everyone loves networking, and if done right, hosting national or even international events for your industry is an excellent way to get top-quality links. In effect buying backlinks that Google can’t penalize you for!

Running an event isn’t as scary as it first sounds. Many hotels and conference centres are happy to work with first-time event holders and help you get on your feet. Your role will be finding the right people, and persuading them to come to your event.

Generating Some Buzz

Before you rush off and start organizing an event, do some research. Most companies have the time and the budget to attend two, or maybe three international events each year. Make sure that the calendar for your industry isn’t too crowded – and if it is busy, but you still want to go ahead, try to schedule your event so that it doesn’t clash with a bigger, already established one.

building backlinks by organizing events

Once you’ve picked a time and a place, it’s time to start finding people to speak at your event. Reach out to a few big names, and a few rising stars. Don’t be disappointed if most of the big names don’t get back to you – they’ll be swamped with invitations and can’t respond to them all. If you can get even one big name, that’s good going for a new event. Treat the rising stars with as much respect as the big guys – their support could make or break your event, and they’ll remember you when they make the big time.

You probably have a plan in place for what you want out of the event – perhaps you’re announcing a new product, or even launching an entire brand. Make sure that the event is structured so that people know what the big “takeaway” is.

Make Your Message Heard

An event that’s full of industry experts, but doesn’t have any media, might be a lot of fun, but it will turn into an echo chamber. That’s not what you want. People go to international events partly for the networking, but also for the exposure. Make sure you invite magazine owners, well-known bloggers, major website editors, and a few smaller publications too. Those people will talk about your event, link back to the website, and generate a lot of buzz on social platforms.

Listen to Feedback

Make sure you listen to what people have to say about your event. Thank them for their feedback, and act on it. If you’re planning a second event, ask people from the first one to return, and make sure they can see right away that you listened. If people know you care, your event will grow every year.

James Harper writes for AMA Events, experts in events management services. Photo courtesy BAIA.

Tags: , , , , , , ,