First, what is linkbait?

Linkbait is simply creating something that sparks peoples’ interest enough that they would create a link to you or use something that you offer, such as an image or a tool. They may knowingly or unknowingly create a backlink to your site.

With Google’s Matt Cutts doing a writeup of linkbait recently and an older one, it made me think more about it. The real thing always serves as the best example, rather than just explaining it. This seems to be an acceptable way of getting links, according to Google.

Here’s his definition: “On a meta-level, I think of “linkbait” as something interesting enough to catch people’s attention, and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. There are a lot of ways to do that, including putting in sweat-of-the-brow work to generate data or insights, or it can be as simple as being creative. You can also say something controversial to generate discussion (this last one gets tired if you overuse it, though). Sometimes even a little bit of work can generate a reason for people to link to you.”

Examples of Linkbait

www.stclaire.com - PR4 - Links 2,630



Matt Cutts used this “Technical Communications” site that had a clever sign making section.

Ning - PR7 - Links 761,100
Create your own social network for anything
A clever way that allows the user to create their own social network. It reminds me of meetup.com, but that is strictly internet based.

Muglo.com -PR0 (very new) - Links 0
Create your own smiley-faces for blogs, forums, etc

This is similar to the sign making site, but is limited to smiley faces. It has a simple name that is easy to remember.

One Red Paper clip - PR5 - Links 33,000

This guy was inspired by a Canadian boardgame called “Trade Up”. He had a stroke of genius when he decided to try it for real; trading a red paper clip all the way along until he ended up with a house.
He has since written a book about his experience. In addition he runs a forum in which you can try to trade other people for things, including paper clips. I’m curious if it would still work for others.

Road Trip to Oprah - PR4 - Links 1,680

You could do something extravagant like these guys.

We are on a quest to ask Oprah for $1 to join the producers of The 1 Second Film. The 1 Second Film is a non-profit global collaborative art project bringing thousands of people together to make a film that makes a difference. Anyone in the world can help produce The 1 Second Film by donating $1. From Kiefer Sutherland to Kevin Bacon, thousands of producers are already participating. All profits from our finished film will benefit the Global Fund for Women. It’s the start of a 5 Phase Plan to bring the world together, one second at a time.

Maybe it’s a little over the top…

SEO Tools - PR3 - Links 6,040

Search Engine Optimization Tools
If you have the technical skills or are willing to hire someone to create your idea, then you could come up with some useful tool. Other examples would be calorie calculators, sitemap generators, or interest rate calculators.

If you are struggling with how to create linkbait, have a look at this post called Link Bait Kindergarten for some great ideas on how to be creative.