Link Baiting
Different Types Explained
Link baiting is the process in which you use a bait or a hook to attract back links. It refers to
something unique or interesting on your website that would want others to link to it. A hook
or bait generally refers to link worthy content written for websites, blog posts and online
articles and then submitted on popular sites. It could also refer to tools, widgets and other
useful online applications. When content is written it is also important to ensure that the title
also serves as attractive bait to the audience. The bait or the hook could take one of the
following forms:
• Resource Hook: These are hooks that generally provide useful resources to the audience. A
useful tool such as a stock exchange ticker or a compilation of resources useful to a particular
niche or domain is a good example of the same. People are always on the lookout for
resources that would be meaningful and useful to them. As such, a resource hook acts as a
strong bait to gain incoming links.
Example: Must read search marketing blogs
• News Hook: This hook banks on providing the latest news first. It could also be a
compilation of stories following a particular news item. This type of hook works best over a
period of time. One needs to regularly post interesting news articles which slowly establish
credibility as an expert.
Example: Jakob Nielsen Not Optimistic about Personalized Search
• Contrary Hook: A contrary hook looks at views contrary to an established or perceived
school of thought. It usually takes up a contradictory or controversial view of what someone
has said or written.
Example: 10 reasons why SEO is of no use to marketers.
• Attack Hook: This is quite similar to the contrary hook but seeks to be more provocative,
direct and upfront in nature. The advantage of an attack hook is that the hook could attract the
most number of links if your content is perceived to be credible and authentic.
Example: Aaron Wall gets sued for blogging
For both the contrary hook and the attack hook it is advised to make sure that the facts are
properly checked and corroborated before the post/article is published. A seemingly non
credible post can get a lot of negative reviews which could affect all future posts as well.
• Humor Hook: This type of hook seeks to bring in some aspect of humor into the daily
mundane lives of people. As a hook it can turn out to be very effective as people like to see
something bizarre or funny in the midst of their daily routines. The humor hook stands out and
is thus able to gain quite a few links.
Example: Top 21 signs you need a break from SEO