One of the best ways to increase the number of links coming TO your website is through your friends, customers and other businesses you work with.  Here’s how:

-  First, I highly suggest having a web page on your site that lists other businesses that you would recommend to your customers.  You can name this page ‘Recommended Businesses’, ‘Businesses I Trust’, ‘Local Business Resources’, etc.

-  Next, talk to the businesses that you have listed on your recommendations page.  Let them know that you have included them on your website with a link to their website.

-  Then, ask if they would be willing to do the same thing for you.  Tell them or email them a specific phrase that you would like to use for the link.  This phrase should include several of your most important keywords.  (Keywords are the words that your customers would type into Google to find your business.)  For an example, please see our Business Recommendations at

-  Finally, check their website to see if they have included a link to your business website.  If not, follow up with them and ask when they expect to update their site with your information.

If you have a business that you would like to partner with in this way, but they don’t have a website, we can help!  At SkyFire Designs, we specialize in working with small businesses that are just getting started or have never had a website before.  Our flat-rate price of $50/page makes having a website affordable for almost any small business.

The first thing the viewer wants to know is if the website is for the type of product or service they were searching for.  The second thing they determine is whether the company is serious and professional, which is based on the overall look and layout of the website.

If they stay on your site past the initial 2 to 6 seconds, you have a potential customer.  Next, they are going to decide to contact you based on finding the information THEY want to know.  “How much does it cost?” and “What do I get for that price?”

Many business owners make the mistake of talking about themselves and giving information they want the potential customer to know.  This gives the message, “I think my business is great, and so should you.”  In this case, it’s all about the business.

Potential customers or clients only want to know how your products or services are beneficial to them.  So first answer the question, “What’s in it for you, the customer?”.  Explain how your products or services meet their needs.  Develop your content to show that you understand their needs and how you can meet them. 

If you are having a hard time developing your website content or marketing materials specifically from the client’s point of view, get some help!  At SkyFire Designs, we help you create your content based on the information your potential customers want to know.  Content development comes standard with all of our websites, so you don’t have to worry about being charged more for copywriting.

Try to use pictures of people doing something that relates to your products and services.  Psychologically, it makes prospective clients or customers more comfortable doing business with you.