Backlinking has had a lot of bad press - but that is because the backlinking techniques being vilified were inherently fake. Using 'bought' backlinks is what Google has cracked down on. Anyone using these techniques is dangerous for a site like Wizzley - just look at how HP has been hit, partly because of this (and c..p content).
I don't like the idea of 'creating' false backlinks. I prefer to look at it differently. What I want is traffic. What I try to encourage, and undertake to achieve, are links to my content that supply traffic that is looking for that content and in a position to undertake an action (click or purchase). And yes that include creating those links myself. What I will not do is cause others to interlink to my content when it is not merited.
Google is clever. It has all the information it needs to make decisions on whether a link has merit, and that content is of use to the visitors that arrive. It is also clever enough to know when links have been created 'unnaturally'. If visitors pass down the conduit then the link has merit. Backlinks without traffic will be seen to be false.
When creating backlinks they should look as though they have been created as naturally as possible. :
1. Do not use the same anchor text every time (set up a list of anchor text that can be rotated).
2. Do not create all your backlinks at the same time, spread the exercise out over time.
3. Do not worry whether it is a dofollow or nofollow link.
4. Do not worry what the link juice will be.
5. Do not worry about the pagerank where the link is set.
Do worry that the link will create a conduit between the host and recipient, that visitors can follow and find your pages. If visitors follow the route, Google will know. If they stay and interact with other pages on the site then Google will know that also - and 'rank' you higher because of it.
So link to related content within your portfolio, and to related content on the site. You should also link to authority sites on the subject of your page, and to media such as videos and pictures. Forget about the 'back' in back-linking and concentrate on the 'linking' bit.
Social media and bookmarking sites are OK to get the message out and pass some traffic through to your articles but it is not the most effective way. The most effective way is to create the conditions that will cause others to do it for you.
Another way is to promote your posts through RSS aggregator sites. There are many. You should use your RSSs as much as possible in all your promotion efforts.
This brings us to quality content. If you create rubbish then no-one will want to link from their site to you, or promote your offerings to their social networks. Visitors that arrive will bounce quickly, will not stay long, will not view other pages, and will not return. These are all factors that Google post-Panda take note of to determine your authority within a subject area.
