A link request should include several elements. Each included to let the recipient know that you took the time to look their website and to make it as easy as possible for them to make a decision whether or not to link to your website.
1. Follow Instructions.
If sending by email always follow any instructions given on the website. Many large websites will receive many link requests and have an editor in charge of links, make their job easier by following their rules. If you have not taken the time to look at the recipient's site, and you do not follow the link request directions, don't be surprised if you never hear from them.
2. Find a name.
It takes a little longer, but go through the website and try to find the name of the person to send your request to. Use their name immediately and they will know you are not a spammer or an automatically generated email.
3. Tell them your name.
You are a human being, it is a human being making a decision on your link request: it is common courtesy to tell them who you are.
4. Confirm you have looked at their website.
Don’t request a link to a website you’ve not looked at. Tell them the URL of the website you are requesting a link to, this confirms that you are contacting the right person at the right company.
5. Don’t become over familiar.
Be professional and courteous; do not try to be humorous or over friendly if you do not know the person.
6. Tell them about your website.
Give them your URL and a brief and specific reason why you are requesting a link to a specific page.
7. Give a benefit to them.
You are requesting a link to your website, they are going to generate traffic to your website, what’s in it for them? Identify a reason why you think the match is linkworthy.
8. Provide your contact details.
Don’t be afraid to be personal. You want them to trust you and your website and the service you offer. Again, it also proves you are not a spammer or an auto-generated email.
View a sample Link Request