This is how a request might look…
Dear Bob
My name is John Smith and I am contacting you regarding your website at www.anyname.co.uk.
I’ve recently introduced many new features to my website at www.bestname.co.uk and am currently launching the website and working to obtain links from a selection of complementary businesses and organisations like yours.
I would like to request a link to my website from the links section of your website. The format of the link I would like to request is:
Best Name is a great company to do business with, please visit their website at www.bestname.co.uk/services
Please let me know if the above provides you with the information you need to review and consider my new website for linking. I can be reached via email at j.smith@bestname.co.uk, or, if you’d prefer to discuss by phone, my direct number is 0123 456 7890.
I look forward to hearing from you, thank you in advance.
Kind regards
John Smith
Any webmaster, web editor or site manager who receives this email can tell immediately many crucial things about the link request:
- You took the time to actually look at Bob's website.
- You took the time to find Bob’s name.
- You chose the website because it is appropriate.
- You followed the link-request instructions.
- You didn't send the same email to loads of people.
- You made it easy to know what URL you wanted linked, and where.
- You are not afraid to put your phone number in the email.
By recognising that it is a human being on the receiving end of your link request and showing them respect you immediately become credible. The webmaster or editor of a popular linked website will be able to spot bulk link seekers immediately and will probably delete without even reading.
Of course this does means that you have to create and send each link request individually. It will take time, and it should, you are seeking a link from a website that will bring you future customers and help the search ranking performance of your website, it is worth your time and trouble. Remember you want to balance the quantity of links with quality, and always go for quality over quantity.