How to connect successfully with other site owners to have one’s website listed (linked) on their sites to improve SEO (search engine optimization).
Questions whether this tactic is impactful enough to prioritize. Asks if being listed in each other’s footer menus as “resources” is sufficient.
Seeks additional methods to get listed on websites outside their immediate circle and how to approach such outreach.
Notes that many peers aren’t aware of the potential SEO benefits of mutual listings and tend to disengage when SEO is mentioned; asks how to explain its value.
No decisions or answers yet; the thread is a request for strategies and remains open.
Summarized with AI on November 25.
AI used: gpt-5.
How do you connect successfully with others to have your website listed on their website.
Does this tactic increase SEO enough to put efforts toward it?
is it enough to simply be listed on the bottom footer menu of one another’s website pages as other resources and the like?
Most of those in our circle are not aware of how listing one another’s website on each others websites will increase their SEO. I attempt to explain it and they check out when you mention SEO. What are some other ways to get listed in websites outside of your circle?
You are right that backlinks are crucial, but be careful with the “footer link” tactic. Google often ignores or even penalizes sitewide footer links because they look like spammy link exchanges. A much better approach is to aim for a dedicated “Partners” or “Resources” page where you can write a sentence about why you recommend them. Google values links that appear within helpful content much more than a static list of names at the bottom of every page. At SearchPie: SEO, Speed & Schema, we can assist you in the process of creating powerful backlinks!
If your connections tune out when you mention “SEO,” try changing your pitch to focus on Customer Service. Instead of asking for a backlink to improve ranking, tell them you want to add them to your site to send them “free referral traffic” and ask if they would be open to doing the same so their customers have a trusted resource for your service.
To expand beyond your immediate circle, look at your supply chain. If you sell third-party products, email your suppliers and ask to be listed on their “Where to Buy” or “Authorized Retailers” page. These are usually high-authority links that are much easier to secure because you are already helping them sell their products.