Who to target for link exchange?

[Melter]

My new site, a niche shopping directory, is up and running now and I'm trying to work out who to target for a link exchange. I could ask some of the merchants whose products I promote but are they going to want to send ppl to a site that shows the same products and their competitors. I could look at some of the suppliers to the merchants but same again are they going to want ppl looking at a site where their competitors might be listed. Would other niche directories consider an exchange, or is that a bad idea? Any suggestions?

[scifind]

Would other niche directories consider an exchange, or is that a bad idea?

They might - they will be in the same position as you, so ask yourself is there any quality to be gained form swapping links?

Try a google search for your top keywords and email some of the top results - make the email relevant to the site so it doesn't look like spam.

Usually merchants won't lik back - I have seen a few exceptions.

Also try and get onto DMOZ - if sucessfull you will get links from all manner of sites

[smn2]

Hi,

Maybe this is a bit idealistic, but I only want to link
to sites that I genuinely think my site visitors would
enjoy visiting.

So, in theory, that means I could link to a competitor
I guess (and, generally, I don't do this!).

Right now I don't seek out link-swaps, but do get the
odd request sent to me.

Mostly the sites have this huge, and in my opinion
useless-to-use, links page that is serving no purpose
but to 'swap links' for Google-optimisation purposes.

I want my link to be on a well-maintained, easy-to-use
and valuable links page, not some 'links dump'.

So, I mostly say a polite No thanks.

I told you I was being a bit idealistic, but at least
it saves time.

How does this help you?

Is your site great, and different from the rest? Then ask
anyone and everyone (with related sites) to link to it,
because they should if they care for their site visitors. If it
isn't then make it so, first.

No-one's really gonna swap links with yet another affiliate
site though, other than yet another affiliate site, in my
humble opinion anyway!

(Damn! I can't seem to get off my idealistic Soapbox! )

Steve

[BenKowaBunga]

Some people may think it's a Medieval myth but some sites actually link to other sites without there having to be a reciprocal link...crazy, I know!

Just approach all the sites related to your niche and let them know there's a shopping site related to that niche - they could be interested in linking to you just to provide their visitors with a link to help them buy stuff.

If you let us know what your niche is then maybe we could come up with some ideas for sites you could contact.