How does one build .EDU inbound links?

For those of you who have sites that have inbound .EDU links -- what did you do ? Is there a certain method, is there a process, are there requirements ?

I realize that "content is king" regarding this. That is, you must first have something relevant to the .EDU domain in order for them to link to you in the first place. However, my specific question is "How did you, who have .EDU inbound links, successfully build your website in such a way that it was only natural to have those inbound .EDU links?"

Thanks!

 

.edu and .gov don't get additional credibility from Google than other sites would.

 

not this arguement again...(but I feel myself getting dragged in...)

Strictly speaking yes, in practice no. .edu and .gov sites are likely to be of high quality content, authorative sites, therefore links from them are very nice things to have. Coupled with the fact they tend to be of high PR, traffic and with few outgoing links, in my opinion backlinks from .edu and .gov are very sexy things to have.

Notting

 

For the sake of argument, let's say that having inbound links from .GOV and .EDU sites is a positive thing.

How does one go about generating them ?

 

It's extremely difficult.

Using blackhat techniques... extremely easy.


Do something for a school... fund a charity... buy the government.

 

It's not that hard to get one from a school... just appeal to their constant craving for good PR. Give us the niche and URL of your site, and I'll give you an example of a tactic that should help you get links from colleges or universities.

 

I would be glad to try your tactic. I sent you niche and URL in PM


Update: I contacted jhmattern and got very detailed inputs and information about this topic. Thanks!

 

I have an article here http://www.sourcer.org/edu-get-backlinks-list about how to get easy ed back links.

 

Which doesn't make it any different than a normal domain with the same content etc..

 

Good blog.

 

PM'ed ya. And to everyone else: We can argue about the importance of .edu and .gov links all week. But fact is some folks believe in Jesus some don't. So instead of arguing why don't we just help the folks looking got those links and go about.

Thank You

 

No, but it means you can prioritise your search for good linking sites by searching for .edu and .gov sites first.

Notting

 

Just a quick note... I'm not ignoring you if you PM'd me. I still have 2 or 3 to respond to. I'm just tired, and I'll be sure to do that tomorrow. But in a very general sense:

The key isn't in just asking for links or trying to exchange them. You need to make it about them. Partner with a school, or feature a program or students in a program related to your site's niche. Add relevant school profiles or reviews to your site, and even build an awards-style program over time. As you gain more credibility for choosing quality "winners", it might mean something, and linking will be more automatic. Interview students or professors about programs related to your niche, and report the published interviews (reviews or whatever) to the school's PR Director. Those are a few general tips that you can adapt to most niches.

Jenn

 

These are very helpful hints. By contrast, I tried a large email program. I personally emailed, by name, perhaps 100 leaders in various .EDU institutions. To the best of my knowledge I did not pick up a single .EDU link this way, and I was offering them something free.

 

I'll give you that.

 

Good input from Jhmattern. These are searches you might want to try. Just replace keyword with your targeted keywords.

site:edu inurl:blog keyword
site:edu inurl:forums keyword