I've been reading a lot on this forum about how to build backlinks. A lot of people ask questions about the best way for to get backlinks on their site. The standard answer is directories, classifieds, link exchanges etc. The best way is not standard. When someone links to your site they are essentially saying, "I find this page interesting." In order for someone to find your page interesting, you have to build interesting content. This is called link bait. Put simply, it is building content that is interesting enough that it baits other webmasters to link to your page. You can accomplish this by writing controversial content in your field. Openly challenge an authority in your field, and let them know about it. Write a Top 10 list that actually has useful information, and try to make it funny. Add value to someone's concept...this has to be real value, something unique to your site. Build a tool for people in your niche to use, that will keep them coming back. Put together a resource guide for your niche. Anything that is actually valuable and interesting will get you links.
Thanks for the valuable comment snig...this may seem obvious to some, but when I first thought about building content this way it opened my eyes. Even the obvious is not obvious when you are just getting started. Building valuable content makes sense, but a lot of people just starting out try to quickly throw sites together and expect success.