What is the best approach for asking organizations and businesses to link to my site? Do most of you handle this with a simple email or are there different tactics that work better? I have a specific target market for my new site and I want links from sites in that market. Ideas?
The quickest way is probally a nice polite email, or you could always write a letter and mail it to them?
I usually take my cue from reading over each site that I wish to solicit. Some sites have posted instructions for soliciting links (ie. a form or specific email address). These are straightforward, although I have gone the extra step with sites that have these structures in place and never respond to requests (ie. phone call or snail mail). Some sites are personal/hobby sites by an individual. In these cases, I find it works best to send an informal note (possibly even from a 3rd party domain so as to appear to be an independent voice) congratulating them on their site and suggesting "improvements" (ie. links). This works best if you suggest some good sites in addition to your own. Some sites are obviously championing some cause, issue or vendor(s). Don't bother soliciting these sites unless your site is a good fit for them. Similarly, if a corporate site has a links page, but says something to the effect that the listed sites represent tools or companies that they use and vouch for, don't bother soliciting them if they have never heard of you (though I would suggest calling them to solicit your products/services ).
just check what sites exchange links (have a links page/resources directory, etc) and send em a good custom email asking to link up. make sure you have their link live before you actually get in touch - this increases your chances to get a positive reply. i think this may be a general approach to requesting a link.