In answer to a Bestbraindrain.com readers recent email question:

How do you link build for top rankings and traffic?

Well, it all depends on how big and far you want to go. If you want average results and average rankings like most others get then just add decent unique content and work on building links.

Now, if you want to compete with the big boys you have to do more. Here's a good list to get you on your way:

1) Check over your entire website and why you have it. You need to have a quality website and not a cut and stamp copy of someone else's. Offer something that really truly helps others.  Give your readers something of value!  You will not rank well in the long term with a crappy site.

2) Learn what linkbait is. Linkbait is the kind of content that is amazing stuff. It is not only unique but damn interesting and extremely helpful. It makes readers want to link to you in droves. It is something you must strive for and be willing to constantly work at it improving all the while.

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3) Be controversial - don't be afraid to have an opinion and cause an uproar. For instance, I wrote an article on my blog about how Obama and Biden won the election with some cheating- can anyone say ACORN?
That one was and still is a pretty hot piece of content. Here's another one in which I cover collegiate cheating and callout a Ivy league school for its bipartite cheating program called Cheating and college go hand in hand.  That one is sure to spin some heads and gain some serious traction. I've also recently called out Ezinearticles and article submissions, Jiffy Lube, Foreclosuresdaily.com (a massive real estate scam) and numerous others. Don't be afraid to take a stand.

4) Educate. Use lists and organize information in such a way as to offer great advice to your readers. Top ten lists work great. Take a subject you know a lot about and really give a topic a great and thorough rundown for your readers. Add some pictures and maybe do a how to article these do quite well when done right.  Here's a great article on Blogging and how to do it right for long term profits and to make the biggest impact: Blogging 101.

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5) Be social and polite. Comment on others blogs that you find interesting. Don't do it primarily for the link and don't spam. Instead contribute and you will earn followers. You will also make friends with other bloggers which will become a great benefit.  Again do not spam as the social aspect of this can and will work against you if you do.

This is a good start. Primarily remember, Rome wasn't built in a day and nor are top rankings for competitive keywords and niches. Learn about linkbait and see what others are writing and doing to draw traffic. Go to Technorati.com and see what the top 100 blogs are doing.  Try and think outside the box.  Be persistant and you will be well on your way to being a blogger to be reckoned with!

I hope everyone reading this finds this to be helpful advice.