Content creation with proper strategy that attracts naturally relevant backlinks and drive traffic to the blog is called simply linkable assets or bait content. When done correctly, they can Boost your SEO efforts Strengthen brand authority, Encourage organic link-building. In this ultimate guide, we’ll dive into what these types of content entail, how to create them, and some real-life examples to help illustrate their potential.
Outline
- Introduction
- Explanation of Linkable Assets and Bait Content
- Importance of link-building for SEO and online visibility
- What Are Linkable Assets?
- Definition and Purpose
- Types of Linkable Assets
- Guides and How-Tos
- Original Research and Data
- Infographics and Visual Content
- Tools, Calculators, and Templates
- Best Practices for Creating Linkable Assets
- Examples of Successful Linkable Assets
- What Is Bait Content?
- Definition and Purpose
- Types of Bait Content
- Controversial or Opinion-Based Articles
- Listicles and “Top” Lists
- Viral Stories or News Hooks
- Interactive Content (Quizzes, Polls)
- Humor and Entertainment Content
- Best Practices for Creating Bait Content
- Examples of Successful Bait Content
- Linkable Assets vs. Bait Content: Key Differences
- Comparison of Objectives and Audience Appeal
- When to Use Linkable Assets vs. Bait Content
- Steps to Creating Effective Linkable Assets and Bait Content
- Research and Ideation
- Understanding Your Audience
- Crafting Quality Content
- Promoting Your Content for Maximum Exposure
- Conclusion
- Recap of Key Points
- Encouragement to Experiment and Optimize
1. Introduction
Linkable assets and bait content are two powerful strategies in content marketing designed to attract backlinks, engagement, and traffic. While linkable assets focus on delivering valuable, informational content, bait content leverages emotional appeal and shareability to capture attention. Together, they provide a well-rounded approach for building organic backlinks, boosting search rankings, and increasing brand visibility.
2. What Are Linkable Assets?
Linkable assets are high-quality, evergreen pieces of content that attract backlinks by offering unique value, insight, or resources. They are designed to provide substantial, reliable information or tools that others want to reference.
Types of Linkable Assets
- Guides and How-Tos: In-depth guides offer detailed information on specific topics, making them highly valuable as reference material. For instance, a “Complete Guide to SEO for Beginners” can attract links from other sites as a resource.
- Original Research and Data: Conducting studies or compiling data and presenting findings is an effective way to build authority. Original research is often cited by other websites, as seen with annual reports from companies like HubSpot and Statista.
- Infographics and Visual Content: Visual content such as infographics makes data easy to digest. Infographics like “The Evolution of Social Media” appeal to visual learners and are frequently shared and linked to.
- Tools, Calculators, and Templates: Interactive tools (e.g., a “ROI Calculator” for marketers) or downloadable templates (e.g., “Content Calendar Template”) provide real utility, making them attractive linkable assets.
Best Practices for Creating Linkable Assets
Focus on Quality and Originality: Ensure your content provides unique value or new perspectives.
Optimize for SEO: Research keywords and optimize on-page elements to make your linkable asset discoverable.
Promote Through Outreach: Share your content with influencers, industry websites, and on social media platforms to gain traction.
3. What Is Bait Content?
Bait content (or “link bait”) is content created to evoke strong emotional responses, making it more likely to be shared and linked to. Bait content often plays on curiosity, surprise, humor, or controversy.
Types of Bait Content
- Controversial or Opinion-Based Articles: Bold opinions spark discussions and may attract links from sites that either agree or disagree with the perspective. For example, an article titled “Why Remote Work is Killing Creativity” could elicit strong responses and links.
- Listicles and “Top” Lists: Titles like “Top 10 Marketing Tools You Need” attract clicks due to their digestible format. Listicles are easy to read, often shared widely, and frequently linked to by other sites looking for curated content.
- Viral Stories or News Hooks: Trending stories or unique insights into timely events capture attention and get widely shared, especially when they’re relevant to current interests.
- Interactive Content (Quizzes, Polls): Quizzes like “What Type of Leader Are You?” engage readers directly, often leading to social sharing and backlinks.
- Humor and Entertainment Content: Funny or entertaining content like memes or humorous articles taps into a broad audience, making it highly shareable and likely to attract links from sites looking for lighthearted material.
Best Practices for Creating Bait Content
- Use Catchy Titles: Headlines that evoke curiosity or promise quick insights tend to perform better.
- Stay on Trend: Align bait content with trending topics or current events to increase engagement.
- Add Visuals: Eye-catching visuals, GIFs, and images can enhance bait content’s share ability.
4. Linkable Assets vs. Bait Content: Key Differences
While both linkable assets and bait content aim to generate backlinks, their approaches differ:
- Purpose: Linkable assets aim to provide long-lasting informational value, while bait content is often short-lived, relying on emotional appeal to gain immediate traction.
- Audience Appeal: Linkable assets are geared towards industry professionals or audiences seeking information, while bait content targets broader audiences for maximum shareability.
- When to Use: Use linkable assets to build authority and foster ongoing engagement. Bait content is ideal for campaigns needing rapid reach or viral potential.
5. Steps to Creating Effective Linkable Assets and Bait Content
Step 1: Research and Ideation
Start by identifying topics that resonate with your audience and suit your brand’s goals. Use keyword research tools, analyze competitors, and look for content gaps to guide your topic selection.
Step 2: Understand Your Audience
Define who you are targeting and their needs. Linkable assets should solve specific problems or provide deep insights, while bait content should cater to broad interests or provoke emotions.
Step 3: Craft Quality Content
Ensure your content is well-researched, clear, and engaging. For linkable assets, add references, data, or original research. For bait content, focus on creating a compelling headline and easy-to-digest format.
Step 4: Promote Your Content
Share your content via social media, email newsletters, and targeted outreach. Linkable assets may benefit from outreach to industry sites, while bait content can be promoted on platforms where viral potential is high (e.g., social media, forums).
Conclusion
Both linkable assets and bait content are essential components of a robust content marketing strategy. Linkable assets help build long-term authority and trust, while bait content captures immediate attention and engages a wider audience. By understanding their unique strengths and crafting content with these goals in mind, you can maximize your link-building efforts and foster organic growth.
Whether you’re creating a comprehensive guide or a shareable quiz, the key is to provide value, engage your audience, and remain authentic to your brand.