Clienting #38: Gyi & Kelly on Links, Links, Links

Gyi Tsakalakis has a lot of interests but links are in the top 5. Kelly likes links too but isn't quoted like Gyi is. 
Download our Link-Building Whitepaper!
"meh, links" - The Origin Story
It's great to have structured data, a fast website, and other SEO factors but Gyi proposes that link-building is the number one SEO tool to move the needle on ranking. 
Challenge: If you have pages that are ranking without links, send them our way! 
Link-Building Expertise:
Link buying; if you pay for content, we do not consider that to be link-buying. We're talking "here's some money, put this link on your site" which Google does not like.  Sponsorships and donations in your local area are typically helpful and not harmful.

Good links;  Domain authority- don't put all your weight on these numbers. It does matter if the site is topically relevant o your audience.
Local links, reputable websites

Directories; Fill out the free profile but these are NOT high-quality links
Paid profiles are typically not going to help for links but could still get you clients because you have a promoted profile.

Free strategies;  Unlinked Mentions Google Alerts
Mention

Link Reclamation