Web Design & Marketing Blog

Developing Relationships With Other Websites: Real Networking

Category: Blog

Written by Estevan Montoya

We live in a day where everyone is "networking". We have special events to network. We have online networks, well...to network. Places like LinkedIn and Facebook are made as platform to network. Yet very few people are actually making the most of their networking. You may be like me. I have nearly 1000 friends on facebook. I have met nearly everyone of them and somehow, I have even had an impact on them personally. Even though we are connected, we don't have a strong relationship. In business, one needs more than a like on a fanpage, they need to make connections that lead to relationships.

Relationships in business are key to success. In fact, having strong relationships in life is a key to happiness and joy. Without relationships in business, you will soon find yourself out of business. Every business must have strong relationships to keep their business afloat. Having tons of followers, friends, or whatever else does not guarantee your success online. You need to network in a way that you become a help to your future client or partner. After all, a person is normally in business because they found a need, created the solution, and now offer it to those around them.

How do I develop strong relationships with other websites & have become a successful networker?

Ask For It Correctly

This is the first step. It's not hard. Really, a friend request isn't hard. Filling out an email form doesn't take too much time. As you attempt an initial contact, always make sure to leave a little message about how you admire them or their business. Make sure it's genuine. Most savvy business owners know when a person is trying to take advantage. Don't come off as person that is only interested in making other people your source of money or web traffic. Don't tell them much about yourself either. Focus on them. After all, relationships are healthy. If anything, you may gain a friend in real life. So, as you attempt to contact other people that may be able to benefit from you, make sure that you are not pushy. Don't go for the sale in the first contact. If you develop the relationship right, then the sales will come. So focus on people.

Offer Genuine Help

As you introduce yourself and make a little friendly conversation, you want people to know that you want to help them. There are many ways to do this, but what seems to work the best is to offer something like a link on your website that directs users to their website. You can say something like this, "I was checking out your website. You have great content. Would you mind if I mentioned your site in a blog post? I'll make sure to include a link so you get a little free traffic". You basically making the first move, but in a passive manner. This is a no pressure style that really seem to let people know that you mean business, but you're not pushy.

If you are dealing with clients, give them a offer. It could be an ebook or 30 minute consultation. Make sure that your offer is geared toward your target market. Also, make sure it is worth their time. I have opted in to many newsletters because of a free offer, only to opt out because I found their offer boring, outdated, or not that really helpful. Make sure you genuinely help people.

Participate In Their Online World

If you are dealing with an online business or business website, then it's good to check out their website. As you leave a message in initial contact, you can mention their website. If you are leaving a message from a form on their website, then make a few comments about it. This helps in two ways: (1) They know you're not some spammer only looking for back links, so make sure your comment is true to the site and content. And (2) Everyone likes to receive comments that help their ego.

Also, don't be upset if they don't respond. Sometimes a person is busy. They have a lot to work through with the world of spammers using bots to hit every blog they find. If they don't respond, just bookmark their site, and try again a few days later. Leave genuine comments on their blog posts. Find their social media  hangouts, and connect there. Eventually, you'll get their attention. When you do, don't overwhelm them. Just be their friend and make yourself available to them. 

When connected on places like Facebook or other social media hangouts, participate in their online world. Now, don't over do it, but there's nothing wrong with liking an update or retweeting a post. You are showing interest. Eventually they'll return the favor.

Use Their Services & Commend Them For Great Products

One way to really show that you want a relationship is to give them your money! That's right. I know most marketers are only trying to get money from other people, but I firmly believe that one must give before they can gain. So, they have a website. They have several products. Buy one, test it, and leave some positive feedback. If they didn't pay much attention in previous attempts of contact, they will now. You have become a customer. In your feedback, remember to leave your website and a little blurb about it. You may not become their best online friend (if there is such a thing), but you are conversing with them. Now, they know you a little better and trust you because you took the time to trust them with your money.