Web + Wins #8: Backlinks and Speed Networking
This Week's Update
I just wrapped up my first official day as a full-time business owner. 🎉
If you're new here, I've been building Snaply Sites during early mornings, evenings, and weekends while working a full-time job, and I've finally taken the leap.
Friday evening, as I was reflecting on what this next chapter means, I found out I lost a client. Nothing to do with my work, but their business is winding down and they no longer need a website. I won't lie, the timing stung a little. Make the big move and get hit with reality almost immediately felt like a true entrepreneurial rite of passage.
But then, on Monday morning I closed a brand new client.
These are the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship. Highs and lows, sometimes within a few hours of each other. I'm learning to ride it.
I also recorded a video reflecting on what day one actually felt like – not sure if I'll post it or keep it for myself, but either way I wanted to document the moment. More on that soon. 📹
Get a Web Win: Backlinks You Probably Already Have (and Haven't Claimed)
Let's talk about backlinks — one of the most valuable things for your website's SEO, and often overlooked.
A backlink is simply a link from another website that points to yours. Think of it as a vote of credibility. When Google sees that other sites are linking to you, it signals that your business is legitimate and worth surfacing in search results. The more quality backlinks you have, the better your chances of showing up when someone searches for what you do.
I’ve talked to a lot of my clients about this, and you probably have opportunities on the table for earned backlinks you haven't claimed yet.
Ask yourself:
Have you been a guest on a podcast?
Did you sponsor a local event or organization?
Have you won an award or been recognized by an industry group?
Are you a member of a networking group or chamber of commerce?
Have you been quoted or mentioned in an article?
Every single one of those is a potential backlink sitting unclaimed. The org, publication, or podcast host may have mentioned you on their website without linking to your site. Or, they'd be happy to add a link if you simply asked.
Here's what you can do this week:
Make a quick list of every podcast, sponsorship, award, or group membership you've been part of
Visit each of those pages and check if your website is linked
If it's not, reach out and ask. A simple "hey, would you mind adding a link to my site?" works more often than you'd think
Bonus: Set up a free Google Alert for your business name at google.com/alerts — you'll get notified any time someone mentions you online, so you can catch new backlink opportunities as they happen
Backlinks are just one part of an overall marketing digital strategy, and they compound over time. Go claim what's already yours!
Convo Corner: Ruthie & The Consistency Corner
A couple of weeks ago, I jumped into a virtual speed networking event hosted by Ruthie of The Consistency Corner – my second speed networking event of the month – and I had a great time!
What made it stand out was how well it was run. Short breakout rooms, just enough time for quick intros and a focused topic, no time for dead air. The rooms were full of founders who support moms, and the conversations hit on everything from operations to marketing to trying to find balance through it all. Ruthie clearly knows what she's doing, and it showed in how smoothly the whole thing flowed.
If you're looking for a virtual networking event worth your time, she has another one planned for August. I highly recommend it if you fit her target audience. Check it out here.
Let's Talk
Grab some time on my calendar whenever works for you.
Also, next week I'm running a hands-on web design workshop for beginners, and I'd love to bring your real questions into the room. If you're a business owner with something on your mind about your digital presence, hit reply and let me know!
Dana
Founder @ Snaply Sites
