Building Real Links That Actually Matter

Practical strategies for businesses in Thailand looking to improve their online presence without the usual marketing nonsense

Why Most Link Building Advice Misses the Point

I've been working with Thai businesses since early 2024, and here's what I've noticed: everyone's chasing the same tired tactics. Guest posts on random blogs. Directory submissions that nobody checks. Comment spam that makes everyone cringe.

Real link building isn't about quantity or shortcuts. It's about creating connections with websites where your potential customers already spend time. When a food blogger in Bangkok mentions your restaurant supply company, that's worth more than fifty generic business directory listings.

The businesses I work with in Chanthaburi and across eastern Thailand don't need complicated tools or massive budgets. They need clarity on what works and what's just a waste of time. And honestly? Most of what you read online falls into that second category.

Starting February 2025, I'm focusing on helping businesses understand their actual link profile. Not the vanity metrics, but the links that drive real traffic and build genuine authority in their specific market.

Strategic link building analysis workspace

Step-by-Step: Building Links That Generate Actual Results

Find Where Your Customers Already Are

Skip the generic lists. Look at which local forums, Facebook groups, and community sites your potential customers visit. If you sell to hotels, find hospitality association sites. If you're in manufacturing, check industry trade publications.

Create Something Worth Mentioning

Nobody links to product pages. But they'll link to a useful guide, a local resource list, or research you've compiled. One client created a supplier directory for their industry and earned twenty quality links in three months.

Reach Out Like a Human

Those templated outreach emails? Everyone deletes them. Instead, mention something specific about their recent content. Explain why your resource would help their audience. Keep it brief and genuine.

Monitor What Actually Drives Traffic

Track which links send visitors who stick around. Some high-authority links won't send anyone. Some smaller sites might become consistent traffic sources. Focus on what works, not what looks impressive.

Build Relationships, Not Just Links

When someone links to you, thank them. Share their content. Comment on their posts. This isn't manipulation—it's how professional relationships work. And it often leads to more opportunities down the line.

Keep Your Own Site Link-Worthy

Fast loading, mobile-friendly, with actual useful content. If your site frustrates visitors, no amount of links will help. Fix the foundation before worrying about the promotion.

Questions People Actually Ask Me

How long before I see any results?

Honestly? A few months at minimum. I've seen traffic improvements start showing up around the eight-week mark, but meaningful changes usually take longer. Anyone promising quick results is probably selling something you don't need.

Do I really need to create content?

Not necessarily. Some of my clients get great links by participating in local business associations, sponsoring community events, or being quoted in industry publications. But yes, having something useful on your site makes everything easier.

What about buying links?

Look, some people do it. But the risk keeps going up, and the quality keeps going down. I'd rather help you build something sustainable than set you up for problems later. Plus, earned links work better anyway.

Should I worry about competitor links?

Only as inspiration for finding similar opportunities. Don't obsess over matching their exact profile. Your business is different, your strengths are different, so your link strategy should be too.

How many links do I need?

Wrong question. It's about relevance and context, not quantity. Five links from respected sites in your industry will outperform fifty random ones. Focus on quality connections that make sense for your business.