How to Get Your Waterpark on the Map with Backlinks

In case you don't know, backlinks are one of the most critical aspects of search engine optimisation. They are very high on the list things you need with the objective of helping you get your waterpark website to the top of Google’s search results. But unlike blogging and using specific keywords, obtaining backlinks is a collaborative activity. To get a backlink means to get another website to link back to your site, thereby boosting your web traffic and helping you stand out on Google. Learn more about how to get more backlinks for your waterpark.

What Are Backlinks?

Backlinks are just what they sound like, a link back to your website. This link could be from a blog or another company's website. Just like you might link to another webpage from your site, backlinks are usually embedded in the text, so the user can simply click on the name of your company or a word or phrase that’s related to your products and services, and they will arrive on your website. You can link to your homepage, one of your park’s main attraction pages, visitor information, or a special discount or coupon on admission page.

Why Are They Important for SEO?

According to a top strategist at Google, content and link building are the two most important aspects of SEO or search engine optimisation. Websites with more backlinks tend to rank higher in the search results on Google. This, of course, means more customers will be able to find your waterpark online.

Essentially, every backlink represents a vote of confidence from one website to another. If another site is willing to link to your waterpark’s website, it shows Google that your website is legitimate and trustworthy. The more backlinks you have, the more often Google will send its users to your site. Google wants its users to get value out of the content they find online by only sending them to websites they deem as valid and relevant. That’s why you need backlinks to increase your website’s authority online.

Where to Find Backlinks for Your Waterpark

Finding backlinks means something different for every company and website. It all depends on the type of site you’re trying to promote and what industry you call home. Since you’re running a waterpark, you should try to find other websites and businesses that might want to direct their customers to a waterpark. This might include:

• Travel blogs that write about your city.
• Hotels, hostels and resorts trying to show their guests a good time while they’re in town.
• Conference centres that cater to tourists and travelling professionals.
• Family and lifestyle blogs that appeal to parents with small children.
• City and business directories.
• Shopping centres connected to or near your waterpark.
• Apartment communities close to your waterpark with tenants looking to have some fun nearby.

Things to Look for in Backlinks

Before you start reaching out to these different websites and blogs, make sure you do your research. If you want one of these websites to host a link to your site, you need to make sure that they’re up to your company’s standards. After all, your business will be associated with these external websites, so you don't want just any site linking back to yours.

Some websites make better backlinks than others. According to a recent study, websites with backlinks from websites with a lot of authority, such as news websites, academic organisations, and popular businesses, tend to rank higher in the search results. Links from these websites tend to bring a lot of traffic to your site because Google sees them as valid.

While some backlinks are more valuable than others, some can actually damage your website’s search rankings. If Google suspects that one of your backlinks is spam or fraudulent, it could punish your site by removing it from the search listings altogether. This is just one more reason to vet all your backlinks thoroughly.

Here are some things to look for in a backlink:

• The website gets reliable, high-volume traffic.
• It has a well-designed format with clearly-labelled categories and pages.
• The website hosts responsible, informative content.
• It should not feature spam of any kind.
• It should rank highly in Google’s search results.
• It should cater to the same or a similar target audience.
• It should have a strong reputation online, including positive business reviews, followers on social media, and a complete business listing.

How to Reach Out to Businesses and Blogs

Once you have an idea of what websites you want to reach out to for backlinks, you can start putting together your outreach strategy. Of course, it’s always important to be polite when reaching out to businesses and websites. Below, we’ll break down some of the most popular ways to secure backlinks.

Cold Emails

Most websites will merely send a cold email to another website asking them if they’re interested in a backlink opportunity. You can usually find a general contact email on the company’s website, or you can send them a message on social media.

When reaching out, you should start by introducing yourself and your website, including a link, so the person can see what kind of content you have on your website. Hopefully, people recognise your waterpark from spending time in the community, so they won’t need much of an introduction.

Next, you’ll need to talk about why you’re looking for a backlink, including the reasons mentioned above, and you should also mention that you’d be happy to return the favour. After all, this is a win-win situation for both of you.

Cross-Promotional Discounts and Coupons

If some websites or businesses seem hesitant to give you a backlink, you can try offering their customers discounts or coupons to your waterpark. Everybody loves to save money, so this can be a big incentive for other websites that might want to reward their customers with a special treat. Hotels can be an excellent option for discounts, as their customers are always looking for fun things to do in the area.

Entering Competitions

Another way to secure backlinks is to enter a local competition. Most cities and towns host “Best of” competitions for local businesses, so locals and tourists alike can find the best of the best in the community. Find categories and competitions that suit your waterpark, such as “Best Tourist Attractions in Dubai”, “Best Local Small Business”, or “Best Activities for Families”. If you win, you can include a link back to your website on the competition’s website.

Backlinking is becoming increasingly crucial for all kinds of businesses. As the promoter of a waterpark, you’re in an excellent position to reach out to non-competitive companies like hotels, resorts and conference centres. Reach out to other businesses in your community and give your waterpark a leg up in the search results.

If you need help creating backlinks for your waterpark, contact the professionals at Blue Beetle for all your marketing needs!