Type your keyword phrases into a search engine and wait for results. The web sites you see on first few web pages of search engine results should be your main targets and should be looked at. Visit their site to see if you can find site owners name and email them asking to exchange links, remember to email them at right email address, don't email email address that's for support.

Type your keywords or phrases into search engine and see who links to sites that come up first. After finding a few sites that link to sites that rank high on your keyword phrases email them and ask if they would be interested in a link exchange. This is great if you can get both top sites that rank for your keyword phrases and sites that link to top sites because not only do you have top sites linking to you, but also site sites that made them get there in first place.

Some webmasters use link exchange programs such as www.linkexchangeit.com, these link exchange program help you find link partners easier because sites are cauterized into their related topics, so you don't have to search for them.

Use those rules and you should do just fine! Just remember to take your time and don't use automated software, instead hand pick sites that you link to.

Specialized Submissions - What type of site do you have? What do you sell? Chances are there is a directory that specializes in just sites like yours. Have a casino or gambling site? There are many gambling portals and search engines. Submit to all of them. Have a site that sells antique fishing tackle? Yep, there are directories relating to fishing, but you can also submit to many antique and collectible directories as well! Sell wedding dresses in New York? Submit to many wedding and bridal directories and New York search engines too. Whatever your niche, chances are that there is a specialized directory or search engine for that area. Find them and submit! You'll benefit from targeted traffic they send but also increased link popularity.

Create Your Own Directory - Set up your own specialized search engine, directory or portal catering to your target audience. Your site can be a featured or showcase site on main page and other pages! To attract users, add interactive content such as forums, have chats, offer contests, possibilities are endless.

Expired Domain Names - Maybe a site in your industry has gone out of business? You may be able to pick up their domain name and with it all their incoming links and traffic. Increase your link popularity by adding your link to site prominently, then go ahead and re-direct user to your site after a few seconds. Don't re-direct quickly or you may not reap any link popularity benefits.

That's it! 7 ways to increase your website's link popularity without maintaining a links page and without sending your visitors to competitors!