Rand Fishkin of SEOmoz Takes Blow to Head!
Ok, ok, so it was self-inflicted - a headsmack IS still a ‘blow to the head’. 
I read Rand Fishkins “Headsmacking Tip #1: Link Requests in Order Confirmation Emails” at SEOmoz.org, and I can’t say that I blame him - all this ‘link‘ stuff can induce headbashing. ;P
It’s a great tip! I too was amazed that this tip hadn’t been mentioned before. It really is a no-brainer as far as I can see - add a quick, simple, polite and well worded link request in the ‘order confirmation’ emails that you send to your customers after a purchase. As mentioned in the post - a ‘relationship’ has already been established with the buyer, and an brief, appropriate Link Request would fit nicely here.
Then I started thinking (omg - alert the media) about other places that a link request might be included (NOT like those ridiculous ‘link request emails’ I keep getting), such as…
Autoresponders - You already have links to your site embedded in your autoresponder emails, but those are static, and not at all the same as the ‘call to action’ of an actual link ‘request’. Since your autoresponder is only triggered if someone actually initiates contact (right?), in theory the same ‘relationship’ reasoning might be applied. I would use caution though - having a link request in both order confirmation emails and in autoresponder emails could be seen as ‘pushy’.
Downloadable Documents - You know - e-books, .pdf files, word documents - whatever. I wonder how many use ‘Link Requests’ in these? Again, the ‘relationship’ is established by the viewer when they initiate the download request. As long as you don’t keep sending link requests in follow-up emails, I don’t see why not, do you?
Online Support - In addition to the Free product support and installation services included with his great website software, my favorite Software Programmer offers an Expert Advice Service online, though I’ve not needed it to date and don’t know if he uses this technique or not. If you offer support services that involve online communication - this might be another area to consider. I’m thinking you might include a link request in the final ‘problem solved’ email- of course this could only work if your customer is satisfied with the solution.
But what about Live Online Customer Service/ Support? - Sure, why not? It’s been a while since I used an Online CS/Support system, but when I did it was simple enough to add pre-formatted text snippets to my responses with just a click or 2. I’m betting it’s still easy to do. But again, this method does assume that the customer on the other end of the chat is satisfied.
I had other ideas, but I’ve forgotten them already….if they come back I’ll add them.
What about you - any “Link Request” idea lightbulbs popping over YOUR head? Do share with us please. 
–dlp
ps: Rand is fine I’m sure. He was conscious and coherent enough to write the headsmacking tip after all, and noone really believes he actually smacked himself in the head… do they?
