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In stockbroker circles, a ‘whale’ is a really big client ready to invest a wad of cash. Needless to say, we want whales to come our way on Empire Avenue.  One way to hook a whale is by impressing them with a blog.  I have been told numerous times already that someone invested in me because of my blog.  However, it does not matter how compelling your content is if you nobody sees it.  You need to promote your writing.  A great way to do that for Empire Avenue is to use Twitter because so many people have their Twitter accounts linked to EA.  But, what do you say to get people interested enough to click on your blog link.  That’s where linkbait comes in.

Linkbait is a way of using a headline to get people to click.  If you want to get someone to visit your blog, you would not say, ‘Linguistic techniques to foster spontaneous transaction’ instead you might say, ‘5 words to make your blog links irresistible’. It’s about using humour, provocative statements, breaking news and other action words to get people to act. 

The following are examples of linkbait Twitter posts:

• 5 steps to doubling your money on Empire Avenue
• Empire Avenue set to surpass Facebook
• I will buy shares of anyone that leaves a comment on my blog
• Why are you Favouring Your Dogs Over Your Cows on Empire Avenue?
• Why Empire Avenue will Fail

Some people see linkbait as gimicky, ineffective and a turn-off.  It can be.  If you said, something like “The Reason Empire Avenue is a Failure” and your blog post said the reason is because you think it will be even bigger in the future, people would feel ripped off.  On the other hand, if you backup whatever your clever heading was, people will be glad they clicked on your link even if they disagree with you.  It all comes back to providing value.  Help people and they will make you wealthy — well pretend wealthy anyway.

What do you think of Linkbait?  Do you use it?  Have you had any feedback?