Why Linkbaiting the Pope May Not be a Good Idea

There are good reasons why some people say you should never discuss religion, race or politics at a nice dinner parties. And for some good reason, they are subjects that are hugely emotive.

As we know, emotion is a key ingredient in motivating the linker to link and so couldn’t it be a positive thing to focus on these subjects? Initially it’s a good idea, but the problem is that seemingly simple subjects can be highly nuanced and are loaded with detailed cultural connotations. Sometimes going back thousands of years.

It’s easy to see the world through our own eyes and not to take the time to view it through someone who has not only a different viewpoint, but a whole set of different cultural and historical aspects which all bundle together to create an individuals identity.

I have on numerous occasions had to advise clients and members of Linkbait Coaching not to publish a piece of linkbait that crosses the line.

But where is the line? Shouldn’t we try to go as close as we can to it.

Absolutely not.

Your goal is to stay as far away from the line whilst meeting your objective. That of getting links.

It is not your goal to offend, but to get links. Being offensive is sometimes a by product of getting someone to link, but it should never be the objective. If it is, then it’s not linkbait, it’s only spite.

I realise I am going into preaching mode (ironically), but it’s very important to understand that your view of the world, your humour, politics, way of doing things, is only one way. It’s not “the” way. Linkbaiting is not about what you think, it’s about what those who may give links think.

I put a lot of thought into my linkbait, and I am careful to be as least offensive as possible, whilst still getting the links of course. Obviously, sometimes you cannot help being offensive and there is usually someone who will get offended at whatever opinion you put out.

So, be very careful and think about it in a strategic context when trawling #popefacts on twitter for juicy magnetic content. I’m not saying don’t do it, just add a certain cultural and historical aspect to your decision making process.