You have probably heard the term, "link building" before and you may know that it affects SEO in a big way. In short, link building refers to getting pages on other websites to link to pages on your website. When highly trusted websites like .gov or highly popular websites link to your site, consider it a big SEO victory.

However, link building is easier said than done and can take time to implement. Here are a few practical link building tips to get you started:

Content

One of the best, yet most difficult ways to earn links is to create newsworthy, controversial or viral content. Why is it difficult? It takes time, talent and sometimes even a little bit of luck.

Your company blog can be your hub for this content. Have a content-creating plan in place for your blog and be patient in waiting for results.

Directories

Find directories that are relevant to your industry. For example, if you're a lawyer, look to get listed on sites like justia.com and attorneyrankings.org. Some directories require payment for membership, others are free.

You should also take advantage of listing your website/business on general sites like Yelp, Yellow Pages, Foursquare, Wikipedia and Trip Advisor, to name a few.

Is your business eco-friendly? There are an array of websites out there that list businesses and organizations that practice eco-friendliness. Just perform a simple Google search for, "Eco-friendly business directory" or "Green business directories."

Build Real Relationships

Find influencers that will help you promote your products and services and use tips like these to win them over.

If you own a local business, your relationships with the local Chamber of Commerce and other local businesses are invaluable. You can earn a link by sponsoring a community event or donating to a cause. Using your building or property to host an event is another smart idea. For example, have an Easter egg hunt on your property and chances are, a site like your local Chamber or tourism board will post that event on their site.

If it makes sense for your business, you can also offer student, alumni, military, senior and other organizational discounts. Many of these websites, which are .org and .edu, will list places where their staff or students can receive discounts.

Always remember to tread carefully when searching for link building opportunities. Sometimes links from spam-filled sites can do more harm than good. It's best to work alongside an SEO expert when link building. You need them to practice strategies that comply with search engines and they need you to make a real presence and build real relationships within your community. Together, your link building efforts will truly make a positive difference in your search engine ranking.