link bait
Viral content strategy
Link bait is online content designed primarily to attract inbound links from other websites, boosting search engine rankings.
The term often carries a cynical edge—suggesting the content exists more for SEO value than genuine usefulness: That listicle is pure link bait.
Common forms include controversial headlines, quizzes, and "top 10" lists.
Also spelled as one word: linkbait.
Sensationalized content for traffic
- sensationalArousing intense excitement
- headlineNews article title
- eye-catchingImmediately noticeable, visually
- attention-grabbingCommanding immediate notice
provocative · teaser · curiosity · intriguing · compelling · enticing · captivating · exaggerated
Spreading quickly online
- shareableAble to be divided
- engagementCommitment to wed or attend
- trafficMovement along routes
- SEOImproving site discoverability
analytics · conversion · backlink · click-through · impressions · social media · influencer · promotion
clickbait
Sensationalized content for traffic
- sensationalArousing intense excitement
- headlineNews article title
- eye-catchingImmediately noticeable, visually
attention-grabbing · provocative · teaser · curiosity · intriguing · compelling · enticing · captivating · exaggerated · misleading
viral
Spreading quickly online
- shareableAble to be divided
- engagementCommitment to wed or attend
- trafficMovement along routes
SEO · analytics · conversion · backlink · click-through · impressions · social media · influencer · promotion · campaign
- cyberscamsphishing, scam emails, online scams, scams, email spoofing
- linkshyperlink, chain, connection, bond, tie
link baitinvestigative journalism
In-depth reporting exposing wrongdoing
in-depth reporting · hard news · deep dive · exposé · watchdog journalism