linkbait
Viral content strategy
Linkbait is online content designed primarily to attract links from other websites, boosting search engine rankings.
The term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting the content prioritizes attention-grabbing over substance: The headline was pure linkbait.
Listicles, provocative opinions, and sensational claims are common linkbait tactics.
Also spelled as two words: link bait.
Sensationalized content for traffic
- headlinesArticle titles in newspapers
- keywordsImportant identifying words
- backlinksExternal pages citing yours
- trafficMovement along routes
ranking · algorithm · SERP · analytics · optimization · metadata · anchor · content
Brief sharp sounds
- sharesUnits of company ownership
- likesFeels favorably toward
- commentsSpoken or written reactions
- viralSpreading quickly online
trending · traffic · views · impressions · followers · retweets · reactions · buzz
Causing false beliefs
- deceptiveCreating false impressions
- manipulativeSkilled at controlling others
- dishonestInclined to deceive
- exploitativeUnfairly using others' vulnerabilities
disingenuous · hoax · trickery · overpromise · unethical · duplicitous · sensationalized · distorted
Numbered-item article format
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
- teaserSomething that piques interest
- thumbnailReduced preview image
- hookCurved catching device
misleading · exaggeration · hyperbole · sensationalism · outrage · controversy · polarizing · urgency
clickbait
Sensationalized content for traffic
- headlinesArticle titles in newspapers
- keywordsImportant identifying words
- backlinksExternal pages citing yours
traffic · ranking · algorithm · SERP · analytics · optimization · metadata · anchor · content · indexing
clicks
Brief sharp sounds
viral · trending · traffic · views · impressions · followers · retweets · reactions · buzz · reach
misleading
Causing false beliefs
- deceptiveCreating false impressions
- manipulativeSkilled at controlling others
- dishonestInclined to deceive
exploitative · disingenuous · hoax · trickery · overpromise · unethical · duplicitous · sensationalized · distorted
listicle
Numbered-item article format
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
- teaserSomething that piques interest
- thumbnailReduced preview image
hook · misleading · exaggeration · hyperbole · sensationalism · outrage · controversy · polarizing · urgency · scarcity
headline
News article title
preview · snippet · teaser · hook · slug · subheading · summary · blurb
linkbaitinvestigative journalism
In-depth reporting exposing wrongdoing
in-depth reporting · in-depth analysis · hard news · scholarly article · original research
link, bait, links, linked, linking, linkage, baited, baiting, baits