Prepare for contact. Now that you have a list of potential link partners, go through the list and send a custom e-mail to each one requesting that you trade links. Do not send a generic e-mail requesting a link; it will not get a response. Your link request should mention the following, most of which comes from your spreadsheet (step No. 4):

• Something you liked about their site; compliments go a long way.

• Why you think your link belongs on their site.

• The URL to exactly where you think your link fits on their site.