The more informative and relevant the site that links to yours is, the higher your own search engine ranking will become. Obviously a site about cars linking to a site about gardening isn't relevant, so it won't help (and could even harm) your hard-earned search engine ranking.

So how do you go about getting quality backlinks for your new site from authority sites in your industry? Just follow these easy steps:

1. Submit your site to free, SEO-friendly directories - To find directories that match your type of business, just search Google for "your keyword directory" where "your keyword" is replaced by your type of business - for example "pet grooming directory" or "lawn care directory".

Chances are, someone, somewhere out there has started and grown a directory of service providers for the type of business you're running. That's not to say that a reader won't come along, read your comments, visit your site and find it worth linking to though - so don't just post comments for the search engines to notice! If you don't find any results - consider starting a directory of your own!

2. Write articles sharing your expertise - People are always looking for a good read, and nothing works better than writing helpful articles sharing your experience and tips for your business or hobby.

Plus, article submissions are freely accepted and quality articles spread quickly around the web - giving you even more free exposure for your site.

3. Add your signature - If you participate in forums about your business subject, make sure you have an active link to your site in your forum "signature" - those 2-4 lines you get to advertise yourself at the end of each post.

While you participate in the forum, different posts will sometimes turn into hot topics that search engines will notice. Chances are, someone, somewhere out there has started and grown a directory of service providers for the type of business you're running. If you don't find any results - consider starting a directory of your own! When you add your opinions or tips - the search engines will often pick up on and follow the link(s) in your forum signature. They're free - so use them to the best of your ability!

4. Participate on blogs - Commenting on other people blogs with relevant, informative or insightful information is a great way to help spread the word about your site. Depending on how the blog owner has their blog set up however, the search engines may not follow links posted in blog comments (due to too much abuse by spammers posting junk).

That's not to say that a reader won't come along, read your comments, visit your site and find it worth linking to though - so don't just post comments for the search engines to notice!

Remember though, the most important part of backlinking is having something worth linking back to.