The Ultimate Backlink Tracker (Free Tool)
November 16, 2010 
94 Comments
Last week, Pat Flynn (from Smart Passive Income) posted, in complete detail, the backlink strategy that pushed his niche site to a #1 ranking on Google. This epic post was very well received, as it immediately spread around the blogosphere and ignited a massive conversation (currently the post has more than 190 comments). It’s not any kind of “magic bullet” backlink solution – it’s a somewhat complex, highly effective strategy that can profoundly improve your site’s search engine ranking if implemented correctly.
Although the strategy makes sense when you read it, I figured that it’s probably difficult for many people to grasp the entire process as it pertains to their specific websites – in particular, I think a lot of people might struggle with finding a good way to track the process and backlinks that they create. I think I’ve designed a effective solution for this.
The Ultimate Backlink Tracker (v 1.0)
What I’ve done is taken Pat’s backlinking process and converted it into a comprehensive Excel file where you can track the entire process. It’s not some kind of crazy automated system – it’s simply a well-organized (in my opinion) set of spreadsheets, pre-populated with each step of the process. And yes, it’s free.
Features
Here are the basic features of the backlink tracker:
1) The tracker is organized by tab, for each individual site – the entire tracking workbook currently supports 10 websites, however this will be expanded in the future (and you can certainly modify the workbook yourself if you have experience with Excel).
2) Simple navigation between sites and between the “anchor layers” of each site.
3) Support for the top article directories, Web 2.0 properties, and blogging platforms mentioned in Pat’s backlink strategy. Each of these items supports 6 articles/blogs, which should be more than enough for a single website.
Key Benefits
- Allows you to correctly apply the principles of Pat’s strategy by giving you a template to organize the process.
- Keeps you motivated to continue the process because you won’t ever hit a point where you’ll think, “I can’t remember where I left off or what I still need to do!”
- The obvious benefit – helps you get to #1 on Google!
A Note About Updates
I expect to have future revisions of this tracker. As I use it more and get feedback from others, I will likely make revisions. In order to not be annoying about it, I’ll try and only publish a revision when I’ve made significant changes (or a lot of small changes).
It will be up to you for whether you choose to use any revised versions – as of right now, the only way to switch to a revised version would be to copy and paste any data you’ve already input in your current copy. This probably won’t be difficult, especially if you’ve only started recently, however I still want to point this out so that no one is angry later on. 
Also, if I receive a lot of positive feedback about this tracker, I may hire an Excel programmer to build in some more advanced functionality into this Excel workbook. Hopefully I’ve done an adequate job as it is, but I’m not an expert programmer by any means.
Where to Download the Ultimate Backlink Tracker
I’ve decided that this tracker will be a “freebie” that I’ll give away to those who subscribe to my free “Muse Creation” newsletter (sign up form can also be found below). If you sign up, you’ll receive an e-mail with the link to download the Excel file.
Important Note: I really pride myself in having a valuable newsletter – I don’t send e-mail too often (I have a handful of pre-written newsletters that go out weekly for the first month or so), and I rarely ever promote products. Much like Pat’s newsletter (I highly recommend you subscribe to it if you haven’t already), I’m really just looking to share valuable information.
Why create a list then if I’m hardly ever going to promote anything? I look at my list as a way to stay in touch with subscribers. Occasionally, I’ll write an article here that I think you should read, and unless you check the blog regularly or subscribe to my RSS feed, you might not see it. My e-mail list is a great way to keep that line of communication open.
Also, I’ve had several people respond to my newsletters just to discuss a random topic mentioned in the newsletter, and it has led to other great discussions. For example, I’ve had the opportunity to grab a coffee and chat in person with a few different readers of My4HWW (who live around the Chicago area). Things like that really motivate me to continue writing new content and helping people whenever I can.
If you don’t want to keep receiving the newsletter, you can simply unsubscribe after you receive the download link for the backlink tracker. No hard feelings here. (Just keep in mind that revisions to the tracker will most likely only be sent out to current subscribers.)
I will soon put up a dedicated page up for this tool, announcing any improvements or other developments related to it. If you decide to try it out, please give me your feedback! I want to make this tool as helpful as possible, and can only do it with your feedback!
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Thts a nice idea. To implement an epic post in something the world can use and pass it on to your newsletter subscribers. A win-win for all !
Himanshu Chanda recently posted… How to get best testimonials and blow your sales
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Eric G. Reply:
November 16th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Exactly! Thanks for the comment, Himanshu.
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Hey eric,
First thanks for releasing such a free tools for backlink tracking. This is really nice and I like it. I hope you will develop it in future.
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Eric G. Reply:
November 16th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Glad to hear that you like it.
I’m sure I will be updating it in the future, once others (and I) use it more and discover the areas that can be improved. Thanks for the feedback!
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Thanks Eric for sharing that tool, I know a lot of bloggers overseas that will use and develop that free tool. Let me know how can I help you from Paris…
Nathanael recently posted… Entretenir la vision et le leadership …quand on est entrepreneur
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Eric G. Reply:
November 16th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Thanks Nathanael, I will definitely keep that in mind. If you have any suggestions for the tool, feel free to post them here or send me an e-mail.
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good stuff eric. i had developed my own little system for managing this process, but i just signed up & dled your sheet and I think this could be good if i start creating quite a few niche sites.
dinesh recently posted… Recycled Office Paper – What Buyers Need To Know About Pre & Post Consumer Recycled Content
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Eric G. Reply:
November 16th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Cool, thanks Dinesh. If you have any improvements you think I could add based on your own system you’ve been using, let me know, and I’ll definitely integrate them.
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Haha! I came here thinking this was going to be an automated tool. I already have an excel spreadsheet with all my backlinks organized. Thanks anyways!
Ally recently posted… Vintage Teddy Bears – A Glimpse Through Time
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Eric G. Reply:
November 16th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Sorry for any confusion.
If there were an automated tool for this, I’d imagine it would have to be pretty complex (and likely “too good to be true”).
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Eric,
What if we already subscribe? Will you send out a mailer with the download link?
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Eric G. Reply:
November 16th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Hey Leon – I actually sent it out this morning to all current subscribers. Check your inbox (and maybe spam folder?) and see if you have it. If not, shoot me an e-mail and I’ll gladly resend it to you.
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Eric – you crafty devil you
Man, this is awesome – picking it up now – btw, I’m actually doing a post about link wheeling as well and I’ll point some people over this way
Murlu recently posted… How To Work 24 Hours A Day And Love Every Minute Of It
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Eric G. Reply:
November 17th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
Good deal, thanks Murray.
I’m interested in what you think about it, so please feel free to throw some comments (and criticism) my way when you get the chance to try it out.
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Randy Carlisle Reply:
March 22nd, 2013 at 7:04 pm
Murray – I saw that you’re doing a post about link wheels; I checked your site but didn’t see it. Let me know if it’s available – I like to check it out.
Eric – I’ve just become a fan over at SPI, and was looking at the article on backlinking strategy and your name was mentioned. You’ve got lots of good information here. I’ll definitely be checking this site out.
Randy Carlisle recently posted… Comment on Create a Blog and Build a Business by Randy
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Eric G. Reply:
March 24th, 2013 at 8:58 am
Thanks for the comment, Randy!
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What a cheapskate I am , the first thing that sprung out at me in your post title was the word FREE.
The nosey part of me likes to know who is linking to my blog so I’ll find this tool incredibly helpful, hopefully I won’t spend TOO much time looking at the results.
Dean Saliba recently posted… Text Link Ads Ban Me Because Apparently I’m A Thief
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Eric G. Reply:
November 17th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Hey Dean, you might have the wrong idea about what this tool does. This helps you keep track of the backlinks you build – it doesn’t show you who is linking to your sites.
Sorry for any confusion!
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Hey Eric,
I signed up so I could get the tool and have not rec’d it… Has it been sent out yet?
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Eric G. Reply:
November 18th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Hi Zach, you should have received an e-mail upon signing up that asks you to click a link to confirm your e-mail address. Upon clicking the link, you should receive a “welcome” e-mail with the link to the tool. If you didn’t receive that one, just reply to whatever e-mail you did receive and I will send you the link.
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Zach H Reply:
November 19th, 2010 at 10:44 am
Hey Eric,
I sent you a message thru your contact form– I do not still have my confirmation email so I can’t respond to that. Can you email me over the spreadsheet? Thanks.
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Eric G. Reply:
November 19th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Hi Zach, I replied to the message you sent me via the contact form yesterday, and just re-sent it now. I’m not sure why you’re having trouble receiving e-mail from me (though my guess is that your spam filter is filtering out my e-mail, probably because it contains links). Let me know if you still aren’t receiving it. Thanks!
Hi Eric,
I’m more of a visual person. Any plans on creating a VIDEO on how you use the Ultimate Backlink Tracker?
Much Thanks,
Mike
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Eric G. Reply:
November 18th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Hey Mike – I think that would be a great idea. Maybe at some point in the future I will, but as of right now, I have yet to use video for anything.
To be honest, I don’t even have a video recording device that I would use. It’s on my list of things to buy though…
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Hi Eric. I am from one small European country (Czech Republic) and have just downloaded your checklist, which is a very nice idea. Thanks for giving it out for free. I will try to apply Pat’s strategy to see whether it can also work for my flash game website.
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Eric G. Reply:
November 20th, 2010 at 11:49 am
No problem! I hope you’re able to put it to some good use. By the way, very cool site – did you design the games yourself?
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I was using raven tools earlier to keep a track of my backlinks, but this sounds interesting..will give it a try for sure.
James
James Fulton recently posted… Rimadyl For Dogs Review
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Eric G. Reply:
November 20th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Thanks James! I think you’ll find this tracker to be a fairly simple and straightforward way to keep track of the process for Pat’s backlinking strategy. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions!
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Hi Eric
Great idea, I haven’t received a link despite signing up for your newsletter. Could you please check. Sorry to be pain!
best wishes
Colin
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Eric G. Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 7:42 am
Hey Colin,
Did you receive any e-mail from me upon signing up (confirmation e-mail, etc.)? If so, simply reply to that e-mail and I will hook you up with the download link. You might also try checking your spam folder in case it wound up there.
Thanks!
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colin Reply:
November 25th, 2010 at 3:22 am
Hi Eric
Bit of a mystery, no e-mail and nothing in my spam folder either. If you could e-mail me a link or the file I’d apprecite it.
regards
Colin
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Eric G. Reply:
November 25th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Hey Colin – Just sent you an e-mail with the link. Let me know if you didn’t get it. Thanks!
Awesome tool, I love it! But I downloaded it and it does let me edit it. It says it’s a read-only? Is there a password to unprotect it?
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Eric G. Reply:
November 25th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Great to hear that you like it! Only the first tab is protected – just to protect the credit and links for Pat and myself. You can still edit the fields for the niche site names, however. The rest of the tabs (where you actually do all the tracking) should be fully editable. Let me know if you come across any more issues though. Thanks!
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Thanks Eric!
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Eric G. Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
No problem! Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.
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Hey Eric,
Your spreadsheet is amazing! I just joined the newsletter, and I’m pretty impressed.
Thanks for creating it! I had just bought the 3 programs (Blog Blueprint, Best Spinner, and Unique Article Wizard) yesterday, so this came just in time!
Christina
Christina Crowe recently posted… Goals and Achievements – December 2010
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Eric G. Reply:
December 1st, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Thanks Christina, I appreciate the positive feedback! Hope you have great luck using it to help boost your search engine rankings!
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Hi, I just signed up for your newsletter and excel tool for tracking backlink strategy. I can tell by other people’s posts here that you offer quality content, thank you. Bovic
Bovic recently posted… Money Making Guide
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Eric G. Reply:
December 30th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Thanks for the comment, Bovic – I hope you find the backlink tracker useful!
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Hi Eric,
very cool tool.
Thanks very much for this.
Let´s build some backlinks
Regards from Germany
Thomas
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Eric G. Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 10:48 am
Thanks Thomas! Best of luck building backlinks!
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Hi Eric,
This tool is absolutly great! I can’t believe the fact that it’s … FREE ! YAY ! Thank you very much for sharing this great tool, I’m sure a lot of bloggers will use it, for sure. Congrats!
Best regards,
Maria
Maria Pavel recently posted… CNA Online Training And Certification
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Eric G. Reply:
January 29th, 2011 at 9:24 am
Thanks Maria, glad you like it. Enjoy!
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Eric – Sorry if I missed this – how do we add an 11th niche if needed? Thanks!
Kent F recently posted… Hello world!
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Eric G. Reply:
February 19th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Hi Kent,
Right now, you can add an 11th niche (tab), but it won’t show up on the main menu, which shouldn’t be a big deal. Here’s how to do it:
1) Right click on tab #10 and select “Move or Copy…”
2) Check the box “Create a copy”
3) Scroll down to where it says “(move to end)” and select that line.
4) Click OK
5) A new tab called “#10(2)” should have been created. Right click on the new tab and select “Rename”.
6) You can rename it to say “#11″ or whatever label you’d like to give it.
7) Remember to change the information at the top of the new spreadsheet, to show the new niche site’s name (currently it will show whatever #10 showed).
Let me know if you need any additional help!
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Eric G. Reply:
February 19th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
Also, if you’ve already started adding backlinks to #10, you’ll need to clear those out of tab #11, because they will have copied over. I know it’s a kind of annoying manual process, but it should take no longer than a minute or two to do!
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thanks for sharing such a wonderful tool with us. I am using it from last two days and it seems to be working fine. i hope you wont mind sharing more great SEO tools like this one.
cheers
jess recently posted… Instant cash empire review and bonus
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Hi, Eric!
It’s great to know that Pat Flynn link to your article. When i knew that even Pat uses your tools, i’m pretty sure that it will work for my benefit too.
I want to try it with my 2 website now, DentalBrilliant and WomanNaturalMedicine.
I’ll tell you the result.
Andre Khrisna recently posted… Got Cavities Teeth Filling Now or You Will Regret Later
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So much Great Tool – Thanks
Atif recently posted… How to Make More Money from Fiverr Gigs
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Eric G. Reply:
March 31st, 2011 at 6:54 am
Thanks!
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What’s the password to unprotect the sheet????
rockivity recently posted… A 400-Word Article about 400-Word Articles
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Eric G. Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 10:32 am
I know this may be annoying to some people, but I made the decision to leave the first tab protected so that no one can re-brand the workbook and use it as their own (even though someone could just easily remake it). I wanted to make sure Pat still received credit for his work. Send me an e-mail (via my contact page) though and I’ll help you out.
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Eric,
Useful tool appreciate you pulling it together we’re using it on our latest project as we build a great niche website (www.myelectriciantraining.com). Will leave you further comments on any improvements.
Thanks.
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Eric G. Reply:
May 21st, 2011 at 8:16 am
Thanks! Your niche site is looking pretty good so far.
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Downloaded and going over the excel sheet right now.
I also have a sort of excel file to track all my backlinks because anyone who has ever tried to create backlinks will surely realize how difficult it is to track them.
This will make following Pat’s strategy much easier.
Thanks for tracker Eric.
Carl recently posted… JVC UX-PL5 CD Micro Component System Review- Small Package- Big Sound
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Eric G. Reply:
May 24th, 2011 at 6:56 am
No problem, Carl, enjoy!
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Hey Eric,
It all looks good. I tried to signup (twice), but I havent received anything in my inbox confirming my email address. I’ve checked my spam filter too.
Could you mail me a copy?
Thanks,
Mark
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Eric G. Reply:
June 9th, 2011 at 6:58 am
Not sure why that’s happening – I’ll e-mail you a copy right now.
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This is great but I can’t change the “insert niche site name” from the menu tab. When I get to that cell, I try to change it from the white bar and a protection box comes up.
How can I do this?
Toki Tover recently posted… Combine Adsense In Your Google Analytics Stats
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Eric G. Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 7:13 am
I replied to the e-mail you sent me…let me know if you didn’t get it.
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HI Eric,
I am subscribed but do not have this anymore and not sure how to get hold of a copy. Hsve tried to join up using my works email but never got the confirm email
would like to get a copy asap
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Eric G. Reply:
August 6th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Hi Azzam,
I sent you an e-mail with the link. Let me know if you have any issues.
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Appreciate the trouble to get this across to me Eric.
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Hello,
I tried to subscribe in order to receive your Ultimate Backling Tracker but I didn’t received the confirmation mail :’(
Tried with 3 different adresses, didn’t used special characters, checkeds spams, …
Could you please subscribe me manually to your newsletter and send me your Excel Doc ?
Thanks !
Thomas (France)
(I checked to “subscribe to [your] newsletter” in the comment form. Maybe it will work).
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Thomas Malbaux Reply:
October 10th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
Hi,
I received the confirmation e-mail a few hours after I posted this comment. Seems that is work, but just a little slowly.
I’ll wait, now that I have confirmed my e-mail, your doc
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Thomas Malbaux Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 3:16 am
Hello,
I received, via 1 of the 3 e-mails I used, your newsletter (your Super Fast Way to Find a Narrow Niche to Target) but it didn’t worked on the 2 others and I didn’nt received your Ultimate Backlink Tracker.
Are you aware of current problems with your mailing-list?
If any information can help you solve this problem (maybe I’m not the only one), please ask me.
Have a nice day,
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Eric G. Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 7:05 am
Hi Thomas, I just sent the link to your e-mail address. Please let me know if you didn’t receive it.
Thomas Malbaux Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 8:10 am
Hi again,
Thanks a lot for your help, I received your e-mail. I don’t know exactly what happened (not spam, …).
You tracking document seems to be very useful! Thanks for your great job and sharing
Great information, thanks so much for posting this.
Backlinks is something I have been learning about where I can and this helps!
Martin recently posted… Nissan GTR Around the Ring
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Hey Eric ,
Thanks for the ultimate backlink tracker.
I really find useful.
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Thanks Eric!
I found your excel software pretty useful.
Devine Power recently posted… Type of Physical Therapy Assistant Schools and Physical Therapy Assistant Requirements
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Just found this post via Pat’s post on SPI. I’m looking forward to giving this tool a try. I’m tracking all of my links in Text files, which is obviously a mess.
Happy New Year!
Brock @ Amazon Associates Blog recently posted… Top 5 Most Successful Amazon Associates
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Good that you provide this tracker for free.. Is there any site that can give us any free trial version of this?Thanks if you won’t mind providing us this.
James Martin recently posted… Watch the Olympics live online
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Eric G. Reply:
March 4th, 2012 at 7:32 am
I’m not sure I understand your question…this is the only version of the tracker, and it’s 100% free (no trial versions or anything like that).
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Can you please suggest me any online tool which is most accurate to keep a track of all dofollow and nofollow backlinks.
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Great idea Eric! Thanks for the download.
Dont know how many times I get pulled away from my work only to forget what stage I was upto when I go back. This is a good way to remember where you are at!
Uncle Bob recently posted… Quality Car Tires
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Just downloaded it, and I have to say that I’m very satisfied.. Thanks once again..
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Just dowloaded. Very useful tool !! Thanks
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Eric, thanks for showing me the tool.. I’m kinda addicted with it..
Ralf recently posted… Free Blogging Services
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wanted to download and test the same
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Hey Eric, Hopefully this will be sat in my inbox when I am finished going through Pat’s blog and yours on this challenge! Thanks so much for making this and giving it out free, I was looking to make something like this for myself so I hope that you have saved me the trouble and it works OK on Open Office!
Thanks for joining the niche site challenge and sharing your progress too! I’m learning loads, its really appreciated!!
Cheers! Clare
Clare @ Help Pay Bills recently posted… A Quick Note About Taking Action
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Eric G. Reply:
September 11th, 2012 at 6:03 am
I hope you find it helpful Clare! If you have any trouble at all with it, send me an e-mail, and I will see if I can convert it to a different format.
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Hello great software. I found it really useful when I was working on the SEO of my website.
Thanks again buddy.
Robert Sail recently posted… Sam and Nikki Wedding Nottingham
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Hi Eric,
I’ve been living under a rock (ha) and just found you and Pat Flynn (Pat linked to your site via his back link building post).
Thank you for the newsletter invite.
I am really looking forward to checking out your Backlink Tracker tool.
I’m about as green as one can get, but I’m going to make my way.
Fortunately, tumbling head first into your site will hopefully straighten the learning curve a bit as I strive to build my blog, monetize, drive traffic etc…it’s a lot to take on with a regular gig too (hopefully, one day that will change—uh, soon).
Thanks again Eric!
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Eric G. Reply:
November 2nd, 2012 at 5:52 am
Thanks for the comment Eric! Let me know if you have any questions as you go through the start of your journey – I’d be happy to help.
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Just downloaded the tool. Very useful tool !! Thanks
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Peter Reply:
November 14th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Sounds great. I’m going to try that!
Peter recently posted… NerdyShirts.com – Nohik olla pole kunagi olnud nii IN
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I just stumbled onto this page from SPI and this looks like a great resource… signing up now.
Thomas recently posted… Chicago Area Campgrounds: Channahon State Park
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Thanks for the free source. Absolutely awsome for someone who just wants to get started out on link building. Followed the link from SPI. I can see myself following your site as I like the content already.
I hope it is okay for me to mention that I offer UAW writing services. I noted that a lot of people on Pat’s post didn’t know where to outsource their content to.
Interesting that you also post your earnings, was expectingto see huge earnings as in Pat’s blog but I will follow your income reports to see how you grow.
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Hey Eric, Thanks for making this cool tool, can’t wait to check it out…
-Jody O- recently posted… Social Media Sites You Link Your Blog To
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