Incoming links are very important – yes. Give up half your disposable time asking for incoming links – no. The truth is, if you build a quality website with a a) good design b) fresh content c) personality d) sound reputation, people will link to you without you having to put the effort of filling out link forms and all those monotonous tasks.
Another way to get incoming links is to write press releases or articles including keyword links to your website, then offer them for free to website owners. prweb.com is a popular website for press releases. They do however charge a fee. If you’re on a budget, start contributing to a community forum, show off your website at every opportunity but don’t go overboard straight away and make your first post “HEY LOOK AT MY NEW WEBSITE, IT’S BRILLIANT!!!”. Eventually people will open up and you can offer them free articles which include your links.
The third option is to buy text links, which personally I’m not a big fan of. The main reason behind my dislike for bought text links, is the unpredictability of search engines (especially Google) and their ability to spot any webmasters trying to tamper with the search engine rankings. One minute your on the first page and the next your nowhere to be seen! To make it harder for search engines to discern the bought link, go for a deep link, which is your chosen keyword placed inside relevant content. Lastly, if you do decide to buy text links, make sure you you thoroughly research the website you are investing your money and your brands image into.