A clever way of getting links is to create a useful piece of software, give it away for nothing and include a link back to your own website within the code.
An excellent example of a site doing just that is PollDaddy.com. They allow anyone to register for free, create personalised polls and embed them on their own sites.
This tactic has seen them attract a huge number of links, giving them great exposure and the opportunity to sell their premium products.
PollDaddy.com