How do you build backlinks to your site?

What do you do to help build backlinks to your site? Do you use any tools to help in the process?
A few of the ways I’ve done this in the past would be.

• Linkbait
• Link directories
• Sponsoring free themes
• Articles directories
• Press releases
• Releasing branded programs/tools
• Signature links

I'll stop there to allow others to answer as well

 

I also use Link bait, signature links, I've tried a press release in the past and it didn't work out so good. I also get links on games in my niche - on their footers.

 

What is linkbait? Do you have a link?

 

Link bait is any content or feature, within a website, designed specifically to gain attention or encourage others to link to the website. Matt Cutts defines link bait as anything "interesting enough to catch people's attention." Link bait can be an extremely powerful form of marketing as it is viral in nature. The term often has a negative or dismissive connotation. The content for link baiting would be a text, image, audio or video clip and it interesting enough to catch the people’s attention.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Link_bait

 

Submitting articles to Hub Pages, any good for creating backlinks?

 

Yup, Sites like Hub Pages and Squidoo are great for creating a niche network all linking back to your site. I have accounts and a few pages setup on both.
I need to look the accounts up and get a few new articles for Admin Talk listed in them.
I don't remember the exact "rules" but I think these sites my have the NOFOLLOW attribute tied to them until you get X pages setup.
They are like everything, it'll take a little time to get a few quality pages setup but once you do, they have little maintenance and will deliver good backlinks/traffic.