It offers others an insight into who you are, as well as giving a low key suggestion that they could support you. I support my friends. They should also. Keeping your services a secret and expecting others to seek you out will not help your business, nor does it give your contacts the opportunity to rise to the occasion and support you. Insert the link everywhere.
People get the message.
The direct e-mail pitch requesting that someone visit a remote location has obstacles, but what the hey, it's worth a try. If you want to try the direct pitch, structure your e-mail like the product oriented version described earlier. Keep the message short and make sure the reference link displays without the reader having to page down. If you get lucky and stir an impulse action, the action should be obvious and simple. I seldom respond to these.