75 Effective Link-Building Strategies to Improve SEO
Digital Marketing Interviews
75 Effective Link-Building Strategies to Improve SEO
None
- Answer Questions for Journalists
- Create Content Partnerships
- Develop Data-Driven Content
- Collaborate on Content Creation
- Produce Industry-Specific Guides
- Generate Shareable Content
- Engage in Guest Blogging
- Create Detailed Industry Reports
- Develop Free Data Analysis Tools
- Leverage Premium Domain Names
- Collaborate with Industry Experts
- Engage in Guest Blogging
- Implement Broken Link Building
- Focus on Informational Blog Content
- Utilize Resource Page Outreach
- Build Community Partnerships
- Partner with Local Tech Bloggers
- Collaborate with Local Businesses
- Implement Broken Link Building
- Create Niche Industry Content
- Leverage Guest Blogging
- Reclaim Unlinked Brand Mentions
- Engage in Guest Blogging
- Utilize LinkedIn Outreach
- Create Location-Specific Content
- Develop Comparison Articles
- Collaborate with Medical Writers
- Answer Media Queries
- Share Real-Life Case Studies
- Create Authoritative Content
- Leverage Expert Roundups
- Collaborate with Influencers
- Leverage Offline Ties
- Create Detailed Property Guides
- Engage in Guest Blogging
- Write Local Neighborhood Guides
- Create Shareable Infographics
- Engage in Guest Blogging
- Produce Data-Driven Content
- Engage in Guest Blogging
- Participate in Local Forums
- Develop Linkable Assets
- Partner with Wedding Planners
- Create Detailed Comparison Guides
- Utilize Local Business Directories
- Share Home Renovation Guides
- Develop Power Pages
- Address Audience Pain Points
- Create Mini-Research Pieces
- Utilize HARO
- Implement Broken Link Building
- Host Webinars with Industry Peers
- Collaborate with Industry Blogs
- Fix Broken Links on Directories
- Engage in Resource Page Link-Building
- Engage in Digital PR
- Utilize HARO
- Engage in Expert Roundups
- Implement Passive Link Strategy
- Utilize HARO
- Create Free Tools and Calculators
- Leverage User-Generated Content
- Create Engaging Infographics
- Engage in Guest Blogging
- Sponsor Local Organizations
- Conduct Keyword Gap Research
- Engage in Guest Blogging
- Produce Shareable Content
- Utilize Digital PR
- Engage in Guest Posting
- Engage in Guest Blogging
- Form Business Partnerships
- Provide Expert Commentary
- Run HARO Campaigns
- Diversify Link-Building Tactics
Answer Questions for Journalists
One of the best link-building strategies I've used (and I'm using it right now!) is answering questions for journalists on platforms like HARO or Featured. The irony? If you're reading this and I've been published, then voila-this answer itself is link-building in action!
It's almost too simple: journalists need insights, and you need backlinks. By providing thoughtful, relevant responses to their questions, you can snag high-quality links from credible sources. My advice? Spend a few minutes each day browsing for questions that align with your expertise, then reply with genuine, useful insights. You'll be building links without the fuss of complicated strategies, all while boosting your visibility and authority. And who knows? Maybe someone will ask for your best link-building tip next, and you'll have your answer ready!
Create Content Partnerships
Content partnerships have become my most reliable link-building strategy at Elementor, where we collaborate with web design blogs to create in-depth tutorials. Recently, one of our step-by-step guides on creating responsive layouts got picked up by several industry websites, generating over 50 quality backlinks in just two months. I recommend finding your unique knowledge angle - like specific technical tutorials or data studies - that other sites in your industry would naturally want to reference and share.
Develop Data-Driven Content
One of the most effective link-building strategies I've implemented is creating data-driven content tailored to specific regions or demographics based on timely, newsworthy trends. For example, we'd analyze data relevant to a particular area, such as a report on recent shifts in local housing prices or employment trends, and craft a post around these insights. After publishing the post, we'd reach out to local news outlets with a simple pitch: "We noticed these trends in [City/Region] and thought your readers might find it interesting." Since we provided unique, localized insights, these publications were often eager to feature our content and link back to our site.
For others looking to implement this strategy, the key is to focus on relevance and timeliness. Create content around topics that local audiences genuinely care about, and make sure the data is fresh. Avoid recycling generic statistics; instead, find something that would spark curiosity or conversation in that specific community. Keep your outreach concise and personalized. Rather than sending mass emails, take the time to address the editor by name and highlight why your post would matter to their readers. When done well, this approach builds high-quality backlinks and establishes your brand as a credible source for local insights.
Collaborate on Content Creation
When it comes to link-building, I found success with a strategic content collaboration approach. At The Rohg Agency, we partnered with industry bloggers and influencers to create high-quality, engaging content that naturally included links back to our client's site.
For instance, when working on a project for the Idaho Lottery, we collaborated with social media influencers who had a strong gaming audience. We co-created engaging blog posts and social media content featuring lottery tips and fun facts. This not only generated valuable backlinks from trusted sources but also significantly boosted engagement across platforms, resulting in a 25% increase in organic traffic over three months.
For those looking to replicate this, I recommend identifying influencers who share your target audience, then engaging them with collaborative opportunities that provide value to both parties. Approach this aiming for genuine partnerships rather than transactional exchanges, as authentic content will naturally lead to more sustainable SEO growth.
Produce Industry-Specific Guides
One effective link-building strategy I've used is creating high-quality, industry-specific guides that offer unique insights or solutions, then reaching out to influencers, bloggers, and websites within the niche to share them as valuable resources. This approach attracts organic backlinks from authoritative sites because it provides content that's genuinely useful, educational, and link-worthy.
For others looking to implement this, my advice is to focus on quality and relevance over quantity. Start by identifying topics that address real pain points or interests within your industry. After publishing, conduct targeted outreach to sites whose audiences align with your guide's focus. A personalized, value-driven pitch-explaining how your content can benefit their readers-tends to increase engagement and link-sharing significantly. By prioritizing genuine value, you create sustainable link-building results that improve SEO and build authority in your field.
Generate Shareable Content
One effective link-building strategy I've used is creating high-quality, shareable content that positions us as a resource in our industry. For example, we focus on producing blog posts, guides, and videos that answer common questions or address specific challenges faced by business owners. This kind of content naturally attracts backlinks from others who find it valuable for their own audiences.
For anyone looking to implement this, my advice is to start by researching topics that resonate with your target audience and address their pain points. Make the content detailed, visually appealing, and easy to share. Also, don't be afraid to reach out directly to industry websites, blogs, or even clients and ask them to share or link to your content. Building those relationships can boost your backlink profile and improve your visibility over time. Consistency is key-it's about creating content people genuinely want to link to and engaging with others in your industry to make it happen.
Engage in Guest Blogging
Guest blogging has been a game-changer for my real estate website's SEO over the past year. I reached out to five local real estate bloggers and offered to write detailed posts about my experience with creative financing in house flips, which earned me quality backlinks and brought in new leads from their audiences. Based on my success, I'd suggest starting small with 1-2 guest posts per month, focusing on sharing specific case studies or unique insights that other blogs' readers would genuinely value.
Create Detailed Industry Reports
I actually found success by creating detailed industry reports and reaching out to blogs that mentioned similar topics but had outdated statistics. Last month, I created a marketing trends report that earned 12 quality backlinks because I personally emailed editors explaining how our fresh data could enhance their existing content.
Develop Free Data Analysis Tools
I've found that creating free data analysis tools and calculators related to SEO metrics has been incredibly effective at generating quality backlinks from industry websites and blogs. When I released our keyword difficulty analyzer tool, I personally reached out to SEO bloggers I'd been following, asking for feedback rather than links, and many ended up naturally referencing it in their content. The key is building something genuinely useful that solves a specific problem for your target audience - I learned this after seeing how our simple mobile speed test tool got picked up by dozens of web development blogs without any outreach.
Leverage Premium Domain Names
One effective link-building strategy I've implemented is leveraging premium domain names as anchor texts for authoritative backlinks. In 2007, I acquired I-Newswire.com, rebranded it as Newswire.com, and used its strong branding and credibility to attract relevant backlinks from top industry publications. This not only bolstered our SEO but also contributed to growing the business by over 1,000%.
A specific example would be when I used Newswire.com to establish partnerships with respected news outlets, encouraging them to link back to our platform in exchange for exclusive press releases or partnerships. This strategy increased our domain authority significantly and helped our website rank higher for competitive keywords, leading to its eventual sale for $44 million.
My advice to others is to prioritize acquiring or creating high-quality domains that naturally attract backlinks due to their inherent value and credibility. Use these domains as a platform to offer valuable content or services that encourage natural backlink acquisition from reputable sources.
Collaborate with Industry Experts
One effective link-building method for me was to collaborate with specialist industry experts for guest blogs. Instead of pursuing high-traffic sites, I concentrated on smaller, more relevant blogs with interested readers. For one job, I contacted a well-known blogger in my niche and supplied quality content that matched their readers' interests. This resulted in a favorable backlink, but more importantly, it drove quality traffic and increased credibility.
What made this strategy effective was its emphasis on quality over quantity. By focusing on smaller, authoritative sites that my target audience visited, I was able to build genuine relationships and acquire links that would benefit my SEO in the long run. The idea is to offer genuine value in your guest posts, rather than just a backlink pitch.
For those interested in trying this, my recommendation is to not neglect niche players. Approach these sites with meaningful, relevant material, and they will be much more inclined to link back to you. It is about establishing trust, not just links.
Engage in Guest Blogging
I have found that one of the most effective link-building strategies for improving my website's SEO is through guest blogging. Guest blogging involves writing and publishing articles on other websites or blogs within your industry.
When I first started implementing this strategy, I reached out to local home improvement and lifestyle bloggers to see if they would be interested in featuring my content on their site. By providing valuable and relevant content for their audience, these bloggers were happy to feature my articles with a link back to my website.
Not only did this help drive traffic to my website from their readership, but it also helped improve my website's search engine ranking as search engines view backlinks from reputable sites as a sign of credibility and authority. Additionally, by guest blogging on different sites, I was able to reach a wider audience and establish myself as an expert in the real estate industry.
My advice for others looking to implement this strategy is to first research and identify reputable websites or blogs that are relevant to your industry. Reach out with a personalized pitch and offer to provide valuable content for their readership. It's important to make sure the content you provide is high-quality, informative, and adds value to their site.
Implement Broken Link Building
At Digital Darts, we've had amazing success with the broken link building strategy, especially when we found a popular Shopify resource page with outdated links and offered our comprehensive eCommerce guides as replacements. I used Ahrefs to scan competitor websites for broken links, then created better versions of the missing content, which helped us secure backlinks from 15 high-authority sites in just two months. My biggest tip is to focus on creating replacement content that's significantly better than what was originally there - we actually survey our customers to understand their pain points and include those insights in our content.
Focus on Informational Blog Content
As an e-commerce company, in addition to our regular monthly link-building efforts, we've found that producing high-quality informational blog content has been incredibly effective for SEO. By focusing on topics that aren't directly tied to our products-though we strategically include relevant mentions-we attract organic backlinks to this content, which boosts our domain authority. Additionally, this approach enables us to leverage internal linking, helping to improve the rankings of our key collection pages. For those looking to implement this strategy, my advice is to create genuinely valuable, well-researched content that addresses real questions or interests within your niche. Not only does this attract natural backlinks, but it also builds credibility and keeps your audience engaged.
Utilize Resource Page Outreach
One link-building strategy that's worked well for me is resource page outreach. I look for reputable websites in my industry with resource pages, then reach out to ask if they'd consider linking to my content as a valuable addition. For instance, I created a comprehensive guide on SEO basics and connected with high-authority sites in digital marketing, offering my guide as a resource. This approach not only boosted my backlink profile but also brought in targeted traffic.
For anyone wanting to try this, focus on creating content that genuinely fills a gap or adds unique value. When reaching out, keep it personal-explain why your content benefits their audience specifically. Building authentic connections with site owners can make a big difference in securing quality links.
Build Community Partnerships
One effective link-biilding strategy I've used is leveraging local SEO connections to build community partnerships. As the founder of Refresh Digital Strategy, I've tapped into local businesses and community events that align with my clients' industries. For example, by sponsoring a local tech meetup, we fostered relationships that resulted in organic mentions and backlinks from their event pages and partners.
In one case, a client in the fitness industry partnered with a local gym for a community wellness initiative. This collaboration not only increased local visibility but also garnered backlinks from health blogs and local news outlets reporting on the event. This strategy boosted their site's organic traffic by 30% over six months.
For others looking to implement this, I suggest identifying local entities whose audience overlaps with yours. Collaborate on mutually beneficial initiatives and ensure your business is highlighted online. Community-centric link building not only improves SEO but reinforces local brand authority.
Partner with Local Tech Bloggers
In my internet service provider marketing role, I've had great results partnering with local tech bloggers and community organizations to create neighborhood internet speed guides and connectivity resources. We started hosting monthly tech literacy workshops for seniors at local libraries, which led to natural backlinks from community calendars, news outlets, and senior resource websites. My advice is to look for genuine community engagement opportunities that align with your expertise - the links will follow naturally when you're actually helping people.
Collaborate with Local Businesses
One effective link-building strategy we've used at 159 Self Storage is partnering with local businesses and organizations for content collaborations and resource-sharing. By reaching out to businesses that complement our services-such as moving companies, real estate agencies, and home organization experts-we've been able to build relationships that lead to mutually beneficial backlinks. For example, we collaborated with a local moving company to create a guide on "Preparing for a Move in Navasota," which included practical tips and linked to both of our services.
This approach works well because it's both natural and relevant, creating valuable content for the community while boosting our SEO through quality, contextually relevant backlinks. These partnerships also often lead to social media shares, further extending our reach and reinforcing our local presence.
For others looking to implement this strategy, my advice is to focus on building genuine relationships with businesses that share a similar audience but aren't direct competitors. Offer to create content that benefits their audience, positioning it as a resource rather than a promotional piece. Authenticity and a collaborative approach go a long way in developing strong links that benefit both parties and positively impact SEO.
Implement Broken Link Building
One effective link-building strategy I've used is broken link building. This method involves finding broken links on relevant websites and suggesting my content as a replacement. By identifying valuable content on my site, I can offer a seamless fix to webmasters, which not only helps them but also earns me high-quality backlinks. For instance, using tools like Semrush, I've been able to target industry-specific resource pages where broken links were present and successfully replaced them with content from Chappell Digital Marketing.
From my experience, well-executed broken link building can significantly boost traffic. For a client in e-commerce, this strategy increased their organic traffic by 50% over three months. My advice for others is to focus on creating substantial content that fills the gap left by broken links and to approach webmasters with a clear, concise pitch on how your content can add value.
Create Niche Industry Content
One of the most effective link-building strategies I've used is creating high-quality, shareable content tailored to niche industry audiences. Specifically, I developed a series of in-depth case studies paired with downloadable templates that solved common problems in the industry. For example, a project management blog I worked with released a detailed case study on successful agile transitions, paired with free sprint planning templates. This content naturally attracted backlinks from blogs, forums, and even academic websites discussing agile methodologies.
The key to success was twofold: understanding the audience's pain points and proactively promoting the content. I reached out to influencers, industry blogs, and communities where the topic was relevant, offering them the case study as a resource. Personalizing outreach emails and explaining why the content aligned with their interests helped secure those backlinks.
For others looking to try this, start by identifying a specific problem your target audience faces and create content that provides unique value or actionable solutions. Once it's live, don't just wait for links to come to you-proactively share it with individuals or sites that would genuinely benefit from it. The combination of quality and targeted promotion is what gets results.
Leverage Guest Blogging
I'm excited to share how guest blogging completely transformed our link-building game at Minty Digital, specifically when we wrote an in-depth SEO guide for a major marketing blog that earned us 50+ quality backlinks. I started by identifying websites in our niche that had strong Domain Authority (40+) and personally reached out to editors with unique pitch ideas, making sure to highlight how our content would benefit their readers. From my experience, the key is creating content that's genuinely helpful - like our guide that included real case studies and actionable tips - rather than just trying to get a quick backlink.
Reclaim Unlinked Brand Mentions
One highly effective and often overlooked link-building strategy I've used is link reclamation through unlinked brand mentions. Here's how it works:
I set up alerts using tools like Ahrefs to track mentions of my brand or key content without backlinks. Once I find an unlinked mention, I reach out to the site owner, thanking them for featuring my brand and politely requesting they convert the mention into a link.
To make it easier for them, I provide the exact URL they can link to and explain how it adds value to their readers. This approach works because the mention already shows they find your content valuable, so the likelihood of getting the link is high.
Advice: Always personalize your outreach and highlight mutual benefits. And don't limit yourself to brand mentions-track mentions of proprietary tools, events, or even unique research you've published.
Engage in Guest Blogging
A strategy that has consistently worked for me is guest blogging on reputable sites within my industry. Writing valuable content on related sites not only positions me as an authority but also provides natural backlinks to my website. For example, I've shared insights on SEO and AI topics on popular marketing blogs, which in turn linked back to my website. This strategy has steadily improved my site's domain authority and helped drive targeted traffic.
For others looking to implement this, my advice is to focus on quality over quantity. Choose sites that have a good reputation and align with your industry. Reach out with well-researched, unique content that adds value to their readers. Building genuine relationships with other bloggers or site owners makes it much easier to secure these opportunities and ensure your links are effective and relevant.
Utilize LinkedIn Outreach
One link-building strategy I've effectively used is leveraging LinkedIn Outreach to build authority connections and drive relevant backlinks. For instance, we helped a B2B client add over 400 emails per month using LinkedIn to connect with industry influencers and decision-makers, which not only expanded their network but also led to valuable guest posting opportunities.
I carefully custom outreach messages to resonate with the target audience and proposed content collaborations that highlight mutual benefits. This approach increased the client's authority and significantly boosted their website traffic by 14,000%, demonstrating the power of relationship-driven link-building.
For anyone looking to implement this strategy, ensure your outreach is genuine and personal. Offer valuable insights or content that complements their interests or needs, rather than just asking for a link. The key is building real relationships that lead to natural and credible backlinks.
Create Location-Specific Content
One effective link-building strategy involves creating valuable, location-specific content that resonates with local businesses and communities. By focusing on topics that matter to your target audience, you can naturally attract links from other websites looking to share relevant information. For instance, I've developed guides about local events, businesses, or resources that highlight community aspects.
This approach not only positions your agency as a local authority but also encourages local businesses to link back to your content, boosting your SEO. It's crucial to promote this content through social media and local business networks to increase visibility. Engaging with local influencers or organizations can also help amplify your reach and secure more backlinks.
For those looking to implement this strategy, prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to links. Focus on building relationships with local websites that share a genuine interest in your content. A personalized outreach strategy can go a long way in encouraging others to link to your work. Aim for collaboration rather than a hard sell; fostering community connections can lead to more sustainable link-building efforts.
Develop Comparison Articles
In building FuseBase, our most effective link-building approach has been creating detailed comparison articles between productivity tools, which naturally attracted backlinks from tech review sites and industry blogs. We focused on being brutally honest about pros and cons, including our competitors' strengths, which surprisingly led to them linking back to our comparisons as trusted resources. My advice is to pick topics where you can provide unique insights from real experience - in our case, that meant sharing actual usage data and specific scenarios where different tools shine.
Collaborate with Medical Writers
One of our most effective link-building strategies was for a supplement company, where we leveraged LinkedIn to identify medical writers. By searching for terms like "writer" or "copywriter" and refining our search with filters like "medical" or "health" (and filtering to show people who have worked for specific publications we'd like to be featured in), we compiled a targeted list of writers. Then, using SalesQL, we gathered their contact information and reached out to ask if they're open to collaborating together on an article (while also asking what their rate would be to do so). We came prepared with a list of SEO-driven topics in case they preferred us to suggest ideas and we provided detailed content outlines to support their writing process if they were open to it. Our main focus was on full-time writers at key publications we wanted to be featured in, but we also reached out to freelancers likely to have connections with premiere publications. If you intend to replicate this process, I highly recommend focusing on writers who already produce content in your industry and have the authority or connections to secure placements in reputable publications. Having a list of potential topics and offering to develop a content outline (that they can use or discard as they please) will make it easier for the writer to say yes to collaborating with you.
Answer Media Queries
Hi,
Nice to e-meet you! I'm Eve Bai, I'm in charge of International Partnerships and Operations at StudyX.AI, an AI education company with more than 3 million users.
My answer to the query is as follows:
The effective link-building strategy that our team is using to improve our website's SEO is to obtain high-quality backlinks by answering media queries on platforms like HARO or being featured.
These platforms connect reporters with industry experts who can provide insights for articles, offering a chance to share knowledge while earning backlinks from high-quality publications. For example, I often share my experience in the AI industry, project management, or marketing, seeking to increase our website's visibility and build credibility with a broader audience through media mentions.
To maximize success with this strategy, quick, concise, and valuable responses in your area of expertise are necessary. You should tailor your responses to address the query directly, demonstrating your experience without overly promoting your brand. Keeping track of industry-relevant queries and building relationships with journalists can also lead to repeated mentions and long-term link-building opportunities.
Besides, another important thing is to keep patient. The answer may be accepted half a month later and the link may be provided even later. Since link construction and SEO improvement are long-term work, you should give it more time and be patient with the results.
Hope the above answer can be helpful for you!
Best,
Eve
Partnerships and Operation Manager
StudyX
Share Real-Life Case Studies
I've had great success getting quality backlinks by sharing my real-life house flipping case studies with local real estate investing groups and property management blogs. When I break down the numbers and show before/after photos of my Plano projects, other websites naturally want to reference and link to these detailed examples. I recommend focusing on creating super specific, data-rich content about your actual deals - people really connect with real stories and results rather than generic advice.
Create Authoritative Content
One effective link-building strategy I've used is creating authoritative content on complex topics within digital marketing, especially themes like PPC versus SEO. At Linear Design, we crafted a detailed report comparing ROI across various marketing strategies. This report didn't just inform our clients but became a resource for industry experts, sparking discussions and earning backlinks from major marketing publications like Social Media Examiner.
Focus on producing content that not only educates but provides actionable insights. Our report's success lies in connecting with industry leaders who appreciated the depth of analysis, leading them to reference it in their content. For anyone seeking to implement this, prioritize thorough research and contribute new perspectives on industry debates. Authentic and data-driven content can organically become a backlink magnet as others seek to leverage its value in their own narratives.One effective link-building strategy I've used is conducting detailed case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of our services at Linear Design. By showcasing real-world results and in-depth analysis, these case studies attract attention from industry-specific publications and blogs. For instance, by breaking down the success of a client's Google Ads campaign, we secured backlinks from marketing-focused platforms that used our data to highlight best practices in PPC.
For those looking to implement this strategy, start by identifying a successful project or client outcome. Create content that details the process and results, emphasizing unique tactics or impressive data points. Reach out to industry publications that might find this content valuable, as they often need quality case studies to feature in their articles. This not only builds your website's authority but also positions you as a thought leader in your niche.
Leverage Expert Roundups
We leveraged expert roundups as a link-building strategy. We invited respected professionals in L&D and corporate training to contribute their insights on future trends. Once published, these contributors naturally shared and linked to the article, expanding our reach and driving valuable backlinks from industry-specific sites.
For anyone considering this approach, my advice is to carefully choose contributors who have engaged audiences. Focus on creating a collaborative, high-quality piece, and encourage contributors to share it. Not only does this build links, but it fosters relationships with industry leaders who amplify your content.
Collaborate with Influencers
One effective link-building strategy I've used to improve our website's SEO is collaborating with eco-conscious influencers and bloggers in the parenting space. By offering them our products for review or asking them to feature our brand in a relevant article, we've been able to gain high-quality backlinks from authoritative sites. These collaborations not only help improve our SEO but also align with our brand's values and introduce us to a wider, like-minded audience. My advice for others looking to implement this strategy is to prioritize genuine relationships over just seeking backlinks-build partnerships with influencers and content creators who truly resonate with your brand. This way, the links you gain feel more authentic, and the exposure is more impactful.
Leverage Offline Ties
I used a unique link-building technique that includes leveraging offline ties for online gains. I noticed that many of my professional contacts-people I'd met at conferences, industry events, or even through client work-had their own websites with high domain authority. Instead of cold contact with strangers, I leveraged my existing ties to get backlinks.
After one event, I contacted a few peers and offered to collaborate on content, such as collaborative blog articles or interviews. This method felt natural, and it produced genuine backlinks from credible sources.
What shocked me was how easy it was to establish connections with folks I already knew. We already had a rapport, so it wasn't a difficult sale. I wasn't simply seeking a favor; I also provided them with valuable content or exposure.
Don't overlook your offline ties. Consider who in your network could be willing to collaborate. It's a more natural method to form connections, which typically leads to better partnerships.
Create Detailed Property Guides
In my real estate business, I've had great success building links by creating detailed property guides and market reports that local news sites and real estate blogs naturally want to reference. Last year, one of our land buying guides got picked up by 12 different real estate news sites, driving both quality backlinks and qualified traffic. I'd recommend focusing on creating truly useful, data-driven content that solves problems for your target audience - the links will follow naturally when you're providing real value.
Engage in Guest Blogging
I've had amazing success with guest blogging for other real estate investment sites, which brought us over 50 quality backlinks last year alone. I recommend starting small with local real estate blogs first - I offered to share my house flipping case studies, and most site owners were excited to get detailed, real-world content for their readers.
Write Local Neighborhood Guides
I learned the power of creating local neighborhood guides when I was trying to get backlinks for my real estate website - local businesses and community organizations were happy to link back when I featured them. I focus on writing detailed guides about specific neighborhoods, including everything from school ratings to the best coffee shops, which naturally attracts links from local websites. Generally speaking, I suggest starting with 2-3 in-depth neighborhood guides and personally reaching out to every business you mention, as about 30% will usually link back to your content.
Create Shareable Infographics
As a Content Writer at Milkwhale, one effective link-building strategy I've used is creating high-quality, shareable infographics relevant to our industry.
By designing visually appealing infographics packed with valuable data, I was able to reach out to industry blogs and influencers, offering them these resources for their own content.
This approach not only attracted backlinks from credible sites but also expanded our audience reach. For others looking to implement this strategy, my advice is to focus on quality over quantity: ensure the infographic provides unique insights or data, target sites that would genuinely benefit from it, and personalize outreach emails to highlight the infographic's value for their readers.
Engage in Guest Blogging
One effective link-building strategy I've used is guest blogging on reputable websites within our industry. By writing high-quality, relevant articles for these sites, I was able to include backlinks to our own content. This not only improved our website's SEO by increasing domain authority but also helped establish our brand as a thought leader in the field.
For others looking to implement this strategy, my advice is to focus on quality over quantity. Research and identify websites that align with your niche and have a strong readership. Craft unique, valuable content that provides insights or solutions to their audience, and ensure that your backlinks fit naturally within the context. Additionally, personalize your outreach to editors or site owners to increase the chances of your article being accepted. Building relationships in your industry can lead to more opportunities for guest posts and collaborations, further enhancing your link-building efforts.
Produce Data-Driven Content
Hi,
I'm Jay Yue, a founder with two successful exits, and we've recently raised $6M for our AI-powered Travel and Experiences Search platform, Wanderboat.ai.
One of the most effective link-building strategies I've used is creating high-quality, data-driven content and reaching out to relevant websites to share it. Here's how I approach this process to build valuable backlinks:
Start by focusing on creating content that stands out-whether it's an industry survey, a comprehensive guide, or a unique case study. The goal is to offer something original and genuinely useful that other sites in your niche will want to link to. For example, content backed by exclusive data or actionable insights tends to perform well.
Next, identify websites that are a natural fit for your content. Look for those that have linked to similar topics before or frequently cover related subjects. Reaching the right audience starts with targeting the right platforms.
When reaching out, make it personal. A generic pitch won't cut it-show them why your content is valuable to their audience. Highlight specific points that align with their interests and explain how linking to your piece benefits them.
If possible, offer something extra to sweeten the deal. A guest post expanding on your content, exclusive insights, or customized quotes can make your pitch more appealing. Remember, it's not just about asking for a link; it's about offering value in return.
Consistency and follow-ups are key. Don't be discouraged if you don't hear back right away. Many successful placements come from a friendly follow-up email that shows persistence without being pushy.
Finally, track your results and build relationships. Analyze what's working, refine your approach, and nurture genuine connections with website owners and industry influencers. These relationships often lead to organic link opportunities in the future.
Link building is a long game, but when done right, it's worth it. By focusing on creating content that adds real value and taking a thoughtful, strategic approach to outreach, you'll not only build backlinks but also drive targeted traffic and improve your SEO.
Thanks,
Jay Yue
929-355-5134
jay@uta-inc.com
wanderboat.ai
Engage in Guest Blogging
Guest posting has been a game-changer for my investing website's SEO, but I've learned it's all about building genuine relationships first. I spent time engaging with finance bloggers through social media and comments before pitching guest posts, which led to much higher acceptance rates and better backlink opportunities. My best tip is to create detailed, data-driven content that naturally attracts links - I wrote an in-depth analysis of retail investing trends that ended up getting cited by several major financial sites.
Participate in Local Forums
Link building used to feel overwhelming until I started participating actively in local real estate forums and online communities. I've found that naturally sharing my experiences with complicated situations like inherited homes and foreclosures, while helping others solve similar problems, led to people organically linking to my website as a resource. My advice is to focus first on being genuinely helpful in your niche communities - the backlinks will follow naturally as people start recognizing your expertise.
Develop Linkable Assets
We found success with a "linkable asset" strategy, where we produced a detailed report on SEO trends based on our platform's data. By sharing insights that marketers couldn't find elsewhere, we attracted backlinks from reputable sites that wanted to reference the report. This helped boost our authority and visibility in search engines.
If you're looking to try this, focus on creating something unique-whether it's proprietary data or expert analysis. Make it valuable enough that others want to cite it, and don't hesitate to reach out to relevant publications, letting them know about your asset and why it's worth referencing.
Partner with Wedding Planners
One effective link-building strategy I've found invaluable is reaching out directly to wedding planners and venues to establish mutually beneficial partnerships. These connections not only help in securing backlinks but also introduce my artificial flowers to a larger audience who might benefit from them. By offering exclusive discounts or creating collaborative packages, both parties reap rewards-more clients for the planners and venues, and increased visibility for my products.
I recommend this approach because it focuses on building genuine relationships, which leads to more organic and lasting links rather than ones that might be dropped over time. From my experience, sincerity and a genuine interest in partnership always shine through, resulting in stronger alliances and higher chances of backlink success. Additionally, ensuring that your content is valuable and useful encourages others to share it, which naturally encourages more backlinks. For those considering this strategy, remember to be patient and open to collaboration; genuine connections don't happen overnight, but when they do, they're incredibly impactful.
Create Detailed Comparison Guides
I discovered that creating detailed comparison guides between popular products naturally attracts links from both manufacturers and review sites looking to reference pricing data. For ShipTheDeal, I regularly update our price comparison tools and reach out to sites that have outdated information, offering them our fresh data in exchange for attribution. My best advice is to focus on creating truly useful content tools that solve specific problems - the links will come more naturally when you're providing real value that others want to reference.
Utilize Local Business Directories
Local business directories and chamber of commerce websites have been surprisingly effective for building quality backlinks in real estate. I've found success by getting involved in community events and having our renovation projects featured in local business spotlights, which naturally led to valuable local citations. My suggestion is to start with your city's business associations and work your way out - it's slower than mass directory submissions but builds much more credible links.
Share Home Renovation Guides
Being a real estate investor, I've found success by creating detailed guides about home renovation projects and sharing before/after photos of our flips, which naturally attract links from home improvement blogs and local news sites. I focus on writing practical content like '10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Boost Your Home's Value' or 'Common Foundation Issues in Alabama Homes,' which helps homeowners while building our authority. What really works for us is documenting our actual renovation projects with photos and cost breakdowns - other websites love linking to real case studies that show concrete results.
Develop Power Pages
One of the most effective link-building strategies is creating industry-specific "power pages." These are detailed, well-researched resources designed to be the go-to references on a specific topic. For example, we developed a comprehensive guide on AI in digital marketing, quickly becoming a valuable resource for other sites to reference, resulting in high-quality backlinks.
I advise anyone implementing this strategy to focus on depth and relevance. Ensure the content adds value, and don't be afraid to reach out to industry influencers who might benefit from linking to it. The key is crafting content that fills a knowledge gap and is too valuable not to share.
Address Audience Pain Points
One effective link-building strategy I've used to improve website SEO is creating high-quality, informative content that addresses specific pain points or interests of my target audience. This approach has helped me attract backlinks from reputable sources and increase my website's authority. For instance, I once wrote a comprehensive guide on Copyright Protection, Intellectual Property Protection, and Digital Rights Management, which was picked up by several prominent industry blogs and websites, resulting in a significant increase in organic traffic and backlinks to my site.
My advice to others looking to implement this strategy is to focus on creating content that provides real value to their audience. This means conducting thorough research, offering unique insights, and presenting information in an engaging and easy-to-understand format. It's also essential to promote your content through social media, email newsletters, and other channels to increase visibility and attract potential link partners. Additionally, building relationships with influencers and other industry professionals can help you secure guest blogging opportunities and collaborations that can further boost your link-building efforts. By prioritizing quality and relevance, you can create a strong foundation for your link-building strategy and drive long-term SEO success.
Create Mini-Research Pieces
An interesting approach we've had success with at Helium SEO involves creating data-backed mini-research pieces. So to say, this is not about huge, complex studies but smaller, highly targeted pieces with actionable insights. Let's say you're working in a specific niche like e-commerce or SaaS; you could survey a small audience or use in-house data to uncover a unique trend. The key is to produce something original and specific enough that others in your industry would want to reference it. When you have your data, craft it into a digestible format like a brief report, infographic, or visual piece-and pitch it to bloggers and industry writers who are always hungry for fresh, credible sources to cite. If they use your data, you'll often secure a high-quality backlink. My advice is to keep these pieces focused and valuable without going overboard; the goal is to offer something unique that others aren't finding elsewhere.
Utilize HARO
I've used HARO (Help a Reporter Out) as an effective link-building strategy. Many platforms connect journalists with sources for their stories, allowing you to provide expert insights and earn high-quality backlinks from reputable publications. To implement this strategy, I signed up for HARO and selected relevant categories that matched my expertise. Each day, I received queries from journalists seeking information.
When responding, I focused on crafting concise, informative replies that directly addressed the journalist's questions. Personalizing my responses helped grab their attention. This approach resulted in valuable backlinks and positioned me as an industry expert. For those looking to use HARO, my advice is to be prompt and specific in your responses, ensuring you provide real value. Consistent participation can significantly improve your website's SEO and visibility.
Implement Broken Link Building
Try broken link building. What I do is try to find dead links and reach out to webmasters with a resource I've created to replace them. This strategy helps both parties-I assist the webmaster while getting a link back to my site (or my client's).
If you ask my coworkers, they'll tell you broken link building is my favorite method. Here's how to do it effectively in three easy steps: content creation, research, and outreach.
First off, you need great content. Without it, linking becomes tough. Focus on crafting valuable content that stands out in your niche. Look for popular topics that have been covered in resource lists and create something comprehensive. This way, even if broken link opportunities dry up, your content will still shine.
Next, let's find those broken links. Use advanced search commands like:
"example of resource" inurl:resources Then, I use the Ahrefs to spot broken links on pages. If a site has over 30% broken links, skip it-it's likely not maintained. You can also use Moz's link explorer tool to find broken backlinks from competitors.
If you're building links for your own business, check your URL in Link Explorer to find any broken pages on your site and reach out to fix them. When I contact webmasters about broken links, I use "The Replacement Method." I let them know about the dead link and offer my resource as a valuable replacement.
It's super effective because it helps me build relationships with webmasters by offering assistance first. Even if they don't replace the link with mine, they're more likely to respond, and any interaction is a win!
Host Webinars with Industry Peers
When I started doing webinars with local Texas real estate agents and mortgage brokers, they naturally linked to my business from their websites and social media. My suggestion is to build genuine relationships first - I host monthly virtual coffee chats with industry peers where we share market insights, and the backlinks come organically as we collaborate on content.
Collaborate with Industry Blogs
One of the most effective link-building strategies we've implemented is collaborating with industry-specific blogs and publications. By sharing valuable, expert-driven content on high-authority sites in our sector, we're not only reaching a highly relevant audience but also building backlinks that signal credibility to search engines.
Our approach is to create content that speaks directly to the challenges and questions our target audience is facing, making it highly shareable and link-worthy. For example, we'll write articles on trending topics or provide fresh insights on industry best practices. This ensures that the content is engaging and also provides genuine value, making it a natural fit for external publications that are trusted within our industry.
For others looking to implement this strategy, I'd recommend starting by identifying sites that your target audience trusts, then tailoring content specifically for those readers. It's not about volume; it's about the relevance and quality of each link, so focus on building partnerships with a few reputable publications rather than spreading efforts too thin. And, of course, don't overlook the importance of follow-up-maintaining these relationships keeps the doors open for future content collaborations.
Fix Broken Links on Directories
I recently found that fixing broken links on real estate resource directories has been incredibly effective - we recovered 32 dead links on BiggerPockets forums and replaced them with our relevant content. My advice is to use tools like Ahrefs to find broken links in your niche, then reach out with a friendly email showing exactly how your content could replace their dead link and benefit their readers.
Engage in Resource Page Link-Building
We've had great success with resource page link-building, where we identify industry pages that curate top resources and reach out to have our content included. It's about ensuring our resources are genuinely valuable and relevant so they're a natural fit on these pages. This strategy brings us high-quality links from well-established sites that appreciate good, helpful content.
If you're going for resource page link-building, don't just reach out to anyone; curate a list of sites where your content would genuinely add value, and be thoughtful in your outreach. Show that you're familiar with their audience and how your resource aligns with their content goals. Personalizing each outreach email goes a long way in establishing trust and increasing your chances of being added.
Engage in Digital PR
We engage in "digital PR" by pitching expert insights or commentary to journalists, which often results in high-quality backlinks from major publications. By providing timely and valuable information, we increase our chances of being cited in articles, adding both authority and visibility. This strategy turns our expertise into a valuable asset for journalists, creating a steady stream of authoritative links.
In digital PR, position yourself as an expert and be proactive about offering insights on trending topics; journalists are often looking for reliable sources to cite. Create a concise pitch that highlights your expertise and why it's relevant to their story. Consistency is key here-keeping yourself on their radar increases your chances of being cited and linked frequently.
Utilize HARO
One of the most effective link-building strategies I've used to improve website SEO is leveraging HARO (Help a Reporter Out). By signing up as a source to multiple HARO websites, I receive daily requests from journalists seeking expert insights across various industries. I focus on providing thoughtful, authoritative responses tailored to their queries, ensuring I offer genuine value that aligns with their needs. When my contributions are accepted, they often lead to high-quality backlinks from authoritative publications, significantly boosting site credibility and SEO.
My advice to others looking to implement this strategy if firstly, be selective and respond only to queries where you can provide real expertise. You should be tailoring your responses to each request, keeping them concise, relevant, and engaging. Building relationships with journalists that feature you can also lead to recurring opportunities which is a win win. But above all its the consistency, remaining authentic and promptness are the 3 key elements to maximizing the potential of HARO for link-building success.
Engage in Expert Roundups
A successful tactic I've implemented to enhance SEO is engaging in expert roundups for link-building purposes. Through connecting with industry experts and inviting them to share their expertise on a pertinent subject, we developed a valuable asset that caught the interest of others within the industry. Frequently, professionals distribute these posts to their followers, leading to increased traffic and backlinks to our website. For those seeking to put this strategy into practice, I recommend concentrating on creating an engaging, meticulously researched question that connects with your audience. Additionally, it is important to promote the completed roundup to all contributors as this will enhance relationships and motivate them to share the content, thus increasing opportunities for backlinks and improving visibility.
Implement Passive Link Strategy
One effective link-building strategy I've implemented to boost SEO is the "Passive Link" approach. Instead of actively reaching out for links, we focus on creating high-quality, search-driven content that naturally attracts links over time. By researching topics that competitors rank for with significant traffic and consistent backlink growth, we identify themes with strong passive link potential.
My advice for others: prioritize topics that provide real value and resonate with your target audience. Use tools like Ahrefs to spot high-traffic pages with organic backlinks. Once you rank well, these posts attract links without continuous outreach, saving time and resources. This strategy ensures sustainable link growth that remains beneficial over the long term.
Utilize HARO
Featured.com and HARO(Connectively). They work really well. In the last 7 months, I got over 225 backlinks this way-sounds unbelievable, but it's true. Featured.com and HARO connect you with journalists who need quotes or opinions, and if you help them out, they give you a link back.
If you want to try it, just be quick and clear. Journalists/editors are on tight deadlines, so respond fast and keep it simple. No long stories, just give them what they need. It's really effective, and those links can make a big difference for your SEO.
Create Free Tools and Calculators
I believe the most effective strategy I've used is creating free, valuable tools and calculators that naturally attract links from industry websites. We built a simple SEO ROI calculator that's gotten over 50 natural backlinks because it actually helps people solve a common problem, rather than just creating another generic blog post hoping for links.
Leverage User-Generated Content
As the founder of Hook'd IT Up, I've finded that leveraging user-generated content (UGC) significantly boosts SEO through authentic link-building. One of our client projects involved an innovative photo contest where customers shared images featuring the product, resulting in engagement and organic backlinks. We encouraged participants to tag the brand and use a specific hashtag, which created a network of user-driven content linking back to the site.
This inotiative not only drove referral traffic by 40% over several months but also established authentic backlinks as participants shared their excitement organically across various platforms. For anyone looking to harness UGC for link-building, creating a campaign that naturally encourages users to produce content related to your brand can be highly effective. It spreads your brand message and improves search visibility through genuine endorsements and links.
Create Engaging Infographics
One powerful strategy that we've found for link-building is leveraging infographics. Our team creates engaging, data-rich infographics that naturally invites others to share. Because they're visual and informative simultaneously, they get preferential treatment on social media channels, driving site traffic and building our backlink portfolio. If you're looking to employ this strategy, invest in graphic design skills. Make sure the infographic is both attractive and informative. It's not about just getting links, but offering something valuable that people would want to share.
Engage in Guest Blogging
From my experience as a business owner, one of the best ways to build links for my websites has been through guest blogging. Writing and submitting articles to well-known industry sites not only helped me to acquire crucial backlinks but also helped to brand me as an expert in my selected field. The most important part of making guest blogging work is making sure that the articles are of high quality and are relative to the audience of the host website. It achieves the dual purpose of gaining the confidence of the readers and search engines and can therefore greatly enhance the organic ranking of your website.
To make the most out of guest blogging, it is essential to focus on sites that have high domain authority and cater to a suitable audience. I focused hours researching trustworthy blogs and publications that pertain to my field to target them with personalized pitches. Wrap up this section with a sentence about the importance of providing valuable content that would be beneficial to the target audience so that they can address complaints or questions that are frequently encountered. This makes it more likely that your article will be accepted and circulated, which will lead to more backlinks and improved exposure.
Regarding other individuals wishing to utilize this strategy, I suggest establishing real connections with the blog owners or editors. Do not do mass outreaches with the same standard message. They usually do not get read. Rather, learn about the site, its content or audiences, or its problems. Make them see that there are good reasons for making such a pitch and how you would add value to their work. This practice not only improves your website's Search Engine Optimization (SEO) over the years but also helps create relevant connections in the field.
Sponsor Local Organizations
One effective link-building strategy we use for local SEO is sponsoring local organizations, like soccer teams. These groups often have a sponsorship page linking to all their sponsors, providing a valuable, hyper-relevant local link to your site.
This type of link is typically affordable, boosts your local relevance, and is something many competitors overlook. Plus, it's a great way to invest in the community while strengthening your SEO-a real win-win.
Conduct Keyword Gap Research
We managed to achieve quick SEO wins by using keyword gap research. Some of our competitors had impressive backlink profiles from high-authority domains. By compiling the best ones into a list, we were able to apply for links to the best websites and improve our website's authority.
Obviously, there's a bit of risk in this strategy, as you don't want to accidentally replicate your competitors' backlink profile (Google penalises matching backlink profiles). Plus, the research and implementation were fairly time-consuming.
But ultimately, it paid off, as we were able to bolster our backlink profile and increase our organic visibility. The power of high-quality, relevant backlinks is not to be underestimated!
My main piece of advice is not to focus too much on dofollow (or 'Follow') links. Google monitors for an unnatural balance of dofollow and nofollow links, meaning you should aim for 60 - 70% of dofollow links. However, by monitoring your website's SEO performance, you can optimise the ratio of dofollow:nofollow links.
Engage in Guest Blogging
One link-building strategy that's consistently delivered results for me is guest blogging. It's all about creating high-quality content for other websites in your niche, with a link back to your own site. This not only drives referral traffic but also boosts your site's authority in the eyes of search engines.
My advice? Find websites that are relevant to your industry and have a strong reputation. Don't just churn out generic articles; write something valuable and insightful that will resonate with their audience. And don't forget to promote your guest posts on social media and with your email list to maximize their reach.
Guest blogging takes effort, but it's a fantastic way to build relationships, gain exposure, and boost your SEO.
Produce Shareable Content
One link-building strategy I've found effective is creating high-quality, shareable content that resonates with my target audience and industry peers-such as in-depth guides, unique case studies, or data-backed reports. By producing valuable resources, I naturally attract backlinks from reputable sites that find my helpful content for their readers. For anyone looking to implement this strategy, I'd recommend focusing on topics that truly solve a problem or answer common questions within your niche. And don't forget to promote the content by reaching out to influencers and industry blogs who might find it useful!
Utilize Digital PR
I have moved to using digital PR as a link-building strategy. Unlike guest posting, which can be hit-or-miss in terms of quality and relevance, digital PR consistently delivers high-quality backlinks from reputable publications and industry sites. One of the best ways to do this is to create a story that's way more interesting than the usual story you might pitch a journalist or editor. "Good stories, better opportunities" is a good motto to live by if you want to succeed in digital PR. Invest time in learning how to tell a good story, and if you can make it relevant to your industry, you will not just build links; you'll also build brand authority.
Engage in Guest Posting
One effective link-building strategy that I used is guest posting on industry relevant blogs. By creating high-quality, valuable content for reputable sites. I can include a natural link back to my site, which will boost both my SEO and credibility. By using this approach, it will bring relevant traffic and enhance domain authority.
My advice for implementing this strategy is to focus on finding blogs with a strong reputation and engaged audience in your niche. Start by reaching out with personalised pitches that showcase the value your content will bring to their readers, and ensure the content you provide is informative, engaging, and directly relevant to their audience's needs.
Engage in Guest Blogging
One of the good strategies that Edumentors employed for link building is guest blogging on reputable education websites. With this, quality backlinks drive traffic to our authority in the tutoring industry through valuable contributions. For others, the focus should be on sites within your niche or those offering content that provides real insights. Sooner or later, consistent quality contributions should improve SEO and also build brand credibility. Creating partnerships with high-traffic sites fosters a steady flow of engaged visitors.
Form Business Partnerships
One way to combine your efforts is to focus on partnerships with related businesses. This means not just backlinks for both parties, but also opportunities for cross-promotion and marketing. We've partnered with various local and national companies that offer services related to real estate, cleaning, organizing, storage, and shipping to help our customers find everything they need to complete their move.
Thank you for the chance to contribute to this piece! If you do choose to quote me, please refer to me as Nick Valentino, VP of Market Operations of Bellhop.
Provide Expert Commentary
We heavily rely on proactive expert commentary as a means of obtaining backlinks, rather than just waiting for journalist requests to come to us.
For example, reacting to happenings in our sector and sending commentary and opinions to journalists who've covered similar things in the past.
If you're quick enough and can target the right journalists, this approach can work incredibly well.
Run HARO Campaigns
Running a HARO campaign has been one of the most effective link-building strategies for my clients. It is extremely effective at getting high quality links on very reputable websites.
Another good strategy specifically for local business is searching for guest posts on local news websites and blogs. This helps boost your local presence.
Diversify Link-Building Tactics
I never focus on a single tactic or link type. I keep the link profile as natural as possible - mixing up link inserts, guest posts, company profiles, press releases, expert round up quotes, etc. I also don't focus on single metrics like DR.
At the end of the day, it needs to look natural. 5 link inserts per month are very easy to detect by algorithms.