Backlinks are critical for SEO, acting as endorsements from other websites that signal to search engines your content's authority and trustworthiness.
However, acquiring these valuable links can be challenging.
Here, we delve into 12 proven strategies to help you get the backlinks you need to boost your website's ranking.
Backlinks are a key factor in Google's ranking algorithm.
According to Andrey Lipattsev, a Google Search Quality Senior Strategist, backlinks are among the top three ranking factors.
This means that to rank high in search engine results, you need a strong backlink profile.
However, acquiring backlinks isn't as simple as sending out mass emails.
It requires strategic effort and providing value to those you seek links from.
Key Takeaways
More backlinks correlate with higher rankings.
Research shows pages ranking number one in Google have 3.8x as many backlinks as lower-ranking pages.
Site owners need a compelling reason to link to you.
Offer valuable content like guest posts, original research, expert insights, or shareable assets.
Increase your site's trustworthiness.
Use a branded domain, get an HTTPS certificate, and showcase your E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) signals.
1. Emphasize What Benefits the Site Gets
When requesting backlinks, your pitch must highlight the benefits to the recipient.
Most site owners receive numerous backlink requests daily, so your pitch needs to stand out by clearly stating the value you offer.
Here's what you can offer.
High-quality guest blog articles
Ensure your guest posts are well-researched and provide unique insights or data.
Expert advice or unique commentary
Offer to provide expert quotes or insights for their existing or upcoming articles.
Testimonials or user experiences
Share genuine testimonials about their products or services.
Enhanced user experience
Your link should add substantial value to their content, improving their readers' experience.
Example
Brian Dean from Backlinko significantly increased his outreach success by focusing on what benefits he could provide to the recipient.
In his Skyscraper Technique case study, he created in-depth content and reached out to site owners, explaining how linking to his content would benefit their readers.
This approach led to a 110% increase in organic traffic in just 14 days.
2. Write Relevant and Competitive Content
Creating standout content is crucial for earning backlinks.
Here's how you can ensure your content is backlink-worthy.
Source: NP Digital
Analyze competitors' content
Use tools like Ubersuggest to identify gaps and opportunities in your niche.
Look at what content performs well and find ways to improve upon it.
Produce high-quality articles
Aim for content that is around 1,500-2,000 words, which is typically long enough to cover topics in-depth without losing the reader’s interest.
Ensure your content includes first-party research or expert opinions to add credibility.
Ensure your content is well-written and engaging
Good grammar, compelling storytelling, and valuable information are key.
Case Study
Neil Patel's Content Marketing Strategy - Neil Patel's blog is a prime example of producing relevant and competitive content.
By creating comprehensive guides and data-driven articles, Neil has attracted backlinks from high-authority sites like Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc.
For instance
His guide on SEO techniques attracted over 3,000 backlinks, boosting his website’s domain authority significantly.
3. Prove Your Site Is Legitimate
Trust signals are vital for attracting backlinks.
Here’s how to establish your site's legitimacy.
Source: NP Digital
HTTPS certification and other security measures
Ensure your site is secure to build trust.
Branded domain and professional web design
A professional appearance goes a long way in building credibility.
Links to social profiles and contact information
Make it easy for visitors to verify your legitimacy.
E-E-A-T signals
Include an about page, editorial standards, and author bios to showcase your expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness.
Example
Moz's E-A-T Implementation- Moz.com showcases all these elements effectively.
Their site includes comprehensive pages for authors, detailed editorial guidelines, and HTTPS certification, which help build trust with both users and search engines.
4. Make Your Pitches Short
To increase the response rate of your pitches, keep them concise and clear.
Here’s how.
Keep paragraphs to two sentences or fewer
Make your email scannable.
Write no more than five sentences
Be brief but informative.
Use bullet points and bold font
Highlight key points to make them stand out.
State your request clearly
Don’t leave the recipient guessing.
Example
HubSpot’s Outreach Success - HubSpot improved their pitch response rates by making their emails concise and to the point.
Instead of lengthy explanations, they used short, compelling pitches with clear calls to action, which resulted in higher engagement and more backlinks.
5. Leverage Public Relations
Building relationships through PR can lead to backlinks.
Here are some effective tactics.
Stay active on social media
Engage with industry figures, share valuable insights, and contribute to discussions.
Guest blog or provide expert quotes
Offer to write guest posts or provide expert commentary for articles.
Build a network
Establish yourself as an expert by interacting with key players in your industry.
Case Study
Legal Client PR Strategy - For a legal client, NP Digital used digital PR tactics to position them as a leading online resource.
This approach earned backlinks from high-authority sites, significantly boosting their SEO performance.
By pitching unique legal insights to journalists and bloggers, they secured coverage in top-tier publications.
6. Do an Original Study
Original research is highly link-worthy.
Here’s how to conduct a study that attracts backlinks.
Source: NP Digital
Collect data through surveys or data mining
Use tools like Google Forms or Survey Monkey to gather data.
Tell a compelling story with your data
Ensure the data is presented in an engaging and relevant way to attract journalists.
Case Study
BuzzSumo’s Content Research** - BuzzSumo’s comprehensive content research reports have earned thousands of backlinks.
Their study on "The Most Shared Content of 2023" provided valuable insights into viral content, attracting links from major sites like HubSpot, Buffer, and Content Marketing Institute.
7. Create an Infographic or Original Image
Infographics are still effective for gaining backlinks.
Here’s how to create one.
Source: NP Digital
Use accurate and interesting data
Ensure your data is reliable and engaging.
Tell a story with great visuals
Make your infographic visually appealing and easy to understand.
Design an easy-to-follow layout
Use tools like Canva to create professional infographics.
Source: NP Digital
Case Study
Kissmetrics’ Infographic Strategy - Kissmetrics has successfully used infographics to gain backlinks.
Their infographic on "How Colors Affect Conversions" has been widely shared and linked to by numerous high-authority sites.
By providing visually engaging and data-rich content, they have consistently attracted backlinks.
8. Write Testimonials for Other Websites
Offering testimonials can earn backlinks.
Here’s how to do it effectively.
List products and services you use
Identify companies whose products or services you genuinely use and appreciate.
Pitch authentic testimonials
Write sincere testimonials that highlight specific benefits.
Example
Ahrefs' Testimonial Strategy - Ahrefs prominently features customer testimonials on their site.
These testimonials often include backlinks to the customers' websites, providing mutual value.
For instance
A positive review from CloudApp includes a backlink to their site on Ahrefs' homepage.
9. Link Externally and Then Reach Out
Linking to others can encourage reciprocal links.
Here are some tactics.
Create roundup posts
Feature the best content in your industry.
Include links in your newsletter
Share valuable content from other sites.
Notify those you mention
Send a quick email to let them know you’ve linked to their content.
Example
Buffer’s Content Roundup - Buffer’s weekly content roundup features articles from other industry leaders.
By linking to valuable content, Buffer has built strong relationships and often receives backlinks in return when those featured share or link back to the roundup.
10. Comment on Other Relevant Blog and Social Posts
Engage with content in your industry to build relationships and occasionally earn backlinks.
Here’s how.
Add meaningful insights
Provide value in your comments.
Avoid spammy links
Focus on building relationships rather than dropping links.
Example
Moz Community Engagement - Moz engages with their community by actively commenting on blog posts and social media discussions.
By providing valuable insights and engaging with their audience, Moz strengthens relationships and sometimes earns backlinks from appreciative site owners.
11. Align Social Signals
Active social media profiles boost your website’s credibility.
Here’s how to align your social signals.
Link to your social profiles
Ensure your website links to your active social media accounts.
Source: NP Digital
Keep information consistent
Make sure your company name, address, and phone number are consistent across all platforms.
Post regularly
Stay active and relevant by posting regularly on your chosen platforms.
Example
Neil Patel’s Social Media Strategy - Neil Patel links to all his social profiles from his website, ensuring consistency and active engagement across platforms.
This alignment of social signals helps in building trust and improving SEO performance.
12. Find What’s Newsworthy
Leverage trending topics for backlinks.
Here’s how.
Source: NP Digital
Write about current events or pop culture
Create content that is timely and relevant.
Pitch unique takes or research to journalists
Offer fresh perspectives or exclusive data.
Case Study
Netflix’s PR Strategy - Netflix capitalized on the popularity of the "Stranger Things" series by creating a dedicated page for fans.
They reached out to sites linking to outdated or irrelevant pages about the series, offering their updated link.
This proactive approach secured backlinks from high authority sites like The New York Times and The Atlantic.
Backlinks are essential for SEO success, but acquiring them requires strategic effort.
By creating valuable content, building relationships, and leveraging various strategies, you can significantly improve your backlink profile and, consequently, your search engine rankings.
Implement these 12 strategies to start seeing real improvements in your SEO efforts today.
0 Comments