There is no shortcut to good backlinks, but there is a clear toolkit. These nine methods are used by working SEO teams.
- Create a linkable asset: original data, a free tool or a definitive guide.
- Guest post on relevant sites, with real editorial value.
- Digital PR: pitch stories and expert comments to journalists.
- Broken link building: replace dead links with your content.
- Unlinked mentions: ask sites that mention your brand to add a link.
- Resource page outreach: get listed on curated resource lists.
- Partnerships: integrations, suppliers and customers often link to partners.
- Podcasts and interviews: guests are usually linked from show notes.
- Competitor backlink gaps: find sites linking to rivals but not to you.
Effort and risk
| Method | Effort | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Linkable assets | High | Low |
| Guest posting | Medium | Low if relevant |
| Digital PR | High | Low |
| Broken link building | Medium | Low |
| Unlinked mentions | Low | Low |
Start here
If you have nothing yet, begin with unlinked mentions and one strong asset. Add guest posting and broken link building as you grow.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to get backlinks?
Claiming unlinked brand mentions and listing your business in relevant directories are usually the easiest.
Do backlinks have to be dofollow?
Dofollow links pass the most signal, but a natural profile includes nofollow links too.
How many backlinks do I need?
Compare with the top-ranking pages for your keyword and aim to close the gap in quality links.
Keep reading
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A short list of tool categories that matter for prospecting, outreach and tracking, without paying for a pile of dashboards.
White hat link building: rules, tactics and red flags
White hat link building earns links within search engine guidelines. Learn the rules, safe tactics and warning signs.
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