Getting high quality backlinks is still one of the most recommended methods to improve your website’s SEO. Many people find it confusing and intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are 8 strategies that actually work.
Why Backlinks Still Matter
Backlinks are just like votes of confidence from other websites. When a trusted site links to yours, Google sees it as a signal that your content is valuable.
Here’s a shocking fact: Over 90% of web pages get zero organic traffic. Often, it’s because they have no backlinks at all. On the other hand, pages with quality links rank better and get more visitors.
But not all backlinks are equal. Avoid spammy links from low-quality directories or services promising “1,000 backlinks in 24 hours.” These can hurt your site. Focus on getting high quality backlinks from relevant, trustworthy sources instead.
1. Analyze Your Competitors’ Backlinks
Start by looking at what’s working for your competitors. Use tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Ubersuggest to see who’s linking to them. This is like reverse engineering their success.
Once you know which sites link to your competitors, you can:
- Create better content on the same topics
- Reach out to those same websites
- Learn what type of content is the most linked to in your industry
This strategy helps you understand what works before you start creating content.
2. Use HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
HARO connects journalists with experts and information sources. Here’s how it works:
- Go to the HARO website and sign up as a source
- Wait for relevant requests from reporters in your field
- Send helpful responses with links to your content
- If journalists use your information, they often link back to your site
Major news sites like The New York Times and Reuters use HARO. Getting a link from these sites can significantly boost your credibility.
3. Fix Broken Links on Other Websites
Search for broken links on others’ websites and offer your content to replace them. Here’s the process:
- Find websites in your niche having broken links
- Use tools like Ahrefs to identify who’s linking to those dead pages
- Contact the website owners and tell them about the broken link
- Suggest your relevant content as a replacement
People appreciate when you help them fix problems on their site. They’re often happy to update the broken link with yours.
4. Create Skyscraper Content
Skyscraper content means creating the best piece of content on a topic. It should be:
- More comprehensive than anything else available
- At least 10x better than existing articles
- Evergreen and extremely detailed
- Worth sharing and linking to
Find content in your industry that already has many backlinks. Then create something even better. Share it aggressively with influencers, bloggers, and companies mentioned in your article.
5. Turn Brand Mentions into Links
Many websites mention brands without linking to them. This is a missed opportunity. Here’s what to do:
- Use social listening tools to track when people mention your brand
- Find mentions that don’t include links
- Send a friendly email asking them to add a link
- Thank them for the mention
Since they already mentioned you, they clearly like your brand. Most are happy to add a link when asked politely.
6. Write Guest Posts on Relevant Sites
Guest posting still works well when done right. The key is quality over quantity. Here’s how:
- Research where your competitors publish guest posts
- Look for sites actively seeking guest writers
- Search Google for terms like “write for us + [your niche]”
- Create high-quality, valuable content
- Include a natural link to your site
Avoid mass-producing low-quality posts. Focus on creating truly helpful content for each site.
7. Use Proven Content Formats
Some content types naturally attract more backlinks. According to research, these formats work best:
- Videos and infographics
- Original research and data
- How-to guides and tutorials
- Comprehensive lists
- Case studies and success stories
Remember: 94% of online content gets zero backlinks. Using proven formats increases your chances of being in the successful 6%.
8. Get Listed on Resource Pages
Resource pages are goldmines for high quality backlinks. These are pages that list helpful resources on specific topics. To find them:
- Search for terms like:
- “helpful resources + [your topic]”
- “useful links + [your industry]”
- “further reading + [your niche]”
- Find relevant resource pages
- Contact the page owner
- Ask to be added to their list
Make sure your content truly fits their resource page theme. Provide value to their readers.
Start Building Quality Backlinks Today
Building high quality backlinks takes time and effort. But it’s worth it. These strategies work because they focus on creating value and building relationships.
Don’t use black hat techniques or link-building generators. They’ll hurt your site in the long run. Instead, focus on these proven methods that create lasting results and generate high quality backlinks.
Start with one or two strategies that fit your resources and skills. As you see results, expand to other methods. Remember: consistency is key. Keep creating great content and reaching out to relevant sites.
Quality backlinks are still one of the strongest SEO signals. Use these strategies to build a sustainable link profile that will improve your rankings for years to come.
Know more about our ecommerce seo services
