Category: SEO

Trying to scale outreach, pitch high-authority sites, and write solid content on a weekly basis is a full-time job. For most teams, that’s not realistic. That’s why many marketers choose to outsource link building. The right service can save time, improve results, and free up your schedule. But not all outsourcing is built the same.

If you’re looking to outsource link building, here’s what actually works and what you should avoid.

Why Businesses Choose to Outsource Link Building

Link building is time-consuming. From prospecting and outreach to negotiating placements and writing content, it drains internal resources fast. Outsourcing removes most of the workload and shifts the focus back to growth.

When you outsource link building to a solid partner, you gain:

• Scalable access to quality sites
• Ready-to-publish content written for SEO
• Links that match your niche and target pages
• Consistent volume without burning out your team

But that only happens if the provider knows what they’re doing.

Why Agencies Should Outsource Link Building

For agencies, outsourcing isn’t just about saving time. It’s about bandwidth, profit margins, and client results.

Here’s why agencies outsource link building:

• Scalability. Handling 5 clients is doable in-house. Handling 25 isn’t.
• Predictable margins. Agencies get discounted rates from providers, allowing for markup and resale.
• Client satisfaction. Fast delivery and consistent rankings lead to longer retention.
• Specialization. Instead of trying to do everything, agencies can focus on reporting, strategy, and client service while the link work runs in the background.

Outsource link building through the right provider and your agency becomes faster, leaner, and more profitable.

What to Look For in a Provider

There are hundreds of vendors that claim to build “white hat links” or have a “network of bloggers.” Most of that is meaningless without proof. If you’re going to outsource link building, you need to be selective.

Here’s what actually matters:

• Niche relevance. Every link should come from content that matches your industry or topic.
• Real websites, not PBNs. Check the site’s traffic and content history. If it’s filled with unrelated topics and has no real audience, skip it.
• Dofollow placements. Nofollow links can be part of a natural profile, but dofollow is where the SEO value sits.
• Manual outreach. Good providers have systems for cold outreach and relationship-building, not just link drops.

Reputable services usually provide a sample list or report of past placements. That’s where you’ll see if the quality matches the pitch.

How to Structure a Link Building Campaign

When you outsource link building, there’s usually a campaign setup process. You choose the target URLs, provide the preferred anchor text, and set your niche or industry focus. From there, the provider handles:

• Site selection
• Outreach and negotiation
• Content writing
• Placement and reporting

You should receive a report showing each live link, the domain authority, and the anchor text used. If that’s not included, it’s a red flag.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Outsourcing doesn’t mean losing control. Some teams get burned because they pick cheap providers or don’t vet the links being placed.

Here’s what to watch out for:

• Low-quality sites with inflated metrics. Some sites use expired domains to appear authoritative. Check for real traffic.
• Duplicate content. If the content is reused or spun, your site can be penalized.
• Irrelevant placements. A finance site getting links from a pet blog is a wasted opportunity.
• Lack of reporting. If you don’t get to see where your links are placed, don’t continue.

Outsource link building to someone who treats your campaign with care. Anything else leads to penalties, wasted spend, or rankings that never move.

Three Recommended Link Building Providers

If you’re looking to outsource link building and want quality, consistency, and transparency, here are three providers worth considering:

1. Rankifyer

Rankifyer is built for agencies, resellers, and business owners who need reliable link building without the hassle. Every link comes with content, outreach, placement, and a detailed report. Agencies get a 30% discount and access to a live dashboard. No hidden pricing, no meetings, just clear deliverables and trusted support. Their directory of guest post sites is also publicly viewable before you buy.

2. The Hoth

One of the more established providers in the industry, The Hoth offers tiered link building services with bulk options. Their managed campaigns help agencies run full-scale SEO while reselling under their own brand. Turnaround is consistent, and reports are easy to understand.

3. Loganix

Loganix focuses on high-quality links from reputable sources, including niche edits, guest posts, and local citations. They’re known for clean outreach and strict quality checks. Their pricing is higher than most, but the links are solid and trusted by many SEO consultants.

When to Start Outsourcing

You should outsource link building when:

• You’ve published strong content that’s worth linking to
• You have a clear SEO plan but not enough resources
• You’ve done outreach yourself and hit a ceiling
• You want to scale faster without sacrificing quality

If your content is weak or your site is brand new, focus on foundational improvements first. But if you have momentum, outsourcing helps you push further.

Best Practices for a Strong Partnership

Treat your provider like an extension of your team. Set clear expectations, ask for transparency, and review each link. You don’t need to micromanage every detail, but you should be involved in strategy.

The best results come when you align your goals with their process. Good providers appreciate that and deliver better work because of it. See Semrush’s article on how to outsource SEO, it covers the basics of outsourcing and finding the right partnership for your business or agency.

Outsource link building with the same care you’d hire for any critical role. The right choice can drive long-term rankings, authority, and traffic. The wrong one wastes months of budget without moving the needle. Choose wisely, stay involved, and review every link. That’s how you get it right.

Finding the best place to buy backlinks can make or break your SEO strategy. Some providers promise thousands of links overnight, but those usually come from spammy blogs, irrelevant pages, or sites that exist only to sell links. None of that will help your rankings. In most cases, it does the opposite.

If you want results, you need backlinks from real websites with real traffic. That means relevant content, clean metrics, and placements that actually help your site build authority.

Here’s how to identify the best place to buy backlinks based on what works now.

Outreach-Based Backlink Services

Manual outreach remains one of the most trusted ways to build links. These services pitch real publishers, provide quality content, and secure placements that blend naturally with the article.

This isn’t about blasting emails or buying from link farms. You’re getting editorial links from relevant domains. The process takes longer but the links are stronger.

If you’re searching for the best place to buy backlinks that won’t harm your domain, start with a provider focused on outreach, not automation.

Guest Posting on Real Blogs

Guest posts still offer solid SEO value, but only when placed on active sites that publish quality content. These should not be generic blogs accepting every post they receive. You’re looking for sites within your niche that already have rankings and traffic.

The best place to buy backlinks through guest posting will provide:

• Domain metrics before purchase
• Content that is well-written and original
• Contextual placement within the body of the article Anything less is not worth your budget.  Curated Link Marketplaces

Some providers offer a list of pre-approved websites where you can choose where your link will go. These marketplaces can be helpful if you’re experienced and know how to vet domains.

The best place to buy backlinks through marketplaces will allow you to:

• See the full domain URL before placing an order
• Check traffic estimates, topical relevance, and spam scores
• Confirm that the site is indexed and not part of a network

Avoid any marketplace that hides domain names until after purchase or refuses to provide traffic stats.

White Label Solutions for Agencies

Agencies need scale without sacrificing quality. The best place to buy backlinks for agency use will have a white-label option. That means clear deliverables, trackable order history, and quality control handled by the vendor.

Expect full reports with live links, anchor text, referring domains, and domain metrics. You should also have the option to upload your own content or let the provider write it for you.

If a provider offers no control over quality or tries to upsell you without proof, move on.

Link Insertions in Existing Content

Link insertions, often called niche edits, involve placing your link in content that’s already indexed and aged. These are fast to deploy and carry strong SEO signals when done correctly.

The best place to buy backlinks through niche edits will review the content first. Your link should fit the topic and add value. No shoehorning. No forced anchor text. Everything should look natural to both readers and Google.

Sites with active editorial teams and existing backlinks to the article are ideal targets.

Ranking The Best Places to Buy Backlinks

If you’re serious about building authority with real links, the source matters just as much as the strategy. Here are the best places to buy backlinks right now, ranked by quality, transparency, and results.

1. Rankifyer

Rankifyer is the best place to buy backlinks for businesses, agencies, and SEO professionals who want real results without guessing. Every link is placed through manual outreach on niche-relevant websites with organic traffic.

What sets Rankifyer apart:

• Fully white-label service with agency discounts
• No site networks or recycled placements
• Detailed reports with anchor text, live URLs, and domain metrics
• Content, outreach, and site selection handled entirely in-house

Whether you’re ordering one backlink or managing dozens of campaigns, Rankifyer gives you full control, fast turnaround, and placements you can trust.

2. Authority Builders

Authority Builders offers guest post links on real sites. You can filter by niche, traffic, and domain authority. While pricing is premium, the platform gives you visibility into the available domains before you buy.

Best for SEO professionals who want to handpick their link placements without handling outreach themselves.

3. The HOTH

The HOTH provides scalable backlink services including guest posts, link insertions, and press releases. Their dashboard makes order tracking simple, and they offer clear tier-based pricing.

It’s a viable option for agencies managing multiple small to mid-size campaigns, though some links may lack niche relevance if not specified.

4. Loganix

Loganix specializes in clean, high-quality links with strict vetting. Their packages include guest posts and local citation building. While the pricing is higher than most, the service is consistent and tailored toward agencies or consultants focused on quality control.

Their detailed reports and strict placement guidelines make them a trusted option for safer backlink acquisition.

5. Stellar SEO

Stellar SEO offers customized link building campaigns, often starting with a strategy session. Their team handles outreach and content creation but does not operate as a self-service platform. This is ideal for businesses that want a managed approach with long-term results in mind.

Signs of a Bad Link Seller

Knowing where not to buy is just as important as knowing the best place to buy backlinks.

Watch out for:

• Bulk offers with no site details
• Links from unrelated blogs
• Guaranteed rankings
• No reporting or anchor control
• Low prices that don’t match the quality promised

You can’t fake authority. If it feels too easy or too cheap, it probably is. Ahrefs has a helpful piece on the types of bad links to avoid.

The best place to buy backlinks is a provider that prioritizes relevance, transparency, and clean execution. You want links that are earned, not manufactured. That’s how you build trust with search engines and get results that last.

If you’re asking how many types of link building in SEO are worth using right now, there’s a short list that continues to drive rankings. Not every method still works, and some have more weight than others. What matters is using the right mix based on your site, your content, and the authority you’re trying to build.

Here are the most effective types of link building in SEO that still deliver real results.

Editorial Backlinks

Editorial backlinks are naturally earned mentions from other websites. These usually appear in articles, blogs, or guides that reference your content as a useful source. They aren’t requested or placed through outreach, which makes them hard to control, but highly valuable.

These links typically come from high-authority domains and carry strong trust signals. When asking how many types of link building in SEO actually move the needle, editorial links are near the top.

Guest Posts

Guest posting involves writing content for another website and including a backlink to your own. It’s one of the most common and accepted strategies. Publishing on relevant, high-quality websites is crucial.

When done properly, guest posts provide contextual links that blend naturally with the topic. This is still one of the best answers to how many types of link building in SEO are scalable without being spammy.

Resource Page Link Building

Many sites have dedicated pages that link out to useful tools, articles, or references. These are resource pages. The goal here is to find relevant resource pages in your niche, then pitch your content as something worth adding.

Because the page already exists to share links, there’s less friction in the request. If your content matches the theme of the page, this process can be a reliable way to build links at scale.

Broken Link Building

This method involves finding broken or outdated links on someone else’s site, then suggesting your content as a replacement. It requires research, but it works well when paired with high-quality replacement content.

By helping the site owner fix a dead link, you’re providing value while earning a backlink in return. That’s why broken link building continues to be part of the list when reviewing how many types of link building in SEO are worth pursuing.

HARO and Journalist Platforms

Platforms like Help a B2B Writer and Featured.com connect writers and journalists with expert sources. You respond to a request with a short quote or insight. If they like your answer, they include it in their article and link back to your site.

These links often come from major publishers, blogs, or SaaS platforms. You can’t control every outcome, but the opportunities are consistent. If you’re targeting authority links, this is one of the top strategies to consider.

Link Insertions (Niche Edits)

Niche edits involve inserting your link into an existing article on another site. This is different from guest posting, because you’re not writing a new piece. Instead, your link is added where it makes sense within content that already ranks.

This strategy works best when the content is still relevant and gets traffic. Done right, it’s an efficient way to gain contextual links from aged URLs with proven authority.

Directory Listings and Local Citations

These types of links are especially helpful for local SEO. You submit your business to directories that include your name, address, phone number, and a website link. While they don’t carry the same weight as editorial links, they help with consistency and local trust.

If you’re managing local SEO campaigns, these links still play a role. When asking how many types of link building in SEO matter at the local level, citations are still part of the strategy.

Branded Mentions Without Links

HubSpot also touched on this one. Sometimes your brand is mentioned without a link. These are known as unlinked mentions. Reaching out to the site and asking them to link your brand name to your homepage or relevant content can convert these mentions into backlinks.

These opportunities are easier to land because the site already acknowledged you. A simple, polite request often results in a link being added.

Feeler Outreach for Links

Rather than asking for a link in the first message, you send a feeler email. This approach checks whether the recipient is open to seeing your content. If they reply, then you pitch the link opportunity.

Feeler emails often perform better than direct asks. This method increases reply rates and can lead to more placements with less resistance.

There’s no fixed number when asking how many types of link building in SEO are available. The real answer lies in which ones still get results without risking penalties. Semrush has a great piece on the value of different types of backlinks. Focus on editorial mentions, guest content, high-authority placements, and link opportunities that come from value and not automation. These are the types worth your time.

If you’re reading this, you already know that link building is one of the most critical aspects of SEO. However, it’s also often misunderstood and presents significant challenges. You want your website to rank higher, and you know that link building is a crucial part of that equation. I’m here to break down what you really need to know, step by step, and give you strategies that work today. This guide is your shortcut to understanding link building for SEO in 2025.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan to build high-quality links that significantly improve your website. With years of experience in SEO, I am here to share strategies that will still be effective in 2025.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The basics of link building and why it still matters.
• How to build links effectively without wasting time.
• Which types of links actually impact your rankings?
• The best link-building strategies for 2025.
• Tools that will make your life easier.

Let’s dive in.

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The Basics of Link Building

Links are like votes. When another website links to yours, it tells search engines that your content is valuable. The more high-quality votes you have, the better your chances of ranking higher. But not all links are created equal.

In 2025, Google’s algorithms are smarter than ever. They don’t just count links—they evaluate the quality, relevance, and context of each one. That means your focus should be on earning links from authoritative, relevant websites.

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How to Build Links

Link building isn’t about spamming; it’s about creating value and building relationships. Here’s how I approach it:

1. Adding Links

This is the simplest form of link building. You manually add your link to directories, social profiles, or forums. While these links don’t carry much weight, they’re a good starting point for new websites. Think of them as your foundation.

2. Asking for Links

This is where the real work begins. You reach out to website owners and ask them to link to your content. But here’s the catch: you need to offer something valuable. Whether it’s a guest post, a resource they can share, or a collaboration, make it worth their time.

3. Earning Links

This is the gold standard. When you produce something so valuable that people naturally link to it, you’ve achieved success. Think original research, unique tools, or groundbreaking content.

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Which Links Move the Needle?

Not all links are equal. Here’s what makes a link valuable in 2025:

1. Authority

Links from high-authority websites (like news outlets or industry leaders) carry more weight. Tools like Ahrefs’ Domain Rating (DR) can help you gauge a site’s authority.

2. Relevance

A link from a website in your niche is far more valuable than one from an unrelated site. For example, if you run a fitness blog, a link from a health magazine is worth more than one from a car dealership.

3. Anchor Text

The text used in the link matters. Natural, descriptive anchor text helps search engines understand the context of the link.

4. Placement

Links within the main content of a page are more valuable than those in the footer or sidebar.

5. Destination

Links to your homepage are great, but links to specific, high-value pages (like a product page or blog post) can drive targeted traffic and improve rankings for those pages.

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Best Link Building Strategies for 2025

Here are the strategies I recommend for building high-quality links in 2025:

1. Replicate Your Competitors’ Backlinks

Competitors offer abundant opportunities for link building. Use tools like Ahrefs to analyze their backlinks and reach out to the same websites. If they linked to your competitor, they might link to you too.

2. Create Link-Worthy Content

Focus on creating content that people naturally want to link to. This could be original research, in-depth guides, or unique tools. For example, I once created a study on how long it takes to rank in Google, and it earned thousands of backlinks.

3. Leverage Broken Link Building

Find broken links on relevant websites and suggest your content as a replacement. They fix their site, and you receive a link as a reciprocal benefit.

4. Build Relationships

Networking is key. Connect with influencers and website owners in your niche before you need something from them. When the time comes to ask for a link, they’ll be more likely to help.

5. Promote Your Content

Even the best content won’t earn links if no one sees it. Use social media, email outreach, and paid ads to get your content in front of the right audience.

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Link Building Tools You Need

Success in link building isn’t just about effort; it’s also about using the right tools. Here are a few that I recommend:

• Ahrefs: For analyzing backlinks, finding link opportunities, and tracking your progress.
• Google Alerts: To monitor mentions of your brand or industry keywords.
• Hunter.io: For finding email addresses of website owners.
• Pitchbox: To streamline your outreach efforts.

Here are a few alternative tools worth mentioning:

• Backlink Checkers: Tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush help you identify opportunities and track your progress.
• Email Outreach Tools: Platforms like Hunter.io or Pitchbox streamline the outreach process and improve your efficiency.
• Content Research Tools: Use tools like BuzzSumo to identify what’s trending and what people are linking to in your niche.

What Makes Link Building Essential in 2025?

Link building is still one of the strongest signals search engines use to determine a site’s authority. However, it’s important to note that not all links are created equal. The focus has shifted to quality over quantity. When you learn how to target the right links, your rankings can improve significantly, and you’ll also attract more targeted traffic to your site.

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Understanding the Foundations of Link Building

Building links starts with creating connections—literally and figuratively. To get links that help your site, you need to focus on relevance, authority, and proper context. When another website links to your page, it serves as a testament to their trustworthiness. But in 2025, the most valuable links come from high-quality, niche-relevant websites that your audience already trusts.

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Practical Strategies for Link Building in 2025

Let’s look at the strategies that I’ve found to deliver consistent results. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, these are the methods to prioritize:

Foundational Link Building

Start with the basics. Secure links from profiles, directories, and review sites that are relevant to your industry. Think major social networks, local business directories, and top-tier review platforms. These might not pack a lot of ranking power immediately, but they create a natural foundation for your website.

Outreach and Relationship Building

Cold outreach works, but relationships work better. Building connections with niche site owners or influencers can lead to link opportunities. Whether it’s a guest post, a collaboration, or a simple mention, people are more likely to link to someone they trust.

Competitor Backlink Analysis

One of my favorite techniques is studying the backlinks of competitors who rank where you want to be. Find out who’s linking to them, then create content or resources that make a better case for earning that link.

Content That Demands Links

Your content needs to stand out. Original research, detailed guides, and innovative tools are some of the best ways to attract organic backlinks. People link to pages that provide exceptional value.

Resource Page Link Building

Find resource pages in your niche and pitch your content as a helpful addition. This is one of the simplest ways to get links from authority websites.

While you’re at it, consider watching this video by Ahrefs if you’re looking for a video guide on beginner link building:

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Why Link Building Requires Patience

You’re not going to see results overnight. Search engines take time to recognize new links, and your rankings will improve gradually. But with consistent effort and the right strategies, link building will become a powerful tool in your SEO arsenal.

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Final Thoughts

Link building in 2025 isn’t about shortcuts or quick wins. It’s about creating value, building relationships, and earning trust. If you focus on these principles, the links—and the rankings—will follow.

Start small, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to experiment. And remember, the best links come from creating something worth linking to.

If you’re here, you already know that getting high-quality backlinks is critical to boosting your website’s authority and rankings. But with countless dated link-building strategies floating around, it’s tough to figure out which ones are actually worth your time in 2025.

If you’re serious about improving your search rankings, high-quality backlinks aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. I’ve used the strategies I’m about to share to get backlinks from authority sites, which led to noticeable ranking boosts. You’ll learn five proven tactics to get high-quality backlinks, each designed to make a real impact on your site’s authority. I’ve tested several approaches, and I’m sharing five strategies that consistently deliver results in 2025. Follow these, and you’ll be on track to get backlinks that drive real impact.

1. Collaborate with Reporters and Bloggers

One of the fastest ways to get high-quality backlinks is by becoming a trusted source for journalists and bloggers. When you contribute valuable insights, they reward you with backlinks from authoritative sites. I’ve had success using platforms like Help a B2B Writer and similar services that connect businesses with content creators in need of expert input. The key is providing concise, insightful responses—this helps build trust and increases your chances of being cited. Maintaining consistency is crucial, so stay engaged and vigilant for opportunities.

When you want to get high-quality backlinks, connections matter. I’ve secured some of the most valuable links by positioning myself as a reliable source for journalists and bloggers. Services like HARO (Help a Reporter Out) or specialized PR platforms let you respond to content requests from reporters looking for expert opinions. The key here is being concise, providing real value, and building long-term relationships. Over time, these connections will pave the way for consistent backlinks from authoritative sites.

2. Create Link-Worthy “Skyscraper” Content

If you want to consistently attract backlinks, you need content that stands out. I’ve used the Skyscraper method several times, and it works like a charm. Here’s how it goes: Find a high-ranking piece of content in your niche, then create something even better—whether that means more depth, better visuals, or fresh data. After publishing, reach out to sites that linked to the original content. If your piece offers more value, many will gladly link to yours instead.

If you’ve ever heard of the skyscraper technique, you’ll know it’s all about making your content stand out. This method worked wonders for me when I aimed to get backlinks in competitive niches. You start by finding a top-ranking piece of content in your niche, then create something far better—more comprehensive, more engaging, and better formatted. Once you have your skyscraper content ready, reach out to sites linking to the original and suggest your improved version as a superior resource. This approach works because people love linking to the best content available.

3. Build Links by Targeting Outdated Resources

This is a classic but highly effective method. Websites often link to resources that are no longer updated or have moved to new URLs. I search for outdated links in my niche and offer an updated alternative. It’s a simple approach: You give site owners a heads-up about their outdated link and suggest they replace it with your updated content. This method not only helps you get backlinks but also positions you as a helpful, reliable source in your field. This is a topic that Semrush discusses and explains how to use their tool to find broken links easily.

A great way to get backlinks involves tracking down outdated links on high-authority pages and offering an updated alternative. I’ve had success using this strategy by identifying websites that linked to old or obsolete content. You can do the same by finding articles or pages that reference defunct services or outdated studies. Once you spot them, reach out to the site owner and offer your fresh, up-to-date content as a replacement. Not only does this help them improve their content, but it also gets you a valuable backlink.

4. Publish Comprehensive Guides

Ultimate guides are still one of the best ways to attract backlinks naturally in 2025. The idea is simple: Cover a topic in exhaustive detail so that your guide becomes a go-to reference. When done right, others will link to your guide whenever they write about the topic. I’ve seen long-form guides continue to generate backlinks months or even years after publication. Make sure your guide is easy to navigate and packed with actionable insights—that’s what encourages others to share it. This is a topic that Mailchimp discusses and describes it as “content that’s easily linkable.”

Certain content types are naturally better at attracting backlinks. From my experience, formats like data-driven studies, comprehensive guides, and well-crafted infographics tend to perform exceptionally well. Why? Because they provide unique value and are easy for others to reference. Whenever I publish a detailed guide or a report, I make sure it’s something that others in the industry will want to cite in their articles. This tactic alone has resulted in a steady stream of backlinks over time.

5. Leverage Authority Resource Pages

Authority resource pages exist specifically to provide useful links to readers. These pages are goldmines for backlinks if you can get listed on them. I search for resource pages related to my niche using terms like “useful resources” or “helpful links” combined with my main keywords. Once I find a relevant page, I send a brief email suggesting my content as a valuable addition. It’s a straightforward process, and when done correctly, it yields high-quality backlinks from trusted sites.

Sometimes, getting backlinks is as simple as asking. I’ve seen plenty of instances where someone mentioned my brand or content but didn’t include a link. When that happens, I send a friendly email thanking them for the mention and politely ask if they could add a link to the reference. More often than not, they’re happy to oblige. It’s a straightforward strategy, but it works well for turning unlinked mentions into valuable backlinks.

I’d also recommend watching Brian Dean’s (Backlinko) video on how he gets over 1,000 backlinks every month. I’ve embedded it below and it’s a fantastic resource if you’re looking for additional strategies on building backlinks beyond what I’ve discussed here.

If you stick to these five strategies, you’ll start seeing a steady stream of backlinks in 2025 that actually improve your rankings. Remember, quality always beats quantity. Focus on offering real value, and you’ll naturally attract the kind of links that matter. The process takes time, but the payoff is worth it. Each high-quality backlink strengthens your domain authority, improves your rankings, and helps drive more organic traffic your way.

When you’re trying to rank a website higher in search results, it’s impossible to ignore the value of backlinks. From my experience, backlinks are one of the biggest contributors to better visibility, higher authority, and ultimately, more traffic. If you’re not actively focusing on constructing high-quality backlinks, you’re probably missing out on significant opportunities.

Let’s break down what backlinks are and how they function to improve your site’s ranking.

What Are Backlinks?

Backlinks are links from other websites pointing to pages on your site. You might hear them called inbound links since they direct traffic from an external source to your page. What makes backlinks so critical is how search engines interpret them—as a signal of trust. Put simply, when a high-quality site links to yours, search engines perceive it as an endorsement of your content.

The more authoritative websites linking back to your pages, the more search engines recognize your content as valuable. But it’s not just about quantity—quality matters even more. That’s why earning backlinks from relevant and trusted sources can push your rankings higher for competitive keywords. Backlinko discusses what a backlink from a trusted source like Forbes did to their website.

How Do Backlinks Work in SEO?

Search engines evaluate backlinks to determine the relevance and authority of your pages. Every backlink you earn is analyzed for factors like the linking site’s domain authority, the context of the link, and the anchor text used. When all these elements align, they help improve your site’s ranking potential for targeted search terms.

For example, a link from a well-established site in your industry carries more weight than one from a random or unrelated blog. It’s this weighted value that makes strategic backlink building such a crucial part of SEO. Backlinks aren’t just passive ranking signals—they’re actively boosting the credibility of your site in the eyes of search engines.

Backlinks work in two ways:

1. Referral Traffic: Visitors from external sites click the link and land on your page.
2. SEO Value: The linking site’s trust and relevance can boost your authority in search engine algorithms.

Search engines assess the context of the backlink by looking at:

• Anchor Text: The clickable text of the link. If it’s relevant to your content, it can enhance keyword rankings.
• Domain Authority: Links from established domains are more impactful than those from low-traffic sites.
• Link Placement: Links in the main body of the content are more valuable than links in the footer or sidebar.

Why Backlink Quality Matters More Than Quantity

It’s tempting to focus on getting as many backlinks as possible, but I’ve learned that quantity without quality doesn’t yield lasting results. A few high-quality backlinks from relevant and authoritative sites can have a far greater impact than dozens of low-quality ones. This is because search engines prioritize links from sites that already have a solid reputation.

Low-quality backlinks, especially from spammy or irrelevant sources, can do more harm than good. You want backlinks that not only help you rank better but also bring in actual visitors who are interested in what you offer.

How to Build High-Quality Backlinks

In my experience, building backlinks requires a mix of strategy, outreach, and content creation. You can’t just expect people to link to your site without giving them a good reason. This means creating useful content, forming partnerships, and staying active in your industry.

Some effective ways to earn backlinks include:

• Publishing valuable content: When your content answers questions or solves problems, it becomes link-worthy.
• Reaching out to industry blogs: If you’ve written something genuinely helpful, many bloggers are open to linking to it.
• Contributing guest posts: This is a classic way to get exposure while earning a link back to your site.

Not all backlinks are created equal. To gain the most benefit, focus on acquiring links from trustworthy, relevant sites. Here are a few proven methods:

• Create Link-Worthy Content: High-quality, original content naturally attracts backlinks. Think in-depth guides, research, or infographics.
• Guest Posting: Contributing articles to niche-relevant sites is a reliable way to earn backlinks.
• Digital PR: Reach out to journalists or bloggers who might find your content valuable enough to reference.
• Leverage existing relationships: Ask your business partners or affiliates to link to your site, especially if you’ve provided them with valuable resources.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Backlinks can harm your SEO efforts if done incorrectly. Here’s what to avoid:

• Toxic Links: Links from spammy, low-quality sites can result in penalties.
• Over-Optimization: Using the same keyword-rich anchor text repeatedly can make your link profile look unnatural.

How Do Backlinks Benefit Your SEO Strategy?

High-quality backlinks improve your search engine rankings, increase referral traffic, and enhance brand visibility. The more backlinks you earn from reputable sources, the more search engines trust your site. This trust translates into better rankings for your target keywords and more traffic that can convert into leads or sales.

Beyond SEO, backlinks also help with brand exposure. When trusted sites link to your content, their audience becomes aware of your brand, which can lead to new opportunities and partnerships.

Ahrefs actually offers a fantastic explainer video that tells you what backlinks are and why they’re important; this can be a useful resource if you’d like more information on the topic through video. If you’re interested in reading additional articles on the topic, Mailchimp also offers a great article.

Final Thoughts on Backlinks

Backlinks are a cornerstone of SEO. They enhance your site’s authority, improve visibility, and bring in referral traffic. Focus on earning high-quality, relevant backlinks and avoid shortcuts that can harm your rankings. By consistently building your link profile, you can position your site as a trusted resource and stay competitive in search results.

Backlinks remain one of the strongest factors in SEO success. While building them can be challenging, the rewards are worth the effort. If you focus on earning links naturally by offering real value to your audience and industry, you’ll see long-term benefits not just in rankings but also in growing your brand online.