Backlinks are like the currency of the internet—some are as valuable as gold, while others are barely worth a penny.
If you’ve ever poured your time and energy into building backlinks only to see no real impact, you’re not alone.
The truth is that not all backlinks are created equal. Understanding what makes a backlink truly “move the SEO needle” is the key to turning your efforts into results.
A backlink builds your credibility and gets people talking. A professional Link Building Agency will shout your name in an empty room.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the exact strategies, tools, and insider tips you need to focus on the links that matter.
Backlink 101: The Science Behind What Makes Google Tick
Regarding SEO, we often hear about keywords, website speed, and user experience.
But backlinks? They’re the silent warriors of the digital world, working behind the scenes to boost your rankings, build your authority, and earn Google’s trust.
Think of backlinks as votes of confidence for your content. Every time another website links to yours, they say, “Hey, this site knows what it’s talking about!”
Backlinks = Trust Signals for Search Engines
If you’re looking for a restaurant, you’re more likely to trust one recommended by a group of food critics than one suggested by a random stranger, right?
That’s exactly how Google sees backlinks.
When reputable websites link to your content, they signal to search engines that your site is trustworthy, relevant, and worth showing to users.
Source: Adam Connel
Google’s algorithm, which determines where your site ranks in search results, relies heavily on trust signals like backlinks.
This is especially true for white hat link building strategies, which focus on earning genuine, high-quality links rather than relying on shady tactics.
Authority Building: Become the Expert Google Wants to Promote
Backlinks don’t just boost trust—they also build your authority in your niche.
When multiple websites link to your content, it tells search engines that your site is a go-to resource for information.
Over time, this helps you establish domain authority, which increases your chances of ranking higher for competitive keywords.
Here’s where tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush come in handy. These link building tools allow you to conduct competitor backlink analysis, showing you which high-authority websites are linking to your competitors.
You can identify opportunities to replicate and improve their strategies by studying what works for others.
- Example: If a competitor has backlinks from local business directories, you can pursue local link building by listing your business on similar directories.
Quality Over Quantity: The Golden Rule of Backlinks
Here’s an important truth about how to get backlinks: it’s not about having a ton of links.
It’s about having the right ones. A single backlink from a trusted, high-authority site can carry more weight than 100 links from low-quality, irrelevant sites.
Source: Adam Connel
Think of it like this: Would you rather have one glowing recommendation from a leading expert or a hundred generic comments from strangers? Google feels the same way. It prioritizes backlinks from sites that are:
- Relevant to your niche or industry.
- High in domain authority (DA).
- Trusted by users.
Tip: Focus on white hat link building techniques, such as creating quality content and reaching out to industry-specific sites, rather than trying to game the system with spammy tactics.
Digital PR: Make Headlines, Get Links
Digital PR might be your golden ticket if you’ve ever wondered how to get backlinks from big-name websites. It’s all about crafting newsworthy content that journalists, bloggers, and high-authority sites want to feature.
Think of it as creating engaging stories that people can’t help but talk about—and link to them.
Here’s the secret: Newsworthy doesn’t mean complicated. It just needs to spark curiosity, answer a question, or ride the wave of a trending topic.
How to Craft Newsworthy Content That Stands Out
- Tap Into Current Trends
Relevance is key. Think of stories tied to what everyone is talking about.
For example, during the buzz around Taylor Swift’s private jet emissions, a marketing firm created a data study ranking celebrity CO2 emissions. The result? Over 1,800 backlinks and mentions on top sites like Time and Business Insider.
- Make It Relatable
News that resonates with everyday people is more likely to be picked up.
For instance, if you’re in the furniture industry, imagine an article titled: “How AI Would Redesign Iconic Sitcom Sets for 2024.” It’s quirky, fun, and easy to share.
- Use Unique Angles
The internet is full of generic content. Stand out by offering something fresh. For example, instead of a blog post on “best coffee shops,” a study titled “The Most Instagrammable Coffee Shops by City” would grab more attention.
- Add a Visual Punch
Journalists love visuals. Infographics, charts, or interactive tools make your content easier to understand and more appealing to link to.
Data-Driven Stories That Journalists Can’t Ignore
Data is the backbone of Digital PR.
Journalists love hard numbers that back up bold claims. Why?
Because data makes stories credible and shareable. If you can provide unique insights or fresh takes, your chances of earning backlinks skyrocket.
How to Find Data That Drives Links
- Leverage Tools Like Ahrefs
Ahrefs is a powerhouse for uncovering industry-specific trends. For example:
- Use the Content Explorer feature to find what’s already trending in your niche.
- Look at keywords in Keywords Explorer to discover search behaviors. This can reveal fascinating insights like “What Your Industry’s Google Searches Reveal About Trends.”
- Dig Into Public Databases
- Google Trends: Track search behavior and spot shifts in user interests.
- Government Databases: Access public datasets for unique insights. For instance, use the Bureau of Labor Statistics to analyze workplace trends.
- Tap Into Proprietary Data
- If you have internal metrics or survey results, these can make for powerful, linkable content. For example, an HR software company might release a report on “How Remote Work Has Changed Employee Productivity in 2024.”
- Get Creative with Comparisons
- Combine unexpected data points to create buzz. For example:
- A cybersecurity firm could analyze how searches for “password resets” spike after a major data breach.
- A fitness app could rank cities by gym attendance rates compared to their fast-food consumption.
- Combine unexpected data points to create buzz. For example:
Why Journalists Love Fresh Stats (And How to Give Them)
Journalists are always looking for content that adds value to their stories.
Fresh statistics do exactly that. They provide a reason for readers to click and keep the journalist’s content engaging.
Practical Tips for Creating Bite-Sized, Shareable Data
- Keep It Simple
Break down your data into easily digestible chunks. Think:
- Lists: “10 Fastest-Growing Industries in 2024”
- Rankings: “Top 5 Cities for Remote Work This Year”
- Comparisons: “How Solar Energy Use Compares to Traditional Power in Rural Areas”
- Make It Visual
- Add Context
- Data on its own can feel dry. Add a quick explanation of why it matters. For example:
- “Searches for ‘work-life balance tips’ have grown 40% in the last year, reflecting a shift in workplace culture.”
- Data on its own can feel dry. Add a quick explanation of why it matters. For example:
- Keep It Fresh
- Regularly update your stats to keep your content evergreen. A page like “2024 SEO Statistics You Need to Know” can continue attracting links if it’s updated quarterly.
- Highlight Surprising Findings
- People love quirky, unexpected stats. For instance:
- “80% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations—but only 20% leave them.”
- People love quirky, unexpected stats. For instance:
How to Get Journalists to Notice Your Data
Once you’ve crafted your data-backed content, it’s time to get it noticed:
- Target the Right Journalists: Use platforms like HARO to connect with writers in your niche.
- Personalize Your Pitch: Explain why your data is relevant to their audience.
- Make It Easy: Include a link to your stats page, visuals they can embed, and a quick summary of the key takeaways.
Add a Boost: Combine Data with the Skyscraper Technique
This is a great way to repurpose your data if you’re familiar with the skyscraper technique. Find existing content that’s ranking well and outdo it with:
- More recent stats.
- Stronger visuals.
- Deeper analysis.
For example, if a competitor’s post is titled “2023 Content Marketing Trends,” create a more comprehensive page: “The Ultimate Guide to 2024 Content Marketing Trends.”
Backlinks in Your Backyard: Why Local Links Matter
When it comes to how to get backlinks that make a real impact, don’t overlook the power of your local community.
Community directories, local blogs, and regional news outlets offer valuable opportunities to build credibility and boost rankings.
These platforms, like national news sites, may have low domain authority, but their relevance to your geographic area gives them a unique advantage in local SEO.
Backlinks from local sources prove to search engines that you’re an active and trusted member of your community.
Why Local Backlinks Matter for SEO
- Relevance to Local Audiences
Search engines prioritize results that are relevant to a user’s location. Local backlinks signal that your business is important to the community, improving your visibility for local searches.
For example, A link from “Best Coffee Shops in Austin” is far more valuable for an Austin café than a generic directory with listings from across the country.
- Boosting Trust with Search Engines
Local directories and blogs are often considered reliable sources within their communities.
When these platforms link to your site, it acts like a vote of confidence for search engines.
According to BrightLocal, 75% of people searching for local services visit a business within 24 hours of finding it online. Local backlinks play a key role in ensuring your business appears in those searches.
- Higher Conversion Potential
Local audiences who find you through regional sources are more likely to convert.
They’re already interested in your area and potentially searching for your specific product or service.
How to Get Backlinks from Local Sources
Leverage Community Directories
Get listed in directories like your city’s Chamber of Commerce or niche directories relevant to your business.
Pro Tip: Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all directories. This consistency builds trust with search engines.
Engage with Local Blogs
Reach out to bloggers who cover community events, businesses, or lifestyle topics. Offer them a behind-the-scenes look at your business or collaborate on a feature.
Example: A boutique could invite a local fashion blogger to review their latest collection.
Pitch to Regional News Outlets
Share newsworthy events or achievements. For instance, a bakery launching a new seasonal menu or a business celebrating its anniversary can be a great angle for local journalists.
Template for Pitching to Local Media
Subject Line: Celebrate Local Art with Free Coffee: Denver Café Hosts Community Show
Hi [Journalist’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well! My name is [Your Name], and I’m the owner of [Your Business Name], a [type of business] based in [city]. I wanted to reach out because we’re hosting a unique community event that I think your readers would love.
On [date], we’re hosting a local art showcase at our café featuring works from talented artists in Denver. This event is completely free, and we’re offering complimentary coffee to attendees as a way of giving back to our community.
As more people seek ways to connect locally, we believe this event will resonate with your audience. I’d love to provide more details, photos, or even a sneak peek at the artwork if you’re interested in covering this story.
Thank you so much for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Tools You Can’t Skip (Even if You’re a Link-Building Skeptic)
You’re on a treasure hunt, but instead of a map, you’re wandering, hoping to stumble across gold.
That’s what trying to build backlinks or improve SEO feels like without the right tools.
Ahrefs is like that treasure map—it doesn’t just point you in the right direction; it shows you exactly where the opportunities lie.
Whether you’re uncovering broken links, spotting guest posting opportunities, or identifying content gaps, Ahrefs makes the journey smoother and far more effective.
Source: Ahrefs
Finding Gold in Broken Link Building
Broken link building is one of the most effective and underutilized types of backlinks. It works like this: you find links on other websites pointing to pages that no longer exist, then offer your content as a replacement.
It’s a win-win: the website fixes its broken link, and you gain a high-quality backlink.
With Ahrefs, this process becomes incredibly easy:
- Use the Site Explorer tool to analyze a competitor’s site.
- Filter their backlinks to find links pointing to 404 error pages.
- Check the previously broken page content using a tool like Wayback Machine.
- Create or repurpose content that fits the broken link’s context.
- Reach out to the website owner with a polite pitch offering your link.
Pro Tip: Broken link building is about quantity and relevance. A link from a blog in your industry is far more valuable than one from an unrelated site.
According to Ahrefs, 66.5% of backlinks point to broken pages, meaning a treasure trove of opportunities is waiting to be tapped.
Spotting Guest Posting Opportunities Like a Pro
Guest posting is one of the most popular types of backlinks, but finding the right opportunities can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Ahrefs simplifies this:
- Use the Content Explorer to search for topics related to your niche.
- Filter results by “One Article Per Domain” and set a high Domain Rating (DR) to focus on authoritative sites.
- Analyze these sites to identify blogs that frequently accept guest posts.
Once you have a list, reach out with a personalized pitch.
But remember quality matters—craft unique, valuable content tailored to their audience.
Closing the Content Gaps
Every website has content gaps—topics your competitors are ranking for, but you’re not.
These gaps represent untapped opportunities to create content that drives traffic and earns backlinks.
Ahrefs’ Content Gap tool lets you:
- Compare your site with competitors.
- Identify keywords they rank for that you don’t.
- Use this data to create content tailored to those keywords.
Example: If a competitor is ranking for “how to get backlinks,” but you don’t cover this topic, you can create a detailed guide to fill that gap.
Combine the Skyscraper Technique with content gap analysis. Find high-performing content and create an even better version—longer, more comprehensive, or visually engaging.
Google Trends: The Crystal Ball of Content Creation
Do you know exactly what your audience will search for before they even type it into Google?
That’s the magic of Google Trends—a tool that turns trending topics into actionable content ideas.
If Ahrefs is your treasure map, Google Trends is your crystal ball, showing you where the gold will be before anyone else notices.
Source: Google Trends
Spot Emerging Trends in Real-Time
Google Trends lets you see what people are searching for right now.
By identifying spikes in search interest, you can create content that taps into the zeitgeist. This is particularly useful for:
- Seasonal content (e.g., “Best Holiday Decorations for 2024”).
- Industry news (e.g., “How AI is Revolutionizing Small Businesses”).
- Pop culture tie-ins (e.g., “What Taylor Swift’s Jet Says About Carbon Footprints”).
Localize Your Content for Maximum Impact
Want to ace local link building? Google Trends can help you tailor your content to specific regions. For instance:
- If searches for “best vegan restaurants” are trending in your city, create a guide featuring your local recommendations.
- Use region-specific topics to attract backlinks from local blogs or regional news outlets.
Pro Tip: Pair Google Trends with Ahrefs’ Content Explorer to identify trending keywords that also have high search volume.
Refresh Evergreen Content with Trend Data
Evergreen content is designed to stay relevant for years, but that doesn’t mean it can’t benefit from a little updating. Use Google Trends to:
- Add trending keywords or topics to existing content.
- Refresh titles and subheadings to reflect current interests.
Example: If you have an article about “how to get backlinks,” update it with new sections based on trending terms like “broken link building” or “AI for link outreach.”
Common Link-Building Mistakes (And How Not to Embarrass Yourself)
What if you’re taking a test instead of studying, you buy the answers? You might think you’ve found a shortcut, but the teacher will catch on sooner or later.
In the world of SEO, buying backlinks is just like this. You might see a quick spike in your rankings, but Google and other search engines are getting increasingly better at spotting shady practices.
And when they do, the consequences can be severe.
Why Does Google Care So Much About Links?
Links are one of the most important ranking factors for search engines. They act as votes of confidence for your website.
The more quality, relevant links you have, the more Google trusts your content.
However, when you buy links, you’re essentially trying to trick the system.
Google’s algorithms are designed to catch unnatural link patterns, and if they find that you’re buying links, you risk penalties like:
- Lower rankings: Google might punish your site by lowering its visibility in search results.
- Manual penalties: Google’s team could manually review your site, leading to harsher consequences.
- Loss of trust: If Google suspects foul play, it could strip away the authority of the links pointing to your site, damaging your SEO long-term.
In the world of SEO, it’s better to earn backlinks than to buy them. Sure, it takes longer, but the rewards are much sweeter and more sustainable in the long run.
The Over-Optimized Anchor Text Trap
Anchor text is a crucial component when looking at how to get backlinks.
Anchor text is the clickable part of a link, often underlined and highlighted in blue. It’s a signal to Google about the context and relevance of the page you’re linking to.
However, if you’re constantly optimizing your anchor text to include your target keywords in every backlink, you’re heading straight into the “over-optimized anchor text trap.”
What’s the Problem with Over-Optimized Anchor Text?
Using the same keyword-rich anchor text across multiple links looks unnatural to both
users and search engines.
For example, if every link pointing to your site uses anchor text like “best digital marketing company,” Google may see this as manipulation. It’s like trying to force a keyword into every conversation — people (and search engines) will notice.
Instead, variety is key. A natural link profile should include a mixture of:
- Branded anchor text (your business name or website URL).
- Generic text (like “click here” or “learn more”).
- Long-tail keyword phrases that sound organic and relevant.
- Naked URLs (the full website address).
This diversity in your backlink profile makes it look more natural to Google, which increases your chances of ranking for multiple relevant keywords without triggering penalties.
Chasing Low-Quality Links? Here’s Why It’s a Waste of Time
When building backlinks, quality is far more important than quantity.
Chasing after many backlinks from low-authority websites or spammy directories might be tempting. But in reality, this approach can do more harm than good.
Why aren’t all backlinks created equal?
A link from a high-quality, authoritative website (think well-known blogs, industry publications, or reputable news outlets) sends a much stronger signal to Google than a link from a low-quality, irrelevant webpage. A spammy or irrelevant backlink can hurt your SEO efforts.
Google’s Trustworthiness Score
Links from sites with poor domain authority or spammy content can lower your site’s trustworthiness score. Google may see these links as a sign that your content is not credible or valuable.
Irrelevance Hurts More Than Helps
Imagine you’re a digital marketing agency, and you get a link from a site about knitting. While it’s a backlink, it’s highly irrelevant to your industry. Google values relevance just as much as the quality of the site.
Links from unrelated niches or spammy sites do nothing to improve your SEO.
Link Spam Penalties
Google is well aware of link schemes and manipulative tactics. If you get caught in a bad backlink profile, you risk Google applying a penalty, making it harder for your site to rank, or even removing you from search results altogether.
Under-the-Radar Strategies You’ve Been Sleeping On
Most people think of the typical strategies when building backlinks: guest posts, outreach, and resource pages.
But there’s an often-overlooked goldmine in the world of SEO—interactive content.
Source: Adam Connell
Think quizzes, calculators, and games that engage users and attract natural backlinks from other sites.
Interactive content stands out because it isn’t just static; it invites participation.
People love interacting with something that feels personalized or fun.
For example, quizzes like “Which Pizza Topping Are You?” can get tons of attention and, surprisingly, backlinks. Why? Because it encourages users to share their results on social media and blogs, creating valuable link-building opportunities.
So, what’s the ultimate secret to harnessing interactive content? It’s about making it shareable and relevant.
A well-crafted tool or quiz will get attention, but it’s the value it offers that will lead to the most backlinks. Let’s take a closer look at a couple of examples that got this strategy right:
- Quizzes and Polls: Who doesn’t love a quiz that claims to reveal something unique about themselves? Whether it’s determining your “ideal vacation destination” or discovering your “spirit animal,” quizzes are incredibly shareable.
- Calculators: Tools like an ROI Calculator or cost estimators can provide immense value to your audience while positioning your site as an authority. For instance, if you’re in the marketing space, offering a free cost calculator for PPC campaigns could drive tons of relevant backlinks from industry blogs and marketing experts.
By creating content that informs and entertains, you can increase your chances of earning backlinks.
The more people interact with your content, the more likely it is to be shared, leading to organic link-building opportunities.
Repurpose Content Like a Pro
Content repurposing is a smart, efficient strategy to generate fresh, linkable assets without constantly creating from scratch.
The idea here is to take what you’ve already created—like old blog posts—and give them new life in a different format. This can drastically increase your backlink potential without demanding too much extra effort.
Start by taking your top-performing blog posts and transforming them into infographics, videos, or even slideshows.
Why does this work? Because each new format attracts different audiences and gives you more chances for backlinks. An infographic, for instance, might get linked to by visual-heavy sites like Pinterest or SlideShare, while a video could find its way into blog posts and social media shares.
Consider this simple yet powerful example: You’ve written an in-depth blog post about content marketing tips. It’s already packed with value and information, but why stop there? Turn it into a series of eye-catching infographics with bite-sized tips or a short explainer video.
These new formats can be shared far and wide, increasing the chance that other people will link back to your original content.
Repurposing works like magic because it makes your content fit for multiple platforms, giving it a fresh life every time.
One key point to remember when repurposing is to target the right audience for each format.
For example:
- Infographics perform well in industries focusing on visual data, like finance, tech, or health.
- Videos thrive on YouTube, LinkedIn, and even social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, encouraging quick, snackable content.
- Slideshows or PDFs can be valuable for educational or technical niches where people prefer to download and review material at their own pace.
Repurposing doesn’t just mean throwing content into different formats; it’s about creating an asset designed for maximum exposure across multiple channels.
Conclusion: Building Backlinks That Actually Move the SEO Needle
Backlinks are still king, but it’s not just about the quantity. It’s all about the quality and relevance of those links. The key takeaway? Focus on strategies that bring value, not just links.
[A] Growth Agency will build relationships with high-authority sites and chase the right ones. Our experienced team will improve your search rankings and build trust and credibility over time.
Remember, with the right approach, your link-building efforts can be a game-changer—turning your site into a go-to resource in your niche.
We believe in the power of data to inform and drive every strategy, ensuring our actions are as effective as they are innovative.
Excellence is our standard.
We’re not just looking for quick wins—we’re looking to build a sustainable, scalable backlink profile. So, if you’re ready to take your SEO efforts to the next level, let’s get started together.
