How to Get Backlinks: 10 Realistic Methods

Backlinks are essential for improving your website’s visibility in search engines. They are links from other websites that point to your site, and having quality backlinks can help you rank higher in search results. This article will explore ten practical methods for acquiring backlinks that can enhance your online presence. Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

• Backlinks from trusted sites can boost your search rankings.
• Finding and fixing broken backlinks can help you gain new links.
• Guest posting on relevant sites is a great way to earn backlinks.
• Creating high-quality content attracts more backlinks naturally.
• Building relationships with partners can lead to valuable backlinks.

1. Ask Creators To Fix Your Broken Backlinks

One of the simplest and most effective ways to gain backlinks is by identifying broken links that point to your website. Many website owners appreciate being informed about broken links on their pages. They want to maintain a good user experience and avoid linking to non-existent pages.

Steps to Fix Broken Backlinks:

1. Find Broken Backlinks: Use tools like Semrush’s Backlink Audit to locate broken links that lead to your site.
2. Identify Replacement URLs: Look for pages on your site that can replace the broken links.
3. Contact the Website Owner: Write to the site owner in a friendly email asking them to update the broken link.

Example Email Template:

Subject: Broken link on your page
Hi [Article Writer],
I noticed that your page [URL] has a broken link to our website.
Could you please update it with a link to [new URL]?
Best,
[Your Email Signature]

Remember, following up is important! Keep track of your outreach efforts to see what works best.

2. Strategic Guest Post Links

Guest posting is a powerful way to earn backlinks. When you write for other websites, you can include links back to your own site. However, it’s important to do this correctly to avoid penalties from Google.

Steps to Effective Guest Posting:

1. Find high-quality websites that accept guest posts.
2. Pitch your ideas to these sites, making sure they align with their audience.
3. Write valuable content that includes a link to your site.
4. Follow up to ensure your post gets published.

Tips for Successful Guest Posts:

• Choose sites with a good reputation.
• Avoid using the same anchor text for every link.
• Focus on relevant topics that fit the host site.

Guest posting can significantly boost your website’s visibility and authority when done right.

3. Leverage Your Existing Partnerships

You can use these relationships to gain backlinks if you have connections with other businesses or influencers in your field. This method can be very effective and beneficial for both parties. Here are some ways to do this:

• Provide testimonials for your suppliers or partners.
• Request that member associations include your business in their listings.
• Get your logo featured on partner websites, like in an “Our Clients” section.
• Create co-marketing campaigns around special events or product launches.

To start, make a list of your business partners and suppliers. Check their websites for opportunities to link back to your site.

Remember, the best way to ask for a backlink depends on how well you know the organization. Avoid suggesting a simple exchange of links, as this can be seen as spammy by search engines.

4. Capture Unlinked Mentions

If you are recognized in your field, there’s a good chance people are talking about you or using your work without linking back to your website. You can turn these mentions into valuable backlinks by reaching out to those who mentioned you.

How to Find Unlinked Mentions

1. Set Up Google Alerts: This free tool helps you track mentions of your brand online. Just enter your name, website, or other related keywords.
2. Monitor Your Mentions: Check the alerts you receive to see if they include links to your site.
3. Identify Unlinked Mentions: Make a list of mentions that do not link back to your website.

Reaching Out for Links

When you find unlinked mentions, you can contact the authors. Here’s how:

• Thank them for the mention: Show appreciation for their support.
• Suggest where to add the link: Clearly explain where the link should go and what it should point to.
• Explain the value: Let them know how linking to your site will benefit their readers.

By capturing unlinked mentions, you can build your backlink profile and improve your website’s authority.

5. Publish Skyscraper Content

Creating Skyscraper Content is a powerful way to earn backlinks. This method involves finding existing popular content and then making something even better. Here’s how to do it:

1. Find Popular Content: Start by searching for your topic online. Look for articles that rank high on search engines and have many backlinks.
2. Make It Better: Once you find a good piece of content, consider how to improve it. This could mean adding more details, using better visuals, or making it easier to read.
3. Promote Your Content: After publishing your improved content, share it widely. Reach out to people who might find it useful, especially those you mentioned in your article.

Why Skyscraper Content Works

• It builds on existing interest, making it easier to attract links.
• You provide more value than the original content, which encourages others to link to you.
• It helps establish your authority in your niche.

Remember, creating great content takes time and effort, but the rewards in backlinks and traffic can be significant.

6. Create High-Quality Content

Creating high-quality content is essential for attracting backlinks. When you produce valuable and informative articles, other websites are more likely to link to your work. Here are some key points to consider:

• Focus on Value: Ensure your content provides real value to readers. This could be through in-depth guides, useful tips, or unique insights.
• Engage Your Audience: Use engaging writing styles and visuals to keep readers interested. The more they enjoy your content, the more likely they are to share it.
• Update Regularly: Keep your content fresh and relevant by updating it regularly. This shows that you care about providing the best information.

Why High-Quality Content Matters

High-quality content attracts backlinks and builds your reputation as an authority in your field. When people see your content as trustworthy, they are more likely to link back to it.

“Creating great content is not just about writing; it’s about connecting with your audience and providing them with what they need.”

Examples of High-Quality Content

Here are some types of content that often attract backlinks:

1. How-to Guides: Step-by-step instructions on a specific topic.
2. Research Studies: Original research that provides new insights.
3. Infographics: Visual representations of data that are easy to share.

Focusing on these elements can help you create content that engages your audience and earns valuable backlinks.

7. Use Authority Resource Pages

Authority resource pages are fantastic for building backlinks. These pages exist to link to other useful sites. Here’s how you can use them to your advantage:

1. Find Resource Pages: Look for pages that list helpful links. They might not call themselves resource pages, so try searching for terms like:
2. Reach Out: Once you find a resource page, send a friendly email to the owner. Here’s a simple template you can use:
3. Show Value: Make sure to explain how your link adds value to their page. The more relevant your content is, the better your chances of getting a backlink.

Authority resource pages can be a goldmine for backlinks. By providing valuable content, you not only help others but also improve your own site’s visibility.

8. Recommend Alternative Links

Sometimes, websites ask to change or replace a link in an article. You can use this strategy to gain backlinks too. Here’s how:

1. Find a page with many backlinks but outdated content. For example, look for articles about the best sweaters from 2019.
2. Write a new article on the same topic, like the best sweaters of 2020.
3. Reach out to the sites linking to the old article and ask if they would like to update their links to your new article.

This method may seem a bit cheeky, but it works! Websites want to keep their content fresh and relevant, which helps them rank better in search results and attract more visitors.

By suggesting your updated link, you not only help others improve their content but also gain a valuable backlink for yourself.

9. Try To Recover Your Lost Backlinks

Losing backlinks can happen when websites change, move, or remove their content. However, you can often get those links back. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use a Backlink Audit Tool: Start by setting up your project in a backlink audit tool. Look for the “Lost & Found” report.
2. Filter for Lost Links: Scroll down and apply the “Lost” filter to see which domains you lost backlinks from.
3. Evaluate the Backlinks: Decide which backlinks you want to recover. Consider the following:
   • Toxicity Score (TS): Be careful with sites that have a TS between 45-59 and avoid those with a TS of 60-100. Toxic backlinks can harm your site.
   • Value of the Backlink: If the lost link is from a low-quality or irrelevant page, it might not be worth your time to recover.
   • Likelihood of Recovery: This depends on why you lost the link and your relationship with the website.

Remember, if you reach out to recover a link, clearly explain where the link was and why it should be reinstated.

By following these steps, you can effectively work towards regaining valuable backlinks that can boost your website’s authority.

10. Broken Link Building

Broken link building is a clever way to earn backlinks. This method helps you find broken links on other websites and offer your content as a replacement. Here’s how to do it:

1. Find Broken Links: Use tools like LinkMiner or Ahrefs to discover links that lead to pages that no longer exist.
2. Create Matching Content: Write a piece of content that fits the topic of the broken link.
3. Reach Out: Contact the website owner and let them know about the broken link. Suggest your content as a replacement.

Steps to Implement Broken Link Building:

• Search for websites in your niche that have broken links.
• Analyze the broken links to see how many backlinks they had.
• Create high-quality content that can replace the broken link.
• Send a friendly email to the website owner explaining the situation and offering your content.

Example Outreach Email:

Hi [Name], I noticed that your page [URL] has a broken link to [broken link title]. I have created a resource that could be a great replacement: [Your URL]. If you think it’s useful, I’d appreciate it if you could update the link. Thank you! [Your Name]

Following these steps, you can effectively use broken link building to gain valuable backlinks and improve your website’s authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are backlinks and why are they important?

Backlinks are links from other websites that point to your site. They are important because they help improve your website’s ranking on search engines, making it easier for people to find you.

How can I find broken backlinks to my site?

You can use tools like Semrush’s Backlink Audit tool to find broken backlinks. This tool will show you links that lead to pages that no longer exist on your site.

What is guest posting and how does it help with backlinks?

Guest posting is when you write an article for another website. In return, you can include a link back to your own site. This helps you get backlinks and reach a new audience.

How can I recover lost backlinks?

You can use the Backlink Audit tool to recover lost backlinks to see which links you’ve lost. Then, contact those websites to ask if they can link to you again.

What does ‘broken link building’ mean?

Broken link building is a method where you find broken links on other websites and suggest your own content as a replacement. This helps both you and the website owner.

How do I create high-quality content that attracts backlinks?

To create high-quality content, focus on providing valuable information that is useful to your audience. Use clear language, engaging visuals, and make sure it is well-researched.