Link building is still one of the most powerful ways to boost your website’s search engine rankings and authority. But not all backlinks are created equal, and if you’re relying on spammy tactics from 2009, you’ll probably do more harm than good. Instead, use these 10 proven link building tips to earn high-quality links that move the needle.
1. Create Link-Worthy Content
This sounds obvious, but most link building problems start with weak content. No one wants to link to a generic blog post that says the same thing as 500 other sites. Focus on creating unique, helpful content like:
- Original research or data
- Step-by-step guides
- Interactive tools or calculators
- Case studies with real numbers
The more valuable your content, the more likely people are to reference it naturally.
2. Use Guest Posting Strategically
According to white hate guest poster VelSEOity, guest posting is not dead—far from it. When done right, it’s still one of the best ways to build links, build relationships, and get in front of new audiences.
Pick websites that are relevant to your niche and have real traffic. Avoid shady sites that exist solely to sell backlinks. Write high-quality posts that provide genuine value, and include a contextual link back to your site where it makes sense.
3. Build Broken Link Campaigns
Broken link building involves finding dead links on websites in your industry and offering your content as a replacement. It’s a win-win: the site owner fixes a broken link, and you get a backlink.
Tools like Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, or Check My Links (Chrome extension) can help you identify broken links quickly. Then, just reach out with a polite, helpful email offering your replacement content.
4. Leverage HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
HARO connects journalists with expert sources. Sign up as a source, and you’ll get daily emails with queries from writers looking for input. If they use your quote, they’ll often link back to your site.
To stand out, reply quickly, be concise, and include a short bio with your link. Bonus: getting featured in major media outlets is great for both links and credibility.
5. Reclaim Unlinked Mentions
Sometimes people talk about your brand or quote your content without linking to you. You’ve already done the hard part—now you just need to claim what’s yours.
Use tools like Google Alerts or Mention to track brand mentions. When you find one without a backlink, reach out and politely ask for the link. Most site owners will say yes if your content helped them.
6. Use Skyscraper Technique 2.0
The original Skyscraper Technique by Brian Dean involves finding high-performing content, creating something even better, and reaching out to the same linkers.
In version 2.0, take it further: improve on the original content by adding new data, visuals, or insights—and personalize your outreach with details that show you actually care.
This works well because you’re pitching something clearly better than what they already linked to.
7. Get Listed on Resource Pages
Many websites have resource pages or “best tools” lists for a specific topic. If you offer a tool, guide, or product that fits, you can pitch it as a valuable addition.
Search Google for terms like:
- “Top [industry] tools”
- “Useful resources for [audience]”
- “Best websites for [niche]”
Make sure your pitch is short, respectful, and tailored to the content of the page.
8. Publish Testimonials
This is an easy win. Think about the tools, apps, or services you use in your business. Most companies love showing off testimonials—and they’ll usually include a backlink to your site.
Write a genuine testimonial and send it in. If they publish it, that’s a new backlink from a relevant business site—often with high authority.
9. Steal Your Competitors’ Best Backlinks
Spying on your competitors can reveal exactly where they’re getting their best links from—and show you where you should be reaching out.
Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz to plug in their domains and export their backlink profiles. Then identify high-value links you could replicate, either by guest posting, submitting your content, or building a better version of what they linked to.
10. Build Relationships, Not Just Links
This might be the most underrated tip on this list.
Outreach works best when it’s part of a relationship—not just a cold ask. Engage with people on Twitter, comment on their blogs, share their content, and add value first. When you finally send that link request or guest post pitch, they’ll recognize your name—and be way more likely to say yes.
Final Thoughts
Link building is part strategy, part persistence, and part people skills. While some tactics may bring quick wins, the most sustainable links come from consistent effort, genuine connections, and content that’s actually worth linking to.
Don’t fall into the trap of chasing thousands of low-quality links. A handful of high-authority backlinks can outperform hundreds of junk links. Focus on relevance, value, and relationships—and watch your rankings climb.
