Link building works! 3 strategies to start today!
Joram BoonSEO and content specialist20 December 2023 · updated 26 September 2026
Link building… tricky, time-consuming and costly!
It's one of those SEO terms everyone says is important for SEO, but why?, nobody can really explain it!
Today we're going to break that down once and for all! With clear, straight-to-the-point language, no annoying jargon!
In this blog we answer the questions:
- What link building is.
- Why it matters!
- What makes a good backlink? (+ checklist!)
- How do I get started? (best practices and link building tips)
- What are common mistakes? (and how to avoid them)
Let's start at the basics, what is link building?
What is link building?
Link building is the process of getting links (also called backlinks) from other websites, to improve your visibility and domain authority with search engines!
It's like a friend recommending you to others; the more friends who recommend you, the more popular you become!
(Back)links are these kinds of recommendations in the online world! Other sites linking to you are basically casting a 'vote of trust' for your site.
The great thing about link building? It helps your website climb higher in Google! Here's a practical example!
Imagine your site is a coffee bar.
The more people who say 'hey, check out that coffee bar, it's a nice spot!', the more customers you get, right?
Websites work the same way. Quality links from sites that are themselves well-regarded in the market are worth GOLD!
They tell Google: 'this site knows its stuff and is trustworthy, useful, and worth visiting.'
But… it's not just about the number of links, it's mainly about quality. One link from a top website is worth more than dozens from lesser-known sites. Just like in real life, recommendations from respected sources carry more weight.
You wouldn't take financial advice from someone drowning in debt either, right? (I hope, for your sake, haha!)
Why does link building matter?
Think of link building as building your website's reputation in the digital world.
And you probably know how important your reputation is for a business!
You can think of link building as online word of mouth!
Every backlink is a 'like' or recommendation from other websites, which gives your site more credibility and visibility with search engines such as Google. That means higher rankings and more traffic!
The great part? These benefits stick around long after you got the link.
Here's an example!
Let's say you have a website about healthy recipes. A well-known food blogger links to your quinoa salad recipe in their blog post about 'Top 10 healthy recipes for summer'.
This backlink works as a STRONG recommendation. Search engines see it, but readers of that popular blog also visit your site. That means more traffic and followers for you!
And a big advantage: as long as that blog post stays online, this backlink keeps providing value (link juice).
What makes a good backlink?
Something every website owner, blogger or online entrepreneur should know: what makes a backlink GOOD!
Think of the difference between an espresso from a vending machine and that perfect cappuccino from your favourite café, it comes down to quality.
This image sums it up in one go!
Take a look below for the things to pay attention to, and at the end I've got a checklist for you!
The link needs to be relevant!
First, a top backlink comes from a site that has something to do with what you do.
Example: you're still running that cooking blog.
A link from a well-known culinary site is worth a lot.
It's as if that site is telling Google: "Hey, this cook (website) knows what they're talking about!"
Choose a website with high authority.
A link from a site that's been around for years and ranks well is like a pat on the back from the big players.
That kind of link says a lot about how trustworthy your site is, in the eyes of search engines.
The link needs to look 'natural'.
If your link ends up on another site naturally, simply because your content is genuinely great, then you've done a fantastic job.
But in reality, plenty of sites know the value of their link and charge a lot of money for it. That's fine, but make sure the link is then worked into the text as naturally as possible.
Google has a nose for links that don't feel genuine, and it keeps getting better at spotting them.
Make sure the link is 'do-follow'!
In the world of backlinks, 'dofollow' links are the heroes.
They tell search engines to take you seriously and send some link juice (the value of the link) your way.
'Nofollow' is fine too, but more for traffic and branding, less for SEO link building.
Take control of 'where' the link appears in the article.
Where your link sits on a page matters.
A link in the middle of a highly relevant article is far better than one lost somewhere in a footnote.
So take control of your backlink placement!
Use good anchor text!
The text around your link, the anchor text, matters too.
It needs to be worked in naturally, with a few related keywords from the page you're linking to.
This gives you anchor text diversification
Quality over quantity!
And finally, go for quality links, I can't stress this enough!
A pile of bad links can do more harm than good.
One strong link can have more impact than ten weak ones.
Take a look below at how our authority shot up after 1 quality link, from the following guest post on Ranktracker!
Checklist for good backlinks
I've put together a list of questions to help you figure out whether a link is worthwhile!
Relevance
- Does the backlink come from a website that's relevant to my niche or industry?
- Does the content of the linking page reflect my topic or field?
Authority
- Is the website linking to me an authority in its field?
- Does the website have a high domain authority score (check with SEO tools)?
Naturalness
- Does the backlink look natural and not forced?
- Was the backlink obtained without paying for placement?
Type of link
- Is the backlink a 'dofollow' link?
- Does the link contribute to my SEO value?
Placement of the link
- Is the link placed in the main content of the page?
- Is the context of the link relevant and meaningful in relation to the surrounding content?
Anchor text
- Is the anchor text relevant to my website and content?
- Does the anchor text contain a natural mix of keywords and descriptive phrases?
Quality versus quantity
- Am I focusing on getting high-quality links rather than a large number of low-quality ones?
- Am I avoiding strategies that could lead to search engine penalties?
Long-term value
- Does the link contribute to the long-term authority and credibility of my website?
- Does the link help me achieve lasting SEO benefits?
How do you start with link building? + 3 strategies for beginners!
Good links come from other sites finding something of yours worth pointing to. You can simply start on that yourself.
So how do you go about it?
Here are three simple, but super effective, steps for you.
Ready for some insider tips? Let's dive in and learn to do link building yourself!
Step 1: Create content people 'want' to share!
Start with the foundation of every effective link building strategy: create 'linkable assets' through content marketing.
Create content that's so engaging, informative and easy to read that other people 'want' to share it.
This can range from in-depth articles and infographics to comprehensive guides and appealing videos. If people can share it, it can earn you links!
The goal is to create content you'd want to read or watch yourself, create genuine value for the reader, solve their problem.
Step 2: Network for links, make connections!
With your killer content in hand, it's time to network online!
You can do this by joining communities, forums, and social media groups that are relevant to your niche. Get active, share your insights, and join in on discussions.
Share your content now and then, but not in a spammy way, only share it when it genuinely adds value!
But also think about: cold outreach by email, cold calling, or even dropping by in person!
It's about building relationships, just like you'd make new friends at a café, just have a nice chat.
These connections can open the door to valuable link opportunities.
Step 3: Reach out and create a win-win situation!
Now make personal contact, by email or DM, and ask for links (the right way!)The right way…- Understand the other person's needs. What kind of content do they publish? What are their readers interested in? Once you know what they find valuable, you can tailor what you're offering in return!
- Make it personal. Show that you know and appreciate their work. Explain why your content would be a great addition to their site. Maybe it solves a problem for their readers, or offers a new angle on a topic they already write about.
- Offer valuable content. Make sure that what you're offering isn't just good for your link building, but genuinely adds value to the other person's website too. This could be a well-written guest post, a detailed case study, or even an original infographic they can use.
- Be open to other things in return. Sometimes a link swap can work well. If the other party also has interesting content, consider sharing their content on your site too. This creates a mutual exchange of value, which is the basis of a win-win situation.
Link building isn't a one-off transaction, it's the start of a relationship.
By aiming for a win-win situation, you build a long-term partnership that benefits both sides.
Link building strategies you can start with today!
Want to do link building yourself?
There are loads of link building strategies out there, all wrapped in complicated jargon, below are 3 practical link building strategies you can start with today!
Let's begin!
Link building strategy 1 (simplest): use online platforms, forums and social media!
We touched on this briefly above already, the idea is very simple, be where your audience (your readers) hangs out.
That lets you share your content nicely and connect with your audience, and possibly other website owners!
Here's what you need to do!
Step 1: Find the right platform or forum!
For social media, think Facebook groups, Instagram (comments), Pinterest, LinkedIn. Whatever comes to mind!
For forums, think Reddit or Quora, or search Google for your niche + forum!
For online platforms, think Discord servers, paid communities, and specific apps your readers use that have a community feature!
Step 2: Be active and add value!
You're not just there to dump your content and disappear. No, you need to get genuinely active. Reply to posts, join discussions, and be helpful.
That's how you build presence and credibility.
You're not that annoying person who only talks about what they're selling, but more the helpful expert who always has something interesting to say.
You can just do this whenever you've got a spare moment or are on the move!
Step 3: Share your content! (the right way!)
Now that you've built a bit of a name for yourself, you can start sharing your content.
But do this smartly.
Only share content that genuinely adds value to the discussion.
Got an article about the latest vegan trends? Share it on a vegan forum when someone asks what's happening in the vegan world right now. You get the idea.
People have a problem, and you happen to be there with a solution, your article!
This is also a great way to pick up content topic ideas!
Step 4: Build relationships and pop the question!
By being active and sharing valuable content, you build relationships.
People will start to recognise and appreciate you.
And sometimes, if you're lucky, they'll link to your site on their own. Because if they think your content is fantastic, they'll want to share it with their own network.
But often you'll still need to follow up yourself, with a DM, asking whether they'd like to start a collaboration.
But you already have a connection with them, they've already seen your content, all you have to do now is ask!
In summary!
Link building through online platforms, forums and social media is like a fun night out: it's all about the right spot, taking part actively, adding real value and building good relationships.
In other words, give plenty first, then ask, but it's absolutely worth it!
This is a cheap link building technique, and fairly easy to pull off. The only downside is that it can be pretty time-consuming! It does give you a nice excuse to be on social media though!
Strategy 2: Scour the internet.
Strategy two is also simple, perfect for people who don't enjoy social media, and want a structured approach!
Here's how you tackle it:
Step 1: Know your audience and find potential link sources
Start with your target audience.
Who are they? What do they read? Where do they search online?
Make a list of interests and needs. This helps you figure out where you can find them.
Use that list of interests and search for websites where your audience hangs out.
Think blogs, news sites, online stores.
Google away!
Step 2: Assess, gather and process!
Take the time to assess each site. Are they relevant to your niche? Does it look like a place where your content would add value?
Choose the sites that best fit your business and brand.
Make a list of potential sites, gather contact details (email, name), and put them into a spreadsheet.
To make it personal, pick a blog or other piece of content on their site, and note the URL, the blog topic, and note something that stood out!
To make this easy, I've got a spreadsheet ready for you! Click here and make a copy top left in the menu, under the file heading!
Now all you need to do is fill it in! Off you go!
Step 3: Write an outreach email and start mailing!
Write a nice, personal and genuine outreach email.
Explain why your content would be a perfect addition to their site.
Highlight the mutual benefits and what you can offer them.
Don't be too pushy, but do be convincing and enthusiastic.
But do I need to write a unique email for every single site? No! Here's a better way…
Introducing the email template! This makes emailing a lot easier and 10x FASTER!
See a quick example below…
Want to speed up the process even more? Use an email system, such as Saleshandy!
With this you can send multiple emails at once, and you can schedule the follow-up emails too!
That brings us to the next step!
Step 4: Follow up!
Patience is a virtue. Give it some time. If you haven't heard anything after around 3 days, you can send a friendly follow-up.
Just do this with a simple email, reminding them of the email you sent and briefly restating why you're reaching out!
Make clear that you'd love to hear from them, to talk through the possibilities and start a great collaboration!
Still no reply? Send one more email after 4 days, letting them know about your fantastic proposal once more!
In summary
So, to sum up quickly: you're looking for a structured way to do link building, without too much social media hassle?
Start by identifying your target audience and finding the places online where they hang out.
Use Google to find your best websites and save everything in our handy spreadsheet.
Then comes writing your outreach emails. Be personal, explain why your content is an asset to their site, and use a template to save time.
And don't forget to follow up! A friendly reminder after a few days works wonders. Show them you're serious about a collaboration.
Tools such as Saleshandy are perfect for this, sending emails and scheduling follow-ups efficiently, which saves you a lot of time!
Sounds like a plan, right? Start today, and go win those backlinks ;)!
Strategy 3 (needs a link building tool): analyse your competition!
This strategy is all about smartly using competitor analysis
We spy a little on the top performers in your industry to see where their links come from, and then apply those insights for your own benefit.
Instead of guessing in the dark, you work smart and strategically by looking at those who are already succeeding in your industry.
It's simple, effective, and saves you a lot of guesswork
Step 1: Choose your 'opponents' and run them through a tool
First, pick a few competitors. Not just anyone, but the ones who genuinely rank well in your industry.
The websites where you think: "How do they pull that off?"
Now run these through a tool.
There are tools such as: Ahrefs, Mangools, or SEMrush.
These tools are like a secret pair of spy glasses.
You simply type in your competitor's URL, and bam!
You see where they get their backlinks from.
Step 2: Analyse and process!
Look at your competitors' backlinks. Where do they come from? Are they guest posts, forums, or maybe news articles?
This gives you an idea of where you could also pursue link building.
The great thing about these link building tools is that you can see how much authority (called DR or DA) the websites have, use that to filter!
Best is links from websites with a higher authority, but a lower one now and then is fine too, stay flexible.
Add the possible websites back into this spreadsheet, with all the details, name, email etc!Step 3: Email and follow up!
Okay, you've identified your targets and opportunities. Now it's time for ACTION!
Email, email and more email!
Forget generic emails. You want to be personal and relevant. Dig into what makes that website or blog genuinely unique and mention it in your email.
Say something like: "Hey, I came across your article on [topic] and found it really insightful, especially the part about [specific point]."
Tell them briefly about your content and why it would be a great addition to their website. Be specific and to the point here.
For example: "I wrote an article about [your topic] that would fit perfectly with your recent discussion on [their topic]."
Offer something that genuinely adds value.
This could be a unique angle on a certain topic, or offering to give their readers something special, such as an exclusive discount or access to extra content.
No reply?
Then after about 3 days, follow up, with a reminder, this can sometimes work wonders!
Still no reply?
Try again after 4 days, give them another reminder and highlight once more what you have to offer!
Use an email template to speed up this process!
And for the real pros among us, using an email system, such as Saleshandy, is also really handy!
In summary
So if you're already more advanced in your SEO and already have a tool at hand, then this link building strategy is the best choice!
The big advantage of this strategy is that you're selecting websites that already take part in link building collaborations, so your odds are a lot better than with cold outreach, and this saves time and effort!
Pick the top performers in your industry and use tools such as Ahrefs or SEMrush to see where their backlinks come from.
Check the source of those backlinks. Mix and match sites with higher and lower authority for your link building.
Personal emailing and follow-up: send unique emails that stand out. No response? Follow up after a few days. Save time with email templates or a handy email system.
Short, effective, and ready for action! That's how you tackle link building like a pro.
Link building tactics: things to offer in return that will earn you backlinks!
You've got a whole list of possible websites, you've got an email ready, but what do you offer in return?
Below are the most effective ones!
Guest blogging
Write an engaging link building article for a popular blog in your niche. Offer valuable content (link building copy) in exchange for a link back to your website. It's a win-win: you get a backlink, they get free content.
Broken link building
Search for broken links on websites within your field. Suggest to the site owner that they replace these with a link to relevant content on your website. You help them by fixing a problem, and you get a backlink.
Testimonial link building
Offer to write a testimonial for a product or service you use. Companies sometimes publish these testimonials on their website, including a link to your site. A simple way to get visibility and a backlink. Plus, if you're smart you also add an affiliate link, generating some extra income too!
Infographic promotion
Create an appealing, informative infographic and offer it to relevant websites. Many are happy to share it in exchange for a link to your website. People love visual material, so this can catch on quickly.
Content / link swaps
Team up with another website in your niche to swap content. You publish their content with a link to their site, and they do the same for you. It's a direct way to grow your network and earn backlinks.
Local partnerships
Form partnerships with local businesses or organisations. This can range from sponsoring an event to taking part in a local workshop. This often leads to mentions and backlinks from their websites.
Conclusion: make link building the pillar of your online growth and SEO strategy!
As we wrap up this tour through the world of link building, it's clear that the impact of quality link building on your online visibility really matters.
We've explored the definition of link building, highlighted the key role of domain authority, and underlined its benefits for your SEO optimisation.
A professional approach for maximum impact
When it comes to building a strong link building strategy, expert advice is worth its weight in gold.
That's why teaming up with a specialised link building agency or an experienced link building specialist can make a huge difference.
Professionals can help you navigate the complexities of link building, saving you time and getting you results faster.
For those considering outsourcing link building, this offers a unique chance to benefit from quality link building services that have a direct impact on your SEO performance.
Digital Bean: your partner in link building success
At Digital Bean we understand the nuances of link building and we're committed to delivering tailored solutions that fit your unique business needs.
We're ready to give you the best link building advice and strategies to launch your website onto that first page of Google!
Pro tip: link juice optimisation
Before we wrap up, one more golden tip: link juice optimisation, this means optimising your internal links to spread the value of your backlinks across your entire website!
Take the step towards SEO success today
Ready to unleash the power of link building and catapult your website to the top of the search results?
Get in touch with Digital Bean, your trusted partner in digital growth, and let us guide you on the road to SEO success. Remember, in the world of link building, starting today beats perfecting it tomorrow.
Take a look here to outsource your SEO! Here you'll find everything about our SEO services!