Backlinks are links that support websites by building credibility and authoritativeness. They signal Google that the website contains authentic information that can benefit the users. This is what Google wants websites to deliver to the target audience, isn’t it?
If you are an off-page enthusiast looking to discover the best practices for building quality backlinks , you are in the right place. This short blog post will cover everything about backlinks that will help you boost SERP rankings. So let’s begin.
What Are Backlinks in SEO?
Backlinks are links that you obtain from other websites. This might seem confusing and vague, right? Let me clarify it for you.
For example, imagine you have a website called ‘Website A,’ and you’re interested in getting a link from another site, ‘Website B.’ To achieve this, you would reach out to ‘Website B’ via email and propose the idea of providing a backlink. But, here’s the catch! Quality Backlinks aren’t usually given for free; they follow the principle of ‘Give and Take.’ So, as part of the exchange, you would offer to create a well-written blog post that addresses the interests of their target audience. Once they agree, they’ll publish the blog post on their site, and it becomes their content. In return, you can request a link within that same blog post, directing their readers to your website.
This entire process is called link building.
Types of Backlinks in SEO
- Natural Backlinks: Earned organically when websites link to your content without solicitation.
Example: A travel enthusiast’s blog links to your travel guide because they found it helpful.
- Editorial Backlinks: Included naturally within articles or content due to relevance.
Example: An article about fitness mentions your fitness app and provides a link to download it.
- Guest Post Backlinks: Obtained by writing for another site in exchange for a link.
Example: You contribute a guest post about photography tips to a photography blog, including a link back to your portfolio.
- Guest Post Bio Links: When you contribute a guest post to a website, your author bio often contains a link back to your own website or profile.
Example: In a guest post about healthy cooking, your author bio includes a link to your cooking blog.
- Contextual Backlinks: Embedded within related content, adding value.
Example: A history website discussing ancient civilizations links to your article on archaeological discoveries.
- Reciprocal Backlinks: Exchanged between sites for mutual benefit, be cautious.
Example: Two fashion blogs agree to link to each other’s latest posts to expand their audiences.
- Social Media Backlinks: Indirectly impact visibility through platform shares.
Example: A beauty tutorial video on YouTube shares links to the products used in the description box.
- Business Profile Backlinks: Added to digital brand profiles on various sites.
Example: Your landscaping company’s profile on a local business directory includes a link to your official website.
- Webinar Backlinks: Valuable content linked by other sites hosting webinars.
Example: A marketing website features your guest webinar about SEO strategies and provides a link to your site for additional resources.
- Free-Tool Backlinks: These are links earned by offering a valuable free tool or resource on your website, which other sites link to when referencing that tool.
Example: A graphic design blog links to your free logo generator tool as a recommended resource for their readers.
- Acknowledgment Backlinks: These backlinks occur when someone cites your work, research, or content and provides a link to the original source.
Example: A news article about recent technology trends cites your tech analysis report and includes a link to it.
- Badge Backlinks: Offering badges or awards that others can display on their sites can lead to backlinks as they link back to your site to verify the award.
Example: A photography award badge you provide to outstanding photographers includes a link to your photography contest website.
- Comment Backlinks: When you leave valuable comments on other blogs or forums, you might include a link to your own site in the comment.
Example: Your insightful comment about a travel destination on a travel blog includes a link to your travel tips blog post.
Which Type of Backlinks is the Best for SEO?
How to Create Quality Backlinks in SEO?
As discussed, there are many ways to build quality backlinks. However, today, we’ll focus on the most prominent ones: Guest Blogging, Press Releases, Guest Infographics, and Guest Videos. In, How to Create Backlinks? – Part: 2, we’ll come to know how to build quality backlinks through social media, business profile, webinars, free-tool, acknowledging others’ work through badges and commenting.
GUEST BLOGGING
Where should I start?
First of all, research opportunities. How?
Answer: Find niche-relevant websites.
Again. How?
Google your ‘keyword’ using various indicators to discover guest blogging websites.
Enter different indicators into the search bar along with your keyword to explore a range of guest posting opportunities.
Below is a list of indicators that can assist you in securing additional guest posting opportunities.
Look for Prospects on Twitter
Using these same indicators, you can identify individuals who are open to accepting guest posts on Twitter. Once you’ve compiled a list of such individuals, you can effortlessly retrieve their contact information using a tool called Hunter.io.
In addition to Hunter.io, there are other extraction tools available, such as Email Extractor and Lets Extract.
After discussing with the team, it was determined that Hunter.io is the most effective option.
The ‘X Best List’ Blogs
One can also acquire quality backlinks through the ‘X Best List’.
For instance, consider that you operate an Indian restaurant in a foreign country. If someone has authored a blog titled ’10 Best Indian Restaurants in the USA’, you could include your restaurant’s name in the list, securing a valuable backlink in the process.
Alternatively, you can propose the idea of a ‘X Best’ list to websites that accept guest posts. To make your proposal more compelling, you might even offer to contribute to the ‘X Best’ blog yourself. In return, you can request a backlink within the same blog.
Search for Authors who follow Guest Posting Techniques
The optimal approach to implement this tactic is by identifying a high-quality, niche-relevant blog that ranks on the first page. Extract the author’s name from the blog. Next, search for this author’s name in a search engine results page (SERP). This will reveal the websites where the author has contributed articles and blogs. Through this method, you can compile valuable data about potential guest posting opportunities.
Reverse Image Search
At times, you might not have access to the author’s name. Instead, you might come across the author’s picture. You might be wondering what to do with the picture. However, you can achieve a lot with that picture. Upload the picture to Google Lens. Following this, you will receive a list of websites where the specific author has contributed guest posts. You can then reach out to these sites via email to propose guest post submissions and request backlinks.
What Next?
Reach out to them via email and employ engaging pitches. Avoid using the same old, boring, and monotonous emails, as they won’t yield favorable results. Inject creativity into your pitch. Think like a salesperson envisioning the task of selling your high-quality, value-adding blog to a discerning customer.
Avoid simply copying and pasting. Also, refrain from relying solely on AI-generated content. Endeavor to infuse some human input by infusing a touch of creativity into your email pitch. Here are a few examples:
Follow Up Email
Don’t anticipate an immediate response from the recipient. If you haven’t received a reply even after 2 to 3 days, it’s a good idea to send a follow-up email. Below is a sample follow-up email.
GUEST INFOGRAPHICS
Guest Infographics are another wonderful method for building Quality backlinks. What you need to do is get an infographic designed. Afterward, locate blogs or articles that relate to the subject of your infographic. Reach out to the owners of those websites and propose adding a link to your infographic within their blog or article. Make sure to target relevant blogs or articles—requesting a link placement in an irrelevant context could lead to rejection.
3 Step Process: Get Backlinks through Guestographics
Step 1: Publish an Infographic on your Site
First and foremost, develop an idea for creating the infographic. Aim for the best infographic design that effectively portrays the unique information. Avoid using an infographic that presents repetitive or monotonous information. Strive to publish something fresh.
Step 2: Find the best prospects
After publishing your infographic, identify the ideal prospects. What do we mean by ‘ideal prospects’? These are the blogs that feature information related to the topic of your infographic.
Step 3: Pitch the prospects
Approach – 1 (Obtaining a Contextual Link)
Pitch for Link Inclusion within an Existing Guest Post
Now, it’s time to reach out to your prospects through email. Typically, emails with the following attributes tend to yield better results:
- Personalization (Using the recipient’s name, blog name, and specific details)
- Brevity (Highlighting only essential points)
- Soft Selling (Avoid begging for backlinks. Professionally invite them to review your infographic and consider incorporating it into their blog if it aligns with their content’s value.)
Approach – 2 (Obtaining a Homepage Link)
Pitch to Add Infographic to the Website via a New URL
Entice the prospect with a mini blog post. To achieve this, you’ll need to supply them with an introductory content piece comprising 250 to 300 words.
Note: Exercise your discretion when deciding whether to pursue a backlink using approach 1 or 2. Take all factors into consideration before making a decision, as, ultimately, it’s the backlink that holds significance at the end of the day.
Video Guest Posting
Create a video on a trending topic with engaging content and elements. Ensure that it provides unique information or offers a fresh perspective. You can use Canva to edit videos, and there are also other software options available, such as:
Tips for creating videos
- Keep it short (Under 1 minutes)
- Use less and to-the-point content
- Use catchy visual elements
- Use relatable music
Note: Videos with voiceover have a higher engagement rate
How to Obtain Quality Backlinks with Infographics?
Step 1: Identify Ideal Prospects
Search for blogs or articles relevant to your video. Since this technique involves using one video per prospect, focus on shortlisting websites with high domain authority.
Step 2: Pitch to Them
Next, it’s time to compose a captivating email. Offer to provide them with a concise video that they can incorporate into their existing blog or article. In exchange, you can request a backlink.
Note: This is one of the best ways to obtain links from high domain authority websites.
Build Backlinks Through Press Releases
Distributing press releases through prominent news channels is one of the most effective methods for building backlinks. Backlinks acquired from such websites enhance the overall health of your site. Here are some well-known websites where you can publish your press releases:
PR log
PR.com
PR Zoom
The Open Press
Click Press
Market Press Release
Press Release Point
Express Press Release
News Wire Today
How to write a Professional Press Release?
Conclusion
Backlinks are a crucial tool in boosting website credibility and authority. This blog has provided insights into various backlink building techniques, such as Guest posting through blogs, articles, infographics & videos and doing press releases. The process involves personalized outreach, creative pitches, and collaboration. The key takeaway is to offer value to other websites in exchange for backlinks, enhancing the overall online presence. Remember, persistence and genuine connections lead to successful backlink strategies. By applying these practices, you can navigate the world of SEO and enhance your site’s search engine rankings for better visibility and engagement.
