Are you looking to boost your website’s visibility and drive traffic? Link building strategies can be your solution. Many believe link building is just about exchanging links, but it’s much more nuanced.

At its core, link building is a process for increasing your site’s authority and improving search engine rankings. By connecting with relevant and high-quality sources, you enhance your brand’s credibility. 

Why does this matter?

Because search engines value these connections, impacting how your site ranks.

In this article, let’s dive into 13 link building strategies that you can use for your website.

1. Guest Blogging

Guest blogging is a powerful tool in your link building toolkit. It lets you reach new audiences by writing for other blogs and websites in your industry.

Not only does this help you build relationships with other bloggers, but it also boosts your website’s authority.

To get started, identify platforms that align well with your niche. Look for sites that share your audience’s interests.

Craft quality content that provides value—this increases the chance your post will be accepted and shared widely and it can also establish you as a thought leader in your field. When writing, focus on unique insights or experiences that set you apart.

Many successful bloggers also use guest blogging to network. It’s an opportunity to connect with industry peers who can open doors for future collaborations.

Pro Tip: When submitting a guest post, tailor your content to the specific blog’s tone and style. For example, if the blog favors casual language with humor, incorporate that into your writing to engage the host’s audience better.

2. Broken Link Building

Broken link building is your golden ticket to driving valuable traffic and improving your website’s authority. This approach involves finding broken links on websites and suggesting your content as a replacement. It’s a win-win: you help webmasters fix their sites while gaining a backlink.

Kick-off by identifying relevant websites in your niche. Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to discover broken links on those sites.

Look for high-authority pages where your content fits seamlessly.

Once you’ve found a broken link, reach out to the website owner with a friendly email. Be concise and explain the value of replacing the dead link with your active one. Personalizing these messages can significantly improve your success rate.

The beauty of broken link building is that it’s targeted. You’re not sending random emails. You’re offering a solution to a problem. This method helps you build relationships and establish your authority in your industry.

Pro Tip: Use Google Alerts to track specific topics or websites. When a link goes dead, you’re immediately notified. This gives you the jump on the competition, ensuring you’re the first to propose a replacement.

3. Skyscraper Technique

The Skyscraper Technique is a well-known – albeit older – strategy in link building. It involves finding content that ranks highly and has accumulated a significant number of backlinks.

You take this existing content and create an improved version, adding more value and insights.

This enhanced content is then pitched to those who linked to the original, encouraging them to link to your superior version.

The origins of the Skyscraper Technique are often associated with Brian Dean, who used this method to boost his own site’s traffic.

The idea is similar to building the tallest skyscraper in your niche by adding more floors. By offering richer content, you increase the chance that other sites will link to it, thus improving your search visibility.

Executing this technique requires a keen eye for detail, data, and creativity.

First, you need to research top-performing content in your niche using tools like Ahrefs or Semrush. Then you need to identify weaknesses or gaps in the content and address them in your version.

Outreach is crucial. Contact those who linked to the original content and show them why yours is a better option. This step demands persistence and clear communication.

Pro Tip: When creating your content, consider unique elements such as infographics or videos. These can set your piece apart and offer additional value that others might find appealing enough to link to.

4. Resource Page Outreach

Resource page outreach is an effective strategy for gaining valuable backlinks. These pages are curated lists of resources related to specific topics or industries. By getting your website included on these lists, you can improve your SEO and drive more traffic to your site.

First, identify resource pages within your niche. Look for pages that regularly update their links. Pages with outdated content or numerous broken links aren’t the best targets. You want to reach out to the right people at the right time.

Once you’ve identified suitable pages, craft a personalized email pitch. Building a relationship with the site owner before requesting a link can increase your chances of success.

Tailor your pitch to highlight how your content adds value to their resource page.

Pro Tip: Try using tools like Hunter.io to discover the contact information of webmasters. This ensures your outreach emails land in the right inbox. Also, adopting a friendly, conversational tone can make your request more appealing. A bit of casual language can make your email stand out from more formal pitches.

5. Competitor Backlink Analysis

Competitor backlink analysis is a solid strategy for boosting your search engine rankings. By examining your competitors’ backlinks, you can identify the strategies they’ve used successfully.

Got your eye on a top-ranked competitor? Analyze their backlinks to see what sites are linking to them and why.

Start with a tool like Ahrefs or Backlinko. These tools will help you dig into the link profiles of your competitors.

They allow you to explore the sites linking to your competitors and uncover potential opportunities for your own link-building efforts. Check the quality and relevance of these links; not all links are created equal.

Don’t just mimic your competitors blindly. Aim for links from quality sites that actually bring traffic and value.

The goal is to identify gaps in your own link profile and seize opportunities.

Utilize this analysis to refine your strategy, focusing on acquiring links that carry real weight.

Pro Tip: Focus on niche-relevant sites that may not have large audiences but are highly authoritative in your industry. For example, getting a backlink from a widely-respected blog in your field can be more valuable than a generic news site. This specificity can contribute to improvements in your SEO efforts.

6. Infographic Distribution

Infographic distribution isn’t just about throwing a graphic on the web. You want it to reach the right audiences.

First, consider where your target demographic spends their time online. These platforms will be your primary focus.

Share your infographic on social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn where the visual content gets the most engagement.

Don’t just post it, though. Accompany it with a compelling caption that sparks curiosity or discussion.

Engage with blogs or websites related to your niche. Offer them your infographic for free. In exchange, request them to provide a backlink to your website. This not only increases your site’s authority but also its visibility.

Consider using infographic directories. Sites dedicated to sharing infographics can give your content a wider exposure. This can lead to more organic shares and visits to your site.

Pro Tip: Customize your outreach emails when sharing your infographic. A personalized approach increases the likelihood of acceptance. Mention recent articles or infographics they’ve published, showing that you’ve done your homework and making your request feel less transactional.

7. Influencer Collaboration

Incorporating influencer collaboration into your link-building strategy can bring remarkable results. By teaming up with influencers, you’re tapping into their established audience and credibility.

This strategy isn’t just about increasing your online visibility; it’s also about building genuine connections.

The influencer’s endorsement can drive more traffic to your site while enhancing your brand’s reputation.

Unlike traditional methods, this approach focuses on creating engaging content that resonates with the influencer’s audience. This makes your links more attractive and likely to be shared.

When collaborating with influencers, the key is to find those who align with your brand values and target audience.

It’s about quality, not quantity. You want to work with someone who genuinely believes in your brand and can authentically promote it.

This creates a more seamless integration and can result in better engagement.

Pro Tip: Offer exclusive insights or sneak peeks to influencers for unique content that stands out. For example, give them early access to a product or an insider’s view on upcoming developments. This can make the partnership more enticing for their audience.

8. Local Business Citations

Local business citations are a cornerstone of your online visibility strategy. These citations include your business’s name, address, and phone number across various online platforms.

Think of local citations as your business’s digital footprint. The more consistent your information is, the easier it is for search engines to trust your business and rank it higher.

You should verify that your information is accurate and up-to-date across all platforms. This includes directories like Google My Business, Yelp, and Yellow Pages, where having correct details can steer local customers directly to your doorstep.

Inconsistent citations can lead to confusion, potentially sending customers to the wrong location or phone number.

That’s why it’s critical to periodically audit your listings.

Building local citations involves more than just getting listed.

Engage with your audience by responding to reviews and updating your listings regularly with fresh content or promotions.

Pro Tip: Leverage local events to gain more exposure. For instance, sponsoring a community event can earn you a mention in event directories, boosting your local authority and enhancing your business profile.

9. Unlinked Brand Mentions

You’re missing out if you haven’t tapped into the potential of unlinked brand mentions. They are mentions of your brand without an accompanying hyperlink.

Imagine the free publicity, but you’re not fully benefiting from it. Turning these mentions into links enhances your site’s credibility and search engine visibility.

Finding these unlinked brand mentions used to be a hassle. Now, tools can streamline the process.

For instance, SEMrush’s Link Building Tool can automate much of the search. You should focus on credible sources to ensure high-value backlinks.

Outreach is another aspect you’ll need to manage.

When reaching out, craft a personalized message. Respectfully request a link addition.

Be polite, but straightforward about the mutual benefit. Establishing good relationships can lead to more linking opportunities down the road.

Pro Tip: Use reverse image search to find where your images are being used unlinked. Contact these websites, and suggest adding a backlink to your original content. This trick is often overlooked but can add significant value to your link-building efforts.

10. Testimonial Link Building

Testimonial link building is an effective way to enhance your SEO strategy. You offer personal feedback on products and services you’ve used.

In return, companies showcase your testimonial on their website, leaving a backlink to your site. It’s not just mutually beneficial; it also adds an element of authenticity.

You don’t need to worry about creating new content. Simply focus on sharing your genuine experiences.

Once your testimonials are featured, you gain high-quality backlinks. This approach also builds trust with your partners and their audiences.

Why is this method powerful? These links often appear on high-authority pages. Search engines value these links more, boosting your rankings.

Unlike other tactics, testimonial link building is straightforward and doesn’t require extensive outreach.

Pro Tip: Don’t overlook smaller businesses or niche markets for testimonials. They often have dedicated audiences and may offer more prominent placements for your feedback. Aim for diversity in the types of products or services you endorse.

11. HARO (Help a Reporter Out) – Now Called Connectively

HARO, or Help a Reporter Out, is a highly effective tool in your link building toolkit. It connects journalists needing expert insights with professionals like you who can provide them.

By responding to journalist queries, you get the chance to feature in articles, bringing visibility and credibility to your website.

You’ll find HARO beneficial for gaining high-quality backlinks. Each link acts like a vote of confidence, boosting your search engine ranking.

Engaging with HARO means contributing your knowledge to stories, often resulting in being quoted and getting a backlink in return.

Participation requires monitoring HARO emails, delivered multiple times a day, and responding to relevant queries.

Tailor your response to showcase your expertise clearly and succinctly.

Pro Tip: Personalize your pitch by addressing the journalist by name and referencing their past work. Share a few concise, impactful insights about the topic. This approach increases your chances of being selected and earning that crucial backlink.

12. Podcast Guesting

Podcast guesting isn’t just about speaking into a mic. It’s an opportunity to enhance your link-building strategies and broaden your online presence.

By featuring on podcasts that align with your niche, you connect with new audiences while also building valuable backlinks to your site.

Why do podcasts work for link building? 

When you appear as a guest, hosts often provide a link to your website in the episode notes. This can improve your search engine rankings. Besides increasing visibility, these links signal to search engines that your content is valuable and relevant.

Preparation is key here. Research podcasts to ensure they reach your target audience.

Craft a compelling pitch to highlight what you can offer listeners. Remember, tailoring your pitch to the podcast’s theme is crucial to getting that guest spot.

Pro Tip: Choose podcasts with an engaged audience in your niche.

After the episode airs, engage with listeners’ comments on social media to boost interaction. Share insights you didn’t cover during the recording. This can build relationships that lead to more opportunities.

13. Social Media Promotions

Promoting your brand on social media isn’t just about sharing links. It’s about connecting with your audience in engaging ways.

You’ve got to consider each platform’s unique features and how they can help amplify your message.

Go beyond simple posts. Leverage live streaming, stories, and reels to boost interaction. The more you engage, the more trust you build.

Remember, consistency is key, but creativity also matters.

Target your promotions to the right audience. Use platform analytics to understand who your followers are.

Crafting messages that speak directly to their interests can increase your reach and engagement significantly.

Integrate promotions with other strategies. For example, use effective social media linking to improve SEO while promoting your content.

Social media’s fast-paced nature means sharing content regularly keeps your brand top-of-mind.

Pro Tip: Engage with features like Instagram Stories and Facebook Live to create interactive content. Use polls or Q&A sessions to increase participation and make users feel valued. Tailoring your approach to each platform’s strengths is what sets professionals apart.

Remember, It’s Not Always the Quantity of Links – Quality Matters Too

When it comes to link building, quality beats quantity every time.

You might ask, “Why is this the case?”

High-quality links from reputable sites boost your search engine rankings, enhance your site’s credibility, and attract more organic traffic. Meanwhile, low-quality links can harm your site’s performance.

Think of quality links as endorsements.

A single link from a high-authority, relevant site can carry more weight than dozens of links from unrelated or low-authority sites. Google’s algorithms prioritize pages with quality links, which can significantly impact your site’s reach and visibility.

And if you need links that build trust and authority, Icepick’s got you covered. Reach out to us today and we’ll get your link building campaign started.