Michael Epps Utley 
A critical component of dominating search engines like Google is to have reputable websites link to the content on your site. This “backlinking” is a central search engine optimization (SEO) tactic because it helps Google view your site as authoritative. Think of it as a transference of respectability from a reputable site that is essentially endorsing yours. A solid link-building strategy will help you rank higher in search results than your less authoritative competitors.
This guide reveals proven tactics to earn quality backlinks.
1. Add Value to Content on Other Sites
If you can convince another business that adding a link from their online content to yours will enhance its value to readers, you will likely earn a backlink.
Seek out articles where a link to your material could improve the reader's experience. Examples include:
A blog post that would be more informative and attractive if it included a link to — and image of — your infographic.
A how-to guide that would be easier to understand if it linked to your demo video.
A report that could benefit from including links to your original research and statistics to support points made in it.
Once you identify an opportunity, contact the site owner with your proposal. If your pitch is compelling enough, you could gain a backlink.
2. Suggest Replacements for Broken Backlinks
Broken link building involves finding broken links on quality websites, contacting the site owners, and recommending appropriate replacement links to your website. This is a popular and effective link-building method because no one wants broken links on their website. They deliver a terrible visitor experience and send negative signals to Google. You will be a hero by providing a simple solution to this irksome problem.
Use software like Semrush’s Backlink Audit tool to find content on authoritative websites with broken links that could earn you a backlink.
3. Request Links From Unlinked Brand Mentions
Unlinked brand mentions occur when websites reference your brand without including a link to your site. In many cases, the site owner may be willing to add a link, especially if the destination adds value to the visitor’s online experience.
You can find online mentions of your brand using common brand monitoring tools like Brandwatch. Although seeking out unlinked brand mentions may be time-consuming, it’s worth it because it can be the easiest way to earn a quality backlink.
4. Respond to Media Requests
When content creators need an expert opinion or fresh perspective for an article, they may put out a media request.
Responding to these requests is a solid link-building tactic because:
It can get you featured in top-quality publications while earning you a backlink.
The effort involved is relatively limited.
The links are usually from authoritative, timely, or industry-specific content.
Sign up on a platform like Qwoted or SOS or monitor requests associated with the #JournoRequest on X (formerly Twitter) to start earning backlinks on quality sites.
5. Leverage Digital Public Relations (PR) to Earn Backlinks
Practicing digital PR can generate online media coverage for your brand along with backlinks. Here’s how it works:
You develop a unique story related to your brand or conduct original research.
You send out the story or research to writers at publications that may be interested in it.
Writers cover the story or include the research in their articles including a link to your site's content.
You will be more likely to get press mentions and links if you connect your story or research to a timely, trending topic.
6. Develop Link Bait
Link bait is content that is likely to earn backlinks because it:
Is a helpful resource for writers or their readers.
Is easy to find online because it ranks high in search engines.
Provides value that no other similar piece of content delivers.
An example could be a cutting-edge retirement planning or mortgage calculator coupled with material on these topics that writers covering these subjects would find difficult to replicate.
Get started by identifying content types and themes in your space that other websites will want to link to. Then, develop the best possible versions, optimizing them for search.
7. Collaborate With Partners
If you’ve built partnerships with reputable businesses, organizations, or influencers, you may be able to leverage them to gain backlinks.
For instance, a vendor may be willing to feature your business relationship on their blog, include your brand on their client page, or publish a testimonial from you. All of these mentions could include a backlink to your site.
8. Recover Lost Backlinks
If a backlink is removed, it may be worth trying to get it back. If another site linked to yours before, they could be willing to do so again.
They may have eliminated your link by accident. Or they could have needed to change their content but might be willing to include a link to other content on your website.
Find lost backlinks with software like Semrush’s Backlink Audit tool. Then do some research and identify new content on your site to link to.
9. Enhance Your Brand Awareness
One of the top ways to acquire backlinks is to build brand awareness. This improves the chances that content creators will think of and select your brand content when adding links. An example of this is the Mayo Clinic. It is a well-known and respected healthcare site many writers turn to when they want to link to expert medical information.
Link-Building: The Final Word
Building backlinks from respected sites may seem daunting. However, it’s worthwhile because it could help your website dominate search. Leverage these nine proven strategies to jump-start your link-building efforts and boost your online search performance.
