Link building remains one of the most effective tactics for ranking higher in search engines. But not all link building techniques deliver the same value. In this post, we’ll examine the most common strategies used by link building companies and agencies based on over 20 years of professional experience.
By diversifying beyond overplayed tactics and building links that search engines value, backlink companies https://searchengineland.com/link-building-companies-to-watch-in-2023-425398 can drive more qualified organic traffic, leads, and sales through improved rankings.
Content Marketing
Creating high-quality, useful content is the foundation for modern link building. Valuable content provides opportunities to connect with influencers and earn editorial links.
Types of link-worthy content include:
- In-depth guides and resources on industry topics
- Data studies and annual reports with new insights
- Tools and calculators solving user problems
Promoting content through PR, outreach, and social amplification has become essential for link building success. HubSpot reports that companies who blog generate 67% more leads than non-blogging peers. Content fuels other strategies.
Guest Posting
Publishing articles on relevant industry websites continues to be a go-to link building tactic. By including a backlink in the author bio, brands earn valuable editorial links.
However, manually identifying and pitching guest post opportunities is time-intensive. Link building tools like Pitchbox now automate prospecting and outreach to place more guest posts faster.
With 86% of B2B marketers utilizing guest posting, it remains a staple source of authoritative backlinks for SEO.
Broken Link Building
Every site on the web has broken links over time. Broken link building identifies dead or broken pages on authority sites and offers relevant replacement content with backlinks.
This white hat tactic platforms like Pitchbox have made scalable earns links from sites where you already have a contextual fit as they once linked to related content.
Influencer Outreach
Building relationships with relevant bloggers, journalists, and industry influencers can drive high-quality links and coverage.
PR and blogger outreach should involve:
- Identifying influencers creating related content.
- Establishing genuine connections through social media and email.
- Providing unique value like content contributions or data.
- Pitching relevant story ideas and brand mentions.
According to TapInfluence, influencer marketing generates 11X higher ROI than traditional tactics. Their links and advocacy are well worth the effort.
Skyscraping
Skyscraping refers to link building from widely syndicated annual lists and roundups like “Top 50 Blogs” or “Best of [Industry]” posts.
By ensuring your site makes niche-relevant skyscraper content updated each year, you can build recurring links from authoritative sites.
Moz found skyscraper links had a 67% higher chance of ranking for target keywords compared to non-skyscraper links. The high domain authority adds tremendous SEO value.
Link Reclamation
If other sites already link to your content from years past, link reclamation reconnects and asks for additional links.
Tactics include:
- Rediscovering existing link opportunities.
- Providing refreshed content to update.
- Converting existing mentions into contextual links.
According to Ahrefs, 8.8% of link reclamation outreach results in new links. Tap into your earned platform to build more links.
Scholarship Links
Offering niche scholarships related to your industry provides branding while securing links from education sites that list the scholarship details.
For example, a telecom company could offer a “$1,000 Technology Scholarship” and reach out to get it listed on college scholarship directories.
This tactic works best for B2C and technology companies that appeal to students. But take care to avoid manipulative over-optimization.
Branded Strategies
Links using branded keywords and hashtags in user-generated content help search visibility.
Tactics include:
- Promoting a branded hashtag through social contests and campaigns.
- Running influencer campaigns distributing coupon codes.
- Getting product reviewers and brand advocates to cite your company.
Monitor branded keyword results to identify and amplify influential user mentions. Leads originally generated for PR and social can also convert to high-value links.
Final Through
Modern link building requires an integrated, multi-channel strategy encompassing content, outreach, PR, and branding. Avoid over reliance on ineffective tactics like low-quality directory submissions.
With the right mix of promotion for owned assets, influencer relationships, and branding, companies can build diverse, high-value links that make a real impact on organic visibility and conversions.