How to build backlinks in 2024

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into why backlinks are indispensable for your SEO strategy and explore practical methods to start building them. 

We'll walk you through timeless techniques like guest posting and the skyscraper method while shedding light on effective but often overlooked strategies such as link insertion.

Why do you need backlinks & how to get started?

Backlinks are a fundamental component of Google's ranking algorithm. 

High-quality, relevant backlinks signal to search engines that your content is valuable, helping it rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).

When your site ranks higher on SERPs, you are more likely to attract clicks and visits. 

Moreover, being linked from reputable sites can drive substantial referral traffic your way.

Backlinks from authoritative and trustworthy websites lend credibility to your site. 

This can significantly influence your Domain Authority (DA) score, boosting your standing in the eyes of both search engines and users.

Search engines find new content by retracing the links from already indexed pages to new ones. Therefore, if you've got a good backlink profile, search engine bots will likely discover and index your content faster.

Before you dive into building new backlinks, it’s essential to audit your existing ones. 

Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz to identify your current backlink profile. Look for toxic links that might be harming your SEO and disavow them.

Analyse your competitors’ backlink profiles to understand where they’re getting their links from. This can offer pivotal insights and fresh ideas for your own backlink strategy. 

Tools like Ahrefs’ Site Explorer and SEMrush’s Backlink Analytics are excellent for this.

Content is king, and without compelling, valuable content, your backlink efforts will fall flat. 

Focus on creating various forms of high-quality content:

• In-depth guides and how-to articles
• Original research and data-driven pieces
• Engaging infographics and visuals

Guest Posting

Guest posting remains a highly effective method for building backlinks, even as we move into 2024. 

Start by identifying relevant blogs and websites in your niche that accept guest posts. Use search operators on Google such as "keyword” + “write for us" or "keyword” + “become a contributor." 

Tools like Respona can streamline this process by finding guest post opportunities tailored to your industry.

Your pitch is the first impression you make. 

Research what content performs well on the target site and pitch topics that offer value and align with their readership. A personalised and well-thought-out pitch will increase your chances of acceptance.

Example Pitch:

Hi [First Name],

I’m [Your Name], and I’ve been following [Blog Name] for quite some time. I particularly enjoyed your recent article on [Topic], which inspired me to reach out.

I have a few ideas for guest posts that I believe would resonate well with your audience and complement your existing content:

• Topic 1: Brief Description
• Topic 2: Brief Description
• Topic 3: Brief Description

I’d be happy to provide a high-quality, original article on any of these topics. Let me know if you're interested!
Best,

[Your Name]
[Your Website]

Once your pitch is accepted, focus on creating content that provides value. 

Ensure your article is well-researched, informative, and tailored to the audience of the host site. Remember, your goal is to build credibility, so quality is paramount.

Most websites will allow you to include a backlink either in the body of the post or in the author bio. 

Make sure this link is naturally integrated and relevant to the content. Forced or irrelevant links could get your post rejected.

In guest posting, there’s a clever strategy to provide indirect links to your link-building partners. 

This is crucial when direct link exchanges may not be appropriate or possible.

When you write a guest post, you can include links that go to third-party sites, which are your link-building partners. 

For example, if you have an arrangement with Site A but you’re writing for Site B, you link to Site A in your guest post on Site B. This way, Site A, your link-building partner, receives an indirect link.

Most guest posting sites only allow one link back to your site, but multiple to other sites - which can be your partners. 

This way, instead of one link, you can get upwards of 5-10 per guest post, depending on its size. 
 

Link Insertion

Link insertion, also known as contextual or niche edits, involves placing your backlink within the existing content on reputable websites.

Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to find high-ranking content that is relevant to your niche but doesn’t link to your website yet.

Reach out to the website owner with a unique value proposition – perhaps offering a reciprocal link, a content update, or additional valuable data for their article.

Example Outreach Email:

Hi [First Name],

I recently came across your article on [Topic] and found it incredibly insightful. I noticed it does not yet link to [Your Relevant Content], which covers [Brief Overview of Your Content and its value].

Would you consider adding a link to it? I believe it could provide additional value to your readers.

Thanks for considering,

[Your Name]
[Your Website]
 

**Offer Value and Follow Up**: Always provide a compelling reason why your link adds value to their content, and follow up if you do not get a response initially.

By strategically inserting links, you create a network of high-authority backlinks, providing significant SEO benefits with relatively low effort.
 

Skyscraper Technique 

The Skyscraper Technique, popularised by Brian Dean of Backlinko, involves finding high-performing content in your niche, creating something even better, and then reaching out to those who linked to the original content.

Use tools like Ahrefs, BuzzSumo, or SEMrush to find top-ranking content with a substantial number of backlinks in your niche.

Enhance the existing content by making it more comprehensive, up-to-date, visually appealing, or including additional multimedia elements.

Contact the websites linking to the original piece and present your enhanced content as a better alternative.

Example Outreach Email:

Hi [First Name],

I saw you linked to [Original Content Title] by [Competitor] in your [Article/Post Title]. I’ve recently published an article on [Your Content Topic], which provides even more comprehensive insights and up-to-date information.

Given it’s a significant improvement over the original, I thought it might be of interest to your readers as well. Would you consider updating your article to include our resource?

Thanks for your time,

[Your Name]
[Your Website]
 

By continuously improving on already successful content and strategically reaching out to those who have linked to previous versions, the Skyscraper Technique turns good practices into great results.
 

Digital PR

Digital PR is a method that mixes old public relations methods with digital marketing plans. It is useful for creating strong backlinks. This can greatly improve your website's search engine rank and increase brand awareness.

Here's how Digital PR can help you:

• Focused Reach: Digital PR helps you find and connect with the right journalists, bloggers, and influencers who can share your story. This focused method boosts the chance of getting quality backlinks from well-respected websites.
• Engaging Content: Making exciting and newsworthy content is key for effective Digital PR campaigns. Telling stories that appeal to your target audience can draw media interest and earn valuable backlinks.
• Building Connections: Digital PR helps you build strong ties with journalists and influencers. With these connections, you can get ongoing media coverage and show that your brand is a trusted name in your field.

In conclusion, Digital PR is a strong way to build links and raise your brand's visibility in 2024. By using Digital PR strategies well, you can boost your search engine rankings and get more people to visit your website.

Wrapping Up

Remember, the key to successful link building lies in the quality of the relationships you form and the value you provide.

Always prioritise creating high-quality, relevant content that naturally attracts backlinks and complements your outreach efforts.  Moreover, continuously monitor your backlink profile and stay adaptable to the ever-evolving SEO landscape.

If you need help implenting these techniques, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us and we'll be happy to help.

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