Backlinks play a crucial role in search engine optimization (SEO) and are a powerful way to boost traffic to your website. This guide will walk you through effective strategies for earning backlinks, especially if you're running a small business.
Gaining backlinks from relevant and reputable websites is a key factor in improving your SEO performance. The more high-quality sites that link back to your pages, the better your chances of ranking higher in search engine results. And with better visibility comes increased traffic and potential leads. But what’s the best way to secure these valuable links?
The challenge is that you can’t simply ask other site owners to link to your content without offering something in return. To earn backlinks, you need to provide real value—whether that’s through high-quality content, tools, or insights. One proven method is guest posting, where you contribute articles to other websites in exchange for a backlink.
There are many effective techniques to build backlinks. You can use tools like Google Search Console to identify linking opportunities or analyze your top referral sources. Another smart approach is to find broken links on other websites and offer your content as a suitable replacement.
As long as you’re following ethical SEO practices, you’re moving in the right direction.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the importance of backlinks and how they can help you strengthen your online presence. You’ll also learn step-by-step methods to manually build backlinks and improve your website’s search rankings. Let’s explore how to get quality backlinks the right way.
What Are Backlinks?
A backlink is a link from another website that directs users to your own. For instance, if someone creates a blog post listing the top 10 fishing rods and includes your business in that list with a clickable link to your site, that’s considered a backlink. These links are essential to SEO because they signal to search engines that your website is trustworthy and valuable, helping improve your rankings and attract more visitors.
While backlinks are incredibly valuable for growing your business online, they can be challenging to secure. Getting another website to link to yours often requires offering something in return—like useful content, a partnership, or unique insights. That said, you can also earn backlinks organically by publishing high-quality, shareable content that others naturally want to reference.
It’s important to note that not all backlinks carry the same weight. Links from websites with high domain authority (DA) are especially impactful. Although any relevant backlink can help, those from high-DA sources tend to boost your SEO performance much more significantly. We’ll explain more about domain authority below.
What Is Domain Authority?
Domain authority (DA) is a metric developed by the SEO company Moz that predicts how well a website is likely to rank in search engine results pages (SERPs). It’s scored on a scale from 1 to 100—the higher the score, the stronger the site’s ability to rank.
Understanding how to build backlinks is essential, but earning those links from high-DA websites can give your SEO efforts an even greater lift. A backlink from a reputable, authoritative site signals to search engines that your content is credible, which can increase your own domain authority over time.
In short, backlinks from high-authority domains don’t just boost your visibility—they also drive more qualified traffic to your website and help establish your brand as a trusted resource in your industry.
How Do Backlinks Boost Your Website’s Authority?
Now that you have a solid understanding of domain authority, you might be curious about how backlinks actually help strengthen your own site's authority.
Since domain authority reflects the likelihood of a website ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs), earning quality backlinks can directly influence that score. When reputable sites link to your content, it signals to search engines that your website is trustworthy and relevant. As a result, your rankings improve, and your site becomes a more authoritative source in your niche.
However, not all backlinks are equally powerful. The impact a backlink has on your domain authority largely depends on the authority of the site linking to you. Links from low-DA websites may offer some value, but they won’t move the needle as much as links from high-authority domains.
That’s why it's essential to be strategic about your backlink-building efforts. Focus on earning backlinks from credible, high-ranking websites to maximize the benefits for your domain authority and overall SEO performance.
How to Get Backlinks for Your Small Business Website
Backlinks are a key element in any successful SEO strategy, but earning them can be a challenge—especially for small business owners. The core idea is to provide something of real value in return for a link. If you’re wondering how to get backlinks for your website, here are three effective techniques to help you uncover valuable link opportunities.
1. Guest Blog Posts
Contributing guest posts is one of the most powerful ways to earn high-quality backlinks. The process involves writing a blog post for a relevant website and naturally including a link to your own content. The host site gains useful material, and in return, you earn a backlink. To make this strategy effective, your content needs to be high-quality, relevant, and well-written. You can write it yourself or outsource it, but always ensure the content provides real value to the target audience.
2. Broken Link Building
Another proven method is finding broken links on websites and suggesting your content as a replacement. Over time, many sites accumulate outdated or dead links that point to removed pages. Using SEO tools, you can identify these broken links and reach out to the site owner, offering your relevant content as an alternative. This strategy is simple, mutually beneficial, and often results in new backlinks.
3. Unlinked Brand Mentions
A straightforward tactic for gaining backlinks is locating unlinked mentions of your brand or products across the web. These are cases where websites mention your business but don’t include a hyperlink. SEO tools can help you find these mentions, allowing you to contact the site owner and request that they add a link. While not every request will succeed, even a few successful link placements can significantly strengthen your backlink profile and improve your search visibility.
By focusing on these strategies and consistently creating valuable content, you’ll gradually build a strong backlink foundation that enhances your site’s authority and drives long-term SEO results.
4. Create Link-Worthy Content
One of the most effective ways to attract backlinks is by creating content that people naturally want to link to. This could be an informative infographic, a comprehensive how-to guide, or a unique product that stands out in your industry. While there are many elements involved in link building, content quality is what ultimately determines how shareable your content will be. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different formats to see what works best for your audience. Infographics might be a great fit for data-driven businesses, while others may benefit more from tutorials or case studies. The key is to consistently provide value that encourages others to reference and share your content.
5. Get Featured in “Best” Articles
Another smart link-building tactic is getting mentioned in “best of” articles. These are roundups that highlight the top tools, products, or services in a given category—such as the best email marketing software or the best budget travel blogs. Writers often include links to each business or brand they list, making these articles great backlink opportunities. To increase your chances of being included, reach out to publishers or bloggers in your niche and introduce your product or service. While some lists may be harder to get on than others, consistently offering a top-notch experience and building real relationships can help you secure mentions over time.
6. Use Infographics to Attract Links
Infographics are among the most shareable types of content online because they present complex information in a visual, easy-to-digest format. With just a glance, readers can understand key data or trends, making infographics ideal for blog posts, reports, and social media. When people share or embed your infographic—especially if they credit your site with a link—you gain high-quality backlinks that support your SEO goals. To get the best results, focus on creating infographics that are both visually appealing and filled with useful insights. If your current designs aren’t getting much traction, study what types of visuals perform well in your niche and adjust your strategy accordingly.
7. HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
HARO is a powerful way to build backlinks by connecting journalists with subject matter experts. When a reporter is working on a story and needs expert input—such as a quote or opinion—they turn to HARO to find reliable sources. If you provide valuable insights and your response is selected, the journalist will usually include a link to your website in the article.
Getting started is easy. Simply create a HARO account, verify your email, and customize your profile by selecting the topics you’re knowledgeable about. From there, you'll receive daily email queries. Respond promptly and professionally to relevant requests, and over time, you can build quality backlinks from trusted media outlets.
8. Create Long-Form Guides
Long-form guides are among the most shareable and authoritative types of content you can produce. They allow you to dive deep into a topic and cover it in detail—whether you're explaining how email marketing works or offering step-by-step instructions for beginners in a particular field.
These in-depth resources are highly valuable, which makes other sites more likely to link to them. Once published, a well-crafted guide can passively earn backlinks over time, especially if it stands out in quality, clarity, and usefulness. The more comprehensive and helpful your content is, the more natural backlinks it will attract.
9. Get Backlinks from Business Associations
Joining a local or industry-specific business association can offer backlink opportunities through member directories or resource pages. Many Chambers of Commerce and professional networks list businesses on their websites, often including a link to each member’s site.
While this may not be the most scalable strategy, it’s a simple and legitimate way to gain backlinks from established domains. Make sure your business is properly listed and that your website is linked. Keep in mind that not all backlinks offer equal SEO value—so over time, focus on quality over quantity as you build your backlink profile.
10. Use the Skyscraper Technique
The skyscraper technique is a proven method for earning backlinks by improving upon existing high-ranking content. Start by finding an article or guide in your niche that already ranks well and has attracted numerous backlinks. Analyze it carefully to identify any gaps, outdated information, or areas for enhancement.
Then, create your own version that’s more detailed, up-to-date, and valuable. Once your improved content is live, reach out to websites linking to the original post and suggest your version as a superior alternative. Not only can this approach help you earn quality backlinks, but it also strengthens your authority and brings in more organic traffic.
Why Quality Backlinks Matter More Than Quantity
You might be asking yourself, “How many backlinks do I actually need?” The truth is, it’s no longer about how many backlinks you have—it’s about where they’re coming from. Search engines have become much better at distinguishing between high-quality links and low-value ones.
Think of it like this: would you rather have five strong endorsements from trusted experts in your field or fifty vague mentions from random sources? That’s how Google and other search engines evaluate backlinks. A single link from a credible, authoritative website within your industry is far more valuable than dozens of links from low-quality blogs or outdated directories.
In fact, building backlinks from questionable sources can backfire. Search engines may interpret this as an attempt to manipulate rankings, which can hurt your site’s credibility and visibility. Instead of chasing sheer volume, focus your efforts on earning backlinks that are truly relevant and reputable.
So how can you evaluate whether a backlink is worth pursuing? Ask yourself the following:
- Is the website related to your industry or niche?
- Does it publish high-quality, original content on a regular basis?
- Would you be proud to have your brand mentioned on that site?
- Does the site link to other well-respected sources?
- Does it appear professional and actively maintained?
At the end of the day, a few strong backlinks from trusted, authoritative websites can do far more to improve your search rankings than hundreds of links from sources that offer little value. Quality always wins over quantity when it comes to building lasting SEO success.
Building Relationships for Backlinking
Most website owners aren’t fans of cold, generic backlink requests. If you want others to link to your site, the key is to build authentic relationships first.
Start by doing your research. Use SEO tools to analyze where your top competitors are getting backlinks from, and look for websites that publish content related to yours or that frequently share original insights and data. This will help you build a focused list of potential backlink sources that are genuinely aligned with your niche.
To establish meaningful connections with publishers and site owners, consider these effective tactics:
- Engage with their content—share it, comment thoughtfully, and build rapport before reaching out
- Participate in industry discussions to showcase your expertise
- Offer original data or a fresh perspective that adds value to their audience
- Network at relevant events, whether online or in person
- Help others first, without expecting immediate returns
Authenticity is key. Rather than sending out the same guest post pitch to dozens of sites, take the time to understand each one individually. When you reach out, personalize your message and explain why your content would benefit their readers.
Relationship-building takes time and effort, but it leads to long-term results. When website owners trust you and see the value in what you do, they’re far more likely to link to your content, accept your guest post ideas, and even refer others to your business.
In the long run, having a handful of strong, genuine industry connections that consistently generate backlinks and traffic is far more valuable than sending out hundreds of cold emails with little to no response. Focus on relationships first—and the backlinks will come naturally.
Building Website Backlinks Will Take Some Time
Backlink building is a vital component of SEO, but it’s not something that delivers results overnight. Mastering how to earn quality backlinks takes time, and even after implementing the right strategies, you’ll still need patience as those links begin to appear and take effect. It’s also important to understand that no backlink strategy comes with a 100% success rate—persistence is essential.
For business website owners, SEO remains one of the most powerful tools for driving long-term growth. Competing with larger, more established brands means making your site more visible in search engine results, and that starts with smart SEO practices. Alongside building backlinks, focusing on keyword optimization and consistently publishing valuable content will help your site rank higher and attract more organic traffic.
Keep in mind that backlink strategies evolve over time. In the past, submitting your site to directories was a go-to method, but today that approach is largely outdated and can even hurt your rankings. To stay ahead, keep up with current SEO trends and adjust your strategy based on what’s working now. With a consistent, informed approach, you’ll build a strong backlink profile that supports your site’s growth over the long run.
Using Social Media to Boost Your Backlink Strategy
Sharing your content on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook can significantly enhance your backlink strategy. Every time you post valuable or engaging content, you increase the chances of someone referencing it on their own website or blog.
The key is to create content that sparks genuine interest. Rather than simply dropping links and hoping for clicks, focus on starting conversations. Share behind-the-scenes moments from your business, highlight surprising industry trends, or offer useful data and insights. When people find your content truly helpful or thought-provoking, they’re more likely to share it—and potentially link to it.
Here are a few tactics that work especially well:
- Simplify complex ideas into short, insightful LinkedIn posts that others will want to save and share
- Join relevant industry discussions and contribute meaningful insights instead of promoting your own content
- Share blog posts with compelling teasers that make followers curious enough to click
- Tag individuals or brands you’ve mentioned in your content to increase engagement—just be sure it’s relevant and respectful
- Design shareable visuals or quote graphics that summarize your top-performing content
Pay close attention to which posts generate the most engagement. Whether it's data-driven content or how-to threads, use social media as a testing ground. When something resonates, repurpose and expand on it in your website or blog. This strategy not only helps drive more traffic but also increases the likelihood of earning organic backlinks from people who find value in your content.
What Makes a Backlink Valuable?
Not all backlinks are created equal, and knowing what sets high-quality links apart is critical to the success of your SEO strategy. Instead of chasing every backlink opportunity, smart businesses focus on securing links that truly impact their search rankings.
Here are the key factors that make a backlink truly valuable:
Authority of the Linking Site
One of the most important elements is the credibility of the website linking to you. Backlinks from trusted sources—such as reputable news outlets, authoritative blogs, or well-known industry publications—hold far more weight than links from low-quality or newly created sites. Search engines view links from authoritative domains as endorsements, which can significantly boost your site’s visibility.
Relevance to Your Content
Relevance is another major factor. Search engines evaluate whether the linking site’s content aligns with your own. For example, a backlink from a fishing blog to your fishing gear store is far more beneficial than a link from an unrelated fashion site, even if that fashion site gets more traffic. Relevant backlinks help establish your site’s authority within your niche.
Placement and Anchor Text
Where your backlink appears on the page and the anchor text used can also affect its SEO value. Links that are placed naturally within the main body of the content—especially when accompanied by descriptive, keyword-rich anchor text—are more effective than those buried in sidebars, footers, or using vague phrases like “click here.” Proper placement and context signal to search engines that the link is meaningful and helpful.
Backlinking Mistakes to Avoid
Understanding the right way to build backlinks is crucial—but knowing what to avoid is just as important. One wrong move can undo weeks or even months of progress, and in some cases, lead to penalties from search engines. Here are some of the most common backlinking mistakes that can harm your SEO efforts:
Buying Links
Paying for backlinks might seem like a quick way to boost your rankings, but it’s a risky shortcut. Search engines like Google have become highly skilled at detecting paid links, and if they catch you, your site can be penalized or even removed from search results. This includes purchasing links from website owners, participating in large-scale link exchanges, or using services that offer bulk backlinks for a fee. In the long run, earning links naturally through valuable content is far more effective and sustainable.
Accepting Links from Irrelevant Websites
Getting backlinks from sites that have no relation to your niche or industry can do more harm than good. For example, if your business specializes in pet grooming, a backlink from a cryptocurrency or fashion blog won’t help your SEO—in fact, it can confuse search engines and make your link profile look unnatural. Always aim for links from websites that are contextually relevant to your content.
Ignoring Nofollow Links Completely
While nofollow links don’t directly influence your search engine rankings, they still play an important role in your overall strategy. These links can drive referral traffic, increase brand visibility, and contribute to a natural-looking backlink profile. A strong link-building strategy includes a healthy mix of both follow and nofollow links from a diverse range of credible sources.
Final Notes on How to Create Backlinks
Boosting your website’s search engine ranking starts with two essential steps: publishing high-quality content and earning backlinks from reputable sources. If you’re wondering how to get started with building backlinks for your blog or business site, the strategies outlined above offer a strong foundation. From guest posting and HARO to social media and infographic marketing, there’s no shortage of effective techniques. And remember—there’s plenty of helpful content available online if you want to go even deeper into manual link-building tactics and SEO best practices.
Key Takeaways:
- Focus on quality over quantity. A single backlink from a respected website in your industry is far more valuable than dozens of links from low-authority directories or irrelevant blogs.
- Build real relationships. Genuine networking and collaboration lead to the best backlink opportunities—far more than mass emails or cold pitches.
- Create content worth linking to. Long-form guides, unique data, infographics, and in-depth resources naturally attract backlinks over time.
- Start with simple wins. Local business directories, industry resource pages, and broken link outreach are great ways to begin building your backlink profile—even if they’re not the most powerful in the long run.
By staying consistent, following SEO best practices, and prioritizing relevance and value, you’ll steadily build a backlink profile that strengthens your online presence and improves your visibility in search engine results