What link strategy still works today?

Creating top-notch backlinks continues to be a crucial element for SEO rankings in 2024. However, with the constant updates to Google’s algorithms and their crackdown on spam, it’s essential to keep your link strategy fresh and up-to-date.

In our guide, we’re going to walk you through all the essentials for making your link building efforts triumph this year.

What is a link strategy?

Crafting a link building plan involves gathering endorsements from various websites that point back to your own material. Having a robust collection of backlinks, which are links from other sites to yours, is a key indicator for Google when it comes to ranking your content.

The greater the number of sites linking to yours, the stronger the indication that your site holds value and relevance. Although you can naturally earn backlinks by creating compelling content, you can also use deliberate tactics to construct these links purposefully.

What link strategy still works in 2024?

1. Create linkable content

Google and users both have a preference for organic links. They stand out as more pertinent, they’re obviously not paid for, and they often result in referral traffic heading to your site.

Putting together a central spot for the most critical statistics in your field is a fantastic method for attracting high-quality backlinks.

Content makers are always on the hunt for statistics. They aim to craft content that’s grounded in data, and they require solid facts to support their work. By compiling these statistics on a single page, you make it easier for content creators to save time on research.

It’s not necessary to be the original source of the data. Even if you’re referencing secondary sources, presenting a well-organized collection of industry stats that are concise and straightforward gets the job done. These kinds of posts serve as valuable resource pages for both those searching for information and those creating content.

2. Guest Post on Niche Websites

Guest blogging on reputable sites within your sector remains one of the most effective and time-honored link strategy.

Begin by pinpointing websites that:

• Are closely connected to your area of expertise
• Draw in the audience you’re targeting
• Boast a domain authority over 50
• Welcome and consistently feature guest posts

Next, approach them with your proposal for an outstanding guest article. Focus on delivering value to their readers rather than just promoting yourself. Your goal should be to obtain a Dofollow link back to your website, either in your author bio or within the article itself.

Guest articles are successful because many site owners are open to exchanging content and links. Just make sure your outreach feels personal and that your post is a good fit for their brand’s image.

3. Participate in Online Communities

There’s a vast array of online communities out there, from Reddit and Quora to specialized forums and Facebook Groups, brimming with people you want to reach. Invest effort in establishing your presence within these groups.

• Offer insightful remarks and assist others by answering their queries.
• Provide your expertise without always plugging your product.
• If it’s permitted, share useful content and visuals.
• Cultivate connections and work towards being a trusted figure in the community.

Many of these online spaces are open to sharing links. When it makes sense, and if it serves the readers, feel free to link back to your own content library. This link strategy can lead to referral traffic and assist search engines in discovering new pages on your site.

4. Use testimonials to secure backlinks

A different tactic that can work wonders is crafting glowing testimonials. You’re aiming for top-tier links, steering clear of any that seem spammy or come from Private Blog Networks (PBNs). If there’s a product or service you’ve had a good experience with, go ahead and write a favorable testimonial. Then, reach out to the business owner and see if they’d be willing to display your testimonial on their website, including a link back to your site.

5. Build Link-Worthy Infographics

Attractive infographics continue to attract a heap of links, especially when you post them on visually oriented platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

The trick lies in designing an infographic that showcases unique data or perspectives unavailable elsewhere. Remember to incorporate your brand identity and include links leading back to your website.

Use social media contests and campaigns to spread awareness and gather links to boost your infographic’s reach. Just ensure it offers genuine value rather than solely serving as promotional content.

6. Sponsor Events or Webinars

Sponsoring events can pave the way for robust link building opportunities. When you become a sponsor or contributor, try to arrange for your company’s name and a link to be included in the event’s promotional materials on their website, in emails, and across social media channels.

Keep an eye out for events in your local area as well as online happenings such as webinars that are related to your field. Plenty of these events welcome sponsors and often offer exclusive benefits and promotional advantages.

7. Conduct Blogger Outreach

Directly connecting with bloggers and website owners in your industry is a fruitful, albeit time-consuming, approach.

Begin by putting together a roster of sites, bloggers, and influencers who discuss subjects that align with yours. Interact with their content genuinely, avoiding any spam-like behavior.

Next, write personalized emails to suggest relevant content ideas or introduce new articles and resources you’ve created that they might want to share or reference in their upcoming posts. Remember to follow up with courtesy.

Your aim is to forge relationships that will lead to editorial links in the future. Even a brief mention from a respected name can be beneficial. Keep your emails concise, steer clear of a sales tone, and tailor your message to fit the brand’s identity.

Common Link Building Mistakes to Avoid

While running link strategy campaigns, it’s important to steer clear of some common blunders that could backfire:

• Don’t spam with links — It’s a no-go to bombard sites with automated, low-quality link requests. This just irritates website owners.
• Be careful with anchor text — Using exact-match anchor text excessively (like “best desk chairs”) can appear manipulative. Use it sparingly.
• Keep links relevant — Forcing links between content that isn’t contextually related based on keywords alone is a red flag. Aim for natural relevance.
• Personalize your outreach — Generic, cold pitches to site owners are off-putting and usually ineffective. Make sure to personalize your communication.
• Respect guidelines — Before you ask for a link, always make sure to check the website’s policies to avoid any penalties.

The key to success is patience, crafting truly exceptional content, networking, and building genuine connections rather than seeking quick fixes or engaging in dubious link schemes.

Final Thoughts

A successful link building approach involves leveraging inbound links to boost your website’s authority and its position in search results. By developing worthwhile resources, landing guest blogging opportunities, fostering community interaction, reaching out to bloggers, and fixing broken or internal links, your site is set to draw in more top-notch referral traffic in 2024. Always steer clear of any deceptive link strategies.

Which link strategy have worked best for you? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

For those who don’t have the time or knowledge to manage your own SEO campaigns, contact us. Our team of expert have helped hundreds of businesses over the years through our natural link building.

FAQs about link strategy

What’s the Ideal Number of Backlinks to Aim for Each Month?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the ideal number of monthly backlinks. However, acquiring 2–3 new, high-quality editorial backlinks every month from reputable domains within your industry is a realistic target. This helps in gradually enhancing your site’s authority and organic reach.

Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Backlinks?

Indeed, an excessive number of backlinks can be problematic if they’re low in quality, irrelevant, or appear spammy due to over-optimized anchor text. It’s best to gain links organically from credible sites that are pertinent to your field. Remember, it’s about quality, not just quantity.

How Quickly Can Link Building Affect SEO?

Typically, you might start seeing the positive effects on your search rankings and traffic from new backlinks within 1 to 3 months. Keep in mind that consistent link acquisition over time is key. Don’t count on immediate results; SEO growth is a marathon, not a sprint.

Can an Abundance of Backlinks Damage Your SEO?

Yes, an abundance of low-quality or non-relevant backlinks can indeed damage your search engine rankings. To maintain a natural-looking link profile, focus on editorial links and avoid too many paid links or those with over-optimized anchor text. Once again, prioritize quality over quantity.

Is It Necessary to Disavow All Negative Backlinks?

It’s generally unnecessary to disavow every spammy link unless there’s clear evidence they’re negatively affecting your rankings. Use tools like Linkody to pinpoint which risky backlinks might need disavowing and do so selectively.