7 Popular White Hat Link Building Techniques (That SEOs Are Still Using Today)
In the dynamic world of SEO, link building remains a cornerstone of driving organic traffic and enhancing search engine rankings. A recent survey involving 270 SEOs highlighted the link-building techniques that are still in widespread use today. This article delves into seven effective white hat link-building strategies, providing a comprehensive guide on how to implement them successfully.
1. Creating Link Bait
Creating link bait is about producing high-value content that naturally attracts backlinks from other websites. However, crafting this content is not a straightforward task—there’s no guaranteed formula for success. To generate ideas for link bait, a practical approach is to analyze what works for your competitors.
One effective method is to utilize tools that reveal which pages from your competitors have garnered the most backlinks. For instance, in the SEO niche, data studies and statistics often attract links. If you are operating in this space, consider creating similar content that provides substantial value.
Remember, creating content that is ‘designed to entice links’ does not automatically ensure that links will materialize. Active promotion of your content is crucial for obtaining backlinks. For tips on promoting your content effectively, refer to our dedicated post on content promotion.
2. Analyzing Competitor Backlink Profiles
Another useful technique involves examining how competitors acquire their backlinks. Start by checking the backlink profiles of your competitors.
Instead of merely copying specific links, focus on identifying patterns that reveal successful link-building strategies. For example, if you notice that competitors like Moz are frequent guests on various podcasts, this indicates that podcast appearances can be an effective link-building strategy in your industry. By identifying these opportunities, you can curate a list of podcasts that accept guest contributors.
3. Guest Posting
Guest posting involves contributing a blog post to another website, with the benefit of earning backlinks to your site. To find suitable websites for guest posting, target those that receive significant organic traffic related to your niche.
Utilize tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to identify these websites. Look for those with multiple authors, as they are often more open to accepting guest submissions. For example, a niche site like Perfect Keto, which garners around 19K monthly visits, could be an excellent platform to pitch your guest post.
4. Reactive PR
Reactive PR is about capitalizing on time-sensitive opportunities to earn links. One popular platform for this is Help a Reporter Out (HARO), which connects journalists with expert sources requesting quotes and insights.
When you sign up for HARO, you will receive up to three emails daily with journalist inquiries. To manage the influx of requests efficiently, consider setting up Gmail filters. This way, you can focus on relevant queries where you have valid expertise to contribute. For example, a query might invite veterinarians to share insights on pet care, presenting an opportunity for a professional in that field to secure a valuable link.
5. Broken Link Building
Broken link building is a technique that involves finding dead pages with existing backlinks and offering a replacement. To start, search for a relevant dead page and utilize tools like Ahrefs or Moz to uncover referring domains.
For example, searching for a term like “keto” might lead you to a page with numerous referring domains. Once identified, visit the page to verify that it is no longer active. You can then use the Wayback Machine (archive.org) to view how the page appeared before it became inactive.
If your website offers similar content, recreate the information and reach out to the backlink sources, pitching your new resource as a replacement.
6. Converting Unlinked Mentions
The focus of this technique is to convert unlinked brand mentions found across the web into clickable links. Begin by searching for unlinked mentions of your brand using tools like Ahrefs.
For example, to find unlinked mentions for your business, you could run a search query that helps locate articles discussing your brand without including a link. With extensive results, narrow down your search through additional filters to identify the most relevant mentions. Then, reach out to the authors to suggest adding a link that would enhance the readability and resourcefulness of their content.
7. Getting Featured in Listicles
If your business is not included in relevant listicles, this represents a missed opportunity. To identify potential listicles, perform targeted Google searches using queries tailored to your business type and location.
For instance, a cafe owner in London could search for “best cafes in London,” minus their own business name to find lists that exclude them. Reach out to the authors of the listicles with a compelling pitch explaining why they should include your establishment. To enhance your chances, offer to invite them for a tasting or experience at your café.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these seven white hat link-building techniques are still relevant and effective for SEO professionals today. By strategically applying these methods, you can enhance your website’s authority, improve search engine rankings, and ultimately drive more traffic to your site. Remember to continually analyze your progress and refine your strategies for ongoing success in the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing.