Earning High-Quality Backlinks in 2023: 50 Strategies

Backlink building has evolved from spammy tactics like link exchanges and farms. Now, it's about providing value to earn links organically.

While some still view backlinks negatively due to past abuses, they remain an effective way to boost rankings and get discovered. The key is earning links through useful content and outreach, not manipulative tricks.

If you're struggling with link building, this guide covers 50 legitimate strategies to get more backlinks in 2023. I'll summarize each technique briefly so you can find new ideas to test.

Backlinks for Rankings vs Traffic

Some links like social media and forums don't directly influence rankings but are great for driving referral traffic. Editorial links from mentions in traditional media do help with rankings. Keep both goals in mind when evaluating options.

1. .edu Links

These sites tend to have high domain authority. Offer guest posts to students in your industry or check your alumni network.

2. .gov Links

Also high authority typically. Create programs helping veterans and notify your local VA/SBA.

3. .org Links

Same benefits as .gov/.edu but easier to obtain. Volunteer, donate services/products, or sponsor charities.

4. Editorial Links

Happen naturally when you create engaging, high-quality content. Have a diverse content plan.

5. Traditional Media Links

Best way is creating studies/data journalists will cite. Can also use HARO but it's time consuming.

6. Internal Links

Simple but overlooked. Install a related posts plugin in WordPress.

7. Niche Industry Partners

Offer guest posts, reviews, co-marketing to complementary businesses in your niche.

8. Competitor Links

Very valuable. Create original research or a job board so useful they'll link to it.

9. Forum Profile Links

Engage in top forums for your industry by offering value before sharing links.

10. Social Media Profile Links

Add your site to all social media profiles like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

11. Social Media Post Links

Share content on social channels, and use Buffer/Hootsuite to recycle it.

12. Reddit Links

Requires careful approach as users dislike sales pitches. Check out tips from Brent Csutoras.

13. LinkedIn Company Links

Another easy win - add your site to LinkedIn company pages.

14. Relevant Industry Directories

Avoid spammy ones, but quality niche directories can help. Create your own if needed.

15. Local Directory Links

Great for local businesses. Claim and optimize popular ones like Yelp, Bing, etc.

16. Template Directory Links

If able, create a useful WordPress theme/plugin to get links from template sites.

17. Ebook Links

Write an ebook with embedded links or repurpose blog posts into one.

18. Local News Links

Similar to traditional media links but focus on your geographic area.

19. Guest Post Links

Pitch high-quality blogs in your industry. Offer to write great content for a link.

20. Manual Outreach Links

A numbers game but works. Fix broken links, pitch resources, always offer value.

21. Google My Business

Claim and optimize listing with website link. Many see this before visiting your site.

22. Branded Anchor Text Links

Ask for links using your brand name as anchor text when mentioned online.

23. Keyword Anchor Text Links

In addition to branded, request key term anchor text links carefully. Use key term anchors internally.

24. How-to Guide Links

Publish guides/resources on topics you researched extensively. People search for this content.

25. Resource List Links

Curate lists like top tools/templates people in your industry would find useful.

26. Infographic Links

Create your own or curate stats into infographics using Canva or outsourcing.

27. Infographic Citation Links

Get links from infographics by releasing original research for creators to cite.

28. Q&A Site Links

Provide helpful answers on Quora/forums. Goal is offering value, not just dropping links.

29. Email Newsletter Links

Link in emails to list subscribers. Can also sponsor complementary newsletters.

30. Clickable Graphic Links

Request images/logos online be made clickable links to your site.

31. YouTube Video Links

Upload videos, embed clickable site link. Simple smartphone videos work great.

32. SlideShare Presentation Links

Upload presentations/webinars to SlideShare and optimize with anchor text links.

33. Review Links

Ask bloggers/influencers to review your product/service in exchange for free access.

34. Wiki Links

Contribute to industry wikis beyond just Wikipedia. Add research.

35. Dofollow Links

When possible, request links pass along rankings value via dofollow attribute.

36. Nofollow Links

Don't turn down nofollows though, as they still drive traffic without potential penalties.

37. Asking Friends/Colleagues

Request links from close contacts when there's a logical fit. Be careful about value here.

38. Interview Links

Interview an expert, send them the link after. They may share on social media.

39. Give an Interview

Proactively let people know you're open to being interviewed.

40. Podcast Links

Guest on industry podcasts or start your own. Outsource pitching if short on time.

41. Crowdsourced Post Links

Contribute quotes/advice to crowdsourced posts in your niche. Offer value, not just links.

42. Create Crowdsourced Post

Flip side - create your own post and promote it. Link to all contributors.

43. News Jacking Links

Write posts about trending news/topics fast using Google Alerts.

44. Tool Links

Create free tools like calculators. Drive links like CoSchedule's Headline Analyzer.

45. Template Links

If no tools, provide templates/downloads like editorial calendars.

46. Webinar Links

Sponsor or host webinars. Repurpose slides on SlideShare.

47. Original Research Links

Conduct surveys or studies yearly. Create infographics on the data.

48. Glossary/Dictionary Links

Compile industry key term definitions. Competitors will link to it.

49. Case Study Links

Create and promote case studies related to your business/services.

50. Analyze Competitor Links

See where they're getting links with Ahrefs. Replicate those strategies.

Conclusion

Modern link building is about providing value rather than manipulating search engines. Think about how you can exchange useful resources, content, or exposure. Avoid outdated tactics and focus on earning links organically. Implement some of these strategies to take your link profile to the next level.