Learn how to build backlinks without paying for them. Backlinks, also known as inbound links or incoming links, are sites that link to your website somewhere in their content. This can be a service page, a blog post, or any other page on their website. Backlinks are important for search engine optimization (SEO), since having a large number of authentic, high-quality backlinks will show the authority of your website. How can you generate backlinks to your site? Here are a couple of fool-proof ways.
Why are backlinks important?
In simplest terms, a backlink is when another website links to yours. It’s a sign that your business or your content is worth recommending, and that is an indication to Google (and other search engines) that you have a credible website worth showing in search results.
Should you pay for backlinks?
Absolutely not. The focus needs to be on quality over quality, otherwise, it won’t help your search engine ranking. Additionally, it can be difficult to measure the impact of a backlink on search engine performance. Therefore, it makes more sense to choose the referring sites more strategically so that perhaps you can grow your social media following or generate leads from the backlink.
5 Ways to Build Backlinks Without Paying for Them
1. Pitch Associations with Your Work
Industry associations are always looking to showcase their members’ work. It inspires other members and helps your business generate a valuable referral link. A landscaping company could submit a series of before/after photos to an association describing how they resolved a common issue, like improper water drainage. Ask for the association to provide a backlink to your website for more information.
2. Create Shareable Content
By creating shareable content, you’re getting an opportunity to have your expertise spread around the internet, and it increases the chances of having your website linked to numerous web pages and platforms. No matter what you decide to create – blog post, eBook, infographic – any shared content can be distributed with a call-to-action (CTA), asking readers to share the content with their connections.
3. Become a Guest Blogger
One of the best ways to demonstrate your industry expertise while generating backlinks is through guest posts. Almost every website or blog will post a short writer biography, making space for backlinks. Additionally, writing guest posts allows you to collaborate with other industry professionals, build a good rapport, and cultivate your brand.
4. Network Online
It’s not a secret that networking is vital to business success. Nowadays, networking has entered the digital realm through LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Because of this, networking now has more benefits than ever, with the chance to pitch your guest blog posts, share meaningful content, and backlink to the websites of those with whom you have a close professional relationship.
5. Stick to Your Niche
Networking and exchanging backlinks can be useful for all involved parties, but only if it’s done right. Take the time to get to know your backlinking partner, their business, and how your content can fit on their website. For example, there is no point in sharing an in-depth case study on gardening on a digital marketing blog because there are no direct ties. Niche backlinks are targeted advertising, relevant to your specific industry, and their goal is to reach your target audience without wasting your time or money on non-converting traffic.
Conclusion
Making an effort to improve your search engine ranking is one of the main ways you can stand out online. Getting backlinks can be a challenging process, but if you are dedicated to generating quality backlinks on various websites and social media accounts in your niche, you can get Google’s attention and boost your website traffic.
If you’re struggling with backlinks or getting your content noticed, join our Facebook Community, The Credible Brand. There you can ask questions and receive a timely response from a marketing expert and the business community.
