When it comes to developing an SEO strategy for your business, there are many different aspects to consider. Because of how difficult and time-consuming they can be to generate, it can be tempting to overlook backlinks… But that would be a mistake.
Google has identified backlinks as one of the ranking features they take most seriously, so you can’t afford to overlook them. It could be the final push you need to outrank your competitors.
Fortunately, backlinks aren’t quite as scary as you might think they are and the more work you put into generating them, the more naturally they’ll eventually come. Additionally, if you’ve invested properly into other aspects of your SEO strategy – such as content – then this will only make the process easier as well.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the key strategies you should be aware of when generating backlinks.
Content is King
As mentioned, backlinks always come easier when the rest of your SEO strategy is in good shape. And there’s no better example of this than content.
If you want to encourage other websites to link to you, then you need to make sure you have the right content. If the copy on your website is flimsy or filled with typos, then it makes it harder for others to be interested in it. This is true no matter what industry you’re in. Good copy signals to others that your site and business are trustworthy and legitimate.
This is particularly true when it comes to evergreen content. If you’re interested in positioning your website as a resource for others, then you need to make sure your content is high-quality and original.
It should also go without saying, but good content will also bring plenty of benefits to your site beyond making it more desirable to linkers. Google values well-developed and optimised content, meaning that it’s a good way to boost your organic rankings in itself as well.
Broken Backlinks
Another commonly used tactic is broken backlink building. As highlighted by Ahrefs, this can be a highly time-consuming process but if you’re willing to put in the effort, it can be rewarding.
This strategy involves identifying broken backlinks on other sites which you feel could be replaced by content from your own site. The trick is to alert the site’s webmaster of the broken backlink, offering up your own content as a replacement at the same time.
The success rate of this strategy can be low, but the backlinks generated are normally valuable. If you’re interested in exploring the topic further, there are a number of in-depth articles out there that can help walk you through the process, from identifying broken link opportunities to penning the perfect email to a webmaster. In particular, we recommend the article by Ahrefs linked above.
Reach Out to Partners
Perhaps the easiest way to generate backlinks is to reach out to companies you’re already connected with. No matter what industry you’re operating in, you’re likely to have businesses and companies you’re partnered with. Asking them to link their site to yours is always going to be an easy win.
Of course, you can also offer a link back to them in return, making the deal mutually beneficial. It’s a simple process, but it can help you kick things off if you’re only getting started with backlinks.
Backlink Gap Analysis
This is perhaps the most effective method of all when it comes to identifying backlink opportunities.
A backlink gap analysis involves looking at your competitors and examining which sites are linking to them but not you. Backlinks come in all shapes and sizes, and this can be a fantastic way to identify opportunities that you might not have thought about. Backlinks – and where they come from – can vary drastically from industry to industry. This will allow you to see if you’re on the right track or if your strategy is in need of some course correction.
Conclusion
While it may seem daunting to start building out your backlink profile, it’s important to remember that getting started is the hardest part. Just start small, and pay regular attention to how you’re performing, and you’ll soon get to where you want to be.
If you would like support with your backlink profile or any other aspects of your digital marketing strategy, including SEO, PPC, Social or Email, get in touch with Noble Performs today.