16 Proven Ethical Link Building Strategies in 2025

Last Updated on 06/05/2025

Businesses and agencies that want to rank for keywords cannot afford to ignore building backlinks through various ethical strategies in 2025. 

According to Google, ethical link building, quality backlinks, content, and mobile optimization remain among the top three ranking factors.

The best approach to improve your search rankings is to focus on organic link building and acquire many high-authority links to your website.

This is pretty much clear now!

SEOs are always looking to find new and innovative ways (apart from the set best practices) to build backlinks. Everyone has a new take on what they feel will work or not.

However, one thing is sure: using Black Hat strategies to build links might get brands, agencies, and SEOs into trouble. 

Remember, Google is smart, and it is not 2011 anymore when SEOs used black hat link-building strategies like spamming, unnecessary blog commenting, etc.

Many link-building techniques, such as when individuals once exchanged links for links, are now viewed as immoral. Additionally, if users continue to engage in such behavior, search engines will probably discover it and penalize the websites.

So why go through all those challenges for your brand?

Recent research found a relationship between the number of backlinks and the amount of organic traffic you get from Google.

But don’t be afraid.

There are still several ethical link-building tactics that you can use to acquire links properly. All you have to do is be conscious of unethical practices and steer clear of them while attempting to establish a backlink profile for your website.

This article will examine 16 ethical or organic link-building best practices for 2025. Before we get to the list, let us consider why link-building is essential.

The Benefits and Importance of Link Building in 2025

We have already mentioned how backlinks building in 2025 is essential for ranking on Google search for specific keywords. However, if done right, organic link-building best practices can benefit in the following ways also:

• Driving traffic from a high-volume site (where your link is placed) to your website, landing page, or social media profiles. 
• Having your brand build backlinks in high-authority platforms also helps raise your brand credibility and exposure. 
• It is also important to note that correctly building backlinks can help generate effective leads for a brand campaign. 
• According to many experts, successful link-building practices can automatically boost organic visibility.
• All the above combine to help a brand improve sales and generate revenues. In other words, set up a profitable business online. 

Check out our:
Latest link-building trends
Link Velocity: How Quickly Should You Develop Backlinks?

Here is the List of 16 Ethical Link Building Strategies for 2025

For many SEOs, Content and Link Building comprise the entire discipline. While this may be a narrow understanding, it can garner maximum results if done correctly.

1. Building Backlinks through Reclamation

People often list your website in a ‘best’ type of article. They might be writing the article on behalf of their client but want to list the competitors. 

This is an excellent opportunity to use a social listening tool and reach out to the publisher or platform. Connect with them, build relationships, and ask them to link you to your website.

Here are steps:

1. Backlink Audit:
   • Start by conducting a comprehensive backlink audit using tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz. Identify all the backlinks that used to point to your website but are now broken or removed.
2. Compile a List:
   • Create a list of all the lost or broken backlinks, including the referring page’s URL and the anchor text used in the link.
3. Check for Valuable Links:
   • Prioritize your list by identifying high-quality or authoritative websites that have removed or changed links to your site. Focus on links from reputable sources or high DR as they carry more weight in SEO.
4. Contact Webmasters:
   • Reach out to the webmasters of the websites that used to link to your content. Inform them about the broken or lost link and provide the correct URL for your content.
5. Craft a Concise Outreach Email:
   • Your email should be courteous, concise, and to the point. Mention the context of the lost link and its value, and kindly request the link to be reinstated.
6. Provide Alternatives (If Applicable):
   • If the original content is no longer available or relevant, suggest an alternative piece of content on your site that could be linked.
7. Follow Up:
   • If you don’t receive a response within a reasonable time frame (usually a week or two), send a polite follow-up email to remind them of your request.
8. Document Your Efforts:
   • Keep track of all communication and outreach efforts in a spreadsheet. Include dates, contact details, and responses received.
9. Monitor Progress:
   • Continuously monitor your backlink profile to see if the reclaimed links are reinstated. Tools like Google Search Console can help you identify changes in your backlinks.
10. Thank Webmasters (When Successful):
    • Express your gratitude when webmasters agree to reinstate your lost links. Building positive relationships can lead to more cooperation in the future.
11. Repeat the Process:
    • Periodically conduct backlink audits and continue the reclamation process to ensure you’re not missing out on any opportunities to regain valuable links.

Remember that backlink reclamation is an ongoing process, and it’s essential to maintain a proactive approach to preserve and improve your website’s link profile.

2. Create Stats

Publishing original statistics and data-driven insights is a highly effective way to attract natural backlinks. Journalists, bloggers, and industry professionals cite credible stats in their content, making it a great way to earn organic links.

For example, Marketing Lad found that acquiring 8 high-authority do-follow links could increase a new website’s Domain Rating (DR) to 15 out of 100 within seven days. Anyone who finds this helpful data might reference and link back to the source.

You can apply this strategy in your niche by conducting research, running surveys, or analyzing trends. The more unique and well-researched your stats are, the higher the chances they are cited across the web, boosting your site’s authority and visibility.

3. High-Quality Guest Posting

High-quality guest posting powered by quality content can go a long way in building backlinks. However, brands and SEOs must remember that poor-quality content for building backlinks is a strict no-no in Google’s eyes. 

If the intent is to create quality backlinks, the aim should be to develop long-format, SEO-optimized, and well-researched articles. This will make it very difficult for any publisher to say no.

Here are steps:

1. Identify Your Goals:
   • Clearly define your objectives for guest posting. Are you aiming for backlinks, brand exposure, thought leadership, or more?
2. Define Your Target Audience:
   • Determine your target audience and the websites they frequently visit. Guest posts should align with this audience’s interests and needs.
3. Research and List Target Websites:
   • Identify websites in your niche or industry that accept guest posts. Use search engines, social media, and guest post directories to find opportunities.
4. Evaluate Website Relevance and Authority:
   • Assess the relevance and authority of each target website. Look for websites with good domain authority (DA) and respect within your niche.
5. Review Guest Post Guidelines:
   • Carefully read and understand the guest post guidelines provided by each target website. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for submitting a successful guest post.
6. Generate Unique Content Ideas:
   • Brainstorm and develop unique content ideas that are valuable, informative, and aligned with the target website’s audience.
7. Craft High-Quality Content:
   • Write a well-researched, informative, and engaging guest post that offers real value to the readers. Ensure it is free from grammatical and spelling errors.
8. Create a Compelling Author Bio:
   • Prepare a brief and professional author bio highlighting your expertise and a link to your website or social profiles.
9. Personalize Your Outreach:
   • Contact the website owner or editor with a personalized pitch. Mention your appreciation for their website and explain why your guest post would be a good fit.
10. Submit Your Pitch:
    • Send the website owner or editor your guest post pitch, proposed topic, and a brief outline. Be concise and transparent in your communication.
11. Follow Up (If Necessary):
    • If you don’t receive a response within a reasonable timeframe (usually a week or two), send a polite follow-up email to inquire about the status of your pitch.
12. Write and Format Your Guest Post:
    • Once your pitch is accepted, write and format your guest post according to the website’s guidelines. Include relevant images, headers, and subheadings.
13. Include Relevant Links:
    • Your guest post should include relevant internal and external links. Ensure that any links you include are helpful and non-promotional.
14. Submit Your Guest Post:
    • Send the completed guest post to the website owner or editor for review and publication. Be sure to meet any specified deadlines.
15. Promote Your Guest Post:
    • To maximize its reach, share your guest post on your social media channels, email newsletters, and website.
16. Build Relationships:
    • Nurture relationships with the website owners and editors for future guest posting opportunities.

Remember that the quality of your guest posts and the relevance of the websites you target are key factors in the success of this link-building strategy. Building solid relationships with website owners can lead to more opportunities and a more effective link-building campaign.

4. Link Insertions

Link insertion is a tremendous link-building strategy. It’s one of the most effective, valuable, and easy-to-implement link-building tactics.

Link insertion involves identifying an existing piece of content that could benefit from additional resources and then contacting the site owner to suggest adding your content to the page.

Link insertion has a high success rate because the benefits are clear for both sides. Site owners are constantly seeking ways to enhance their pages and make them more beneficial for their users. If your content is relevant and of high quality, site owners will want to link to it.

Link insertion is most effective when you provide a solution that helps others achieve their goals. When you start a campaign with this mindset, finding opportunities to create value for other sites is more leisurely, making them more likely to accept your request.

We have written a complete article on Link Insertions – An Ultimate Link Building Strategy

5. Journalistic Content Creation 

According to experts, one of the most innovative new strategies for building contextual backlinks has become creating journalistic content. This means taking up a trending issue and using the available online resources to create stellar content. 

Take quotes from industry authority figures. Promote the content on social media. Once people find you have published something, they will be interested in giving you the link and sharing it on platforms. 

Here are steps:

1. Identify Newsworthy Topics:
   • Research and identify topics within your niche or industry with a news angle. Look for trends, emerging issues, data, or events that interest your target audience.
2. Conduct In-Depth Research:
   • Gather comprehensive and up-to-date information related to your chosen news topic. Gather data and insights using primary sources, industry reports, surveys, and interviews.
3. Create Unique and Authoritative Content:
   • Craft a well-researched and informative journalistic piece that presents the news engagingly and authoritatively. Include data, quotes from experts, and compelling storytelling.
4. Maintain Journalistic Integrity:
   • Follow ethical journalism principles, such as accuracy, fairness, and objectivity, throughout the content creation.
5. Add Visuals and Multimedia:
   • Enhance your content with relevant images, charts, infographics, and videos. Visual elements can make the content more engaging and shareable.
6. Write a Compelling Headline:
   • Craft a headline that succinctly captures the essence of the news and piques readers’ interest. Use robust and attention-grabbing language.
7. Include Quotes and Citations:
   • Incorporate quotes from industry experts, relevant authorities, or official sources to add credibility to your content. Always cite your sources properly.
8. Proofread and Edit:
   • Carefully proofread and edit your journalistic content to ensure it is free from grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies.
9. Publish on Your Website:
   • Publish the content on your own website’s blog or news section. Ensure that it is easily accessible and well-optimized for search engines.
10. Create a Press Release:
    • Draft a press release summarizing the key points of your journalistic content. Distribute this press release to relevant media outlets and journalists.
11. Outreach to Journalists and Media Contacts:
    • Reach out to journalists and media contacts who cover topics related to your content. Provide them with a summary and offer interviews or additional information.
12. Leverage Social Media:
    • Promote your journalistic content on social media platforms to increase visibility and encourage sharing.
13. Submit to News Aggregators:
    • Submit your news content to reputable news aggregators and press release distribution services to expand its reach.
14. Measure and Analyze Impact:
    • Monitor website traffic, social shares, earned backlinks, and media coverage to track the performance of your journalistic content.
15. Build Relationships with Journalists:
    • Nurture relationships with journalists who cover your industry. Engage in meaningful interactions and provide valuable insights for future collaborations.

6. Quora, Medium, and Reddit Link Building 

Many of you might get up from your seats and start shouting ‘No-Follow Links.’ You will be correct, but there are some things you need to consider. Google is very ambiguous when building no-follow backlinks on high-quality industry authority sites. 

Many SEOs follow a well-defined strategy to place backlinks and drive traffic from such platforms to their desired pages. This means you should actively pursue a content strategy on Quora, Medium, Reddit, and other similar review platforms. 

Link building on platforms like Quora, Medium, and Reddit can effectively drive traffic and acquire high-quality backlinks. Here are the steps for each platform:

Quora Link Building:

1. Identify Relevant Questions:
   • Search for questions related to your niche or industry. Look for questions with a substantial number of views and followers.
2. Provide Valuable Answers:
   • Write insightful, well-researched answers to these questions. Include relevant information and demonstrate your expertise.
3. Include a Link to Your Content:
   • Where appropriate, insert a link to your relevant blog post, article, or resource that provides more in-depth information.
4. Avoid Spamming:
   • Ensure your answers are genuinely helpful and not overly promotional. Quora’s community guidelines discourage spam.
5. Engage with the Quora Community:
   • Participate in discussions, upvote valuable answers, and engage with the Quora community to build credibility.

Medium Link Building:

1. Write High-Quality Content:
   • Produce informative, engaging, and well-researched articles that resonate with your target audience.
2. Include Internal Links:
   • Include internal links to your website’s relevant blog posts, articles, or resources within your Medium articles.
3. Leverage Publications:
   • Submit your articles to Medium publications related to your niche. Publications can extend the reach of your content.
4. Engage with Readers:
   • Respond to comments on your articles and engage with readers to foster a sense of community.
5. Promote Your Medium Articles:
   • Share your Medium articles on your social media channels, email newsletters, and other relevant platforms.

Reddit Link Building:

1. Identify Relevant Subreddits:
   • Find subreddits that are relevant to your niche or industry. Each subreddit has its own rules and guidelines.
2. Participate Actively:
   • Engage with the Reddit community by commenting on posts, upvoting helpful content, and being a valuable member.
3. Share Your Content Sparingly:
   • Share your content sparingly and only when it genuinely adds value to a discussion. Avoid self-promotion.
4. Use Reddit’s “Submit a Link” Feature:
   • Submit links to your high-quality blog posts or resources in relevant subreddits using the “Submit a Link” feature.
5. Follow Subreddit Rules:
   • Read and follow the rules and guidelines of each subreddit to avoid being banned or downvoted.
6. Engage in Discussions:
   • After sharing your content, engage in discussions, answer questions, and provide insights related to your post.
7. Monitor and Respond:
   • Keep an eye on comments and respond promptly to any questions or feedback on your linked content.

Remember that link-building on these platforms should prioritize providing value and contributing to the community rather than solely focusing on obtaining backlinks. When done authentically, these platforms can drive traffic.

PS: We have written a complete article on Why Reddit Backlinks Impact Your SEO.

7. Creating Infographics

Many SEOs have started experimenting with quality infographics in recent years. They point out that many prefer to go through a well-explained and informative infographic rather than read through two or three thousand words. 

You can download free infographic templates to scale up your link-building efforts.

A proper email marketing strategy must complement an infographic-driven backlink-building strategy. You need to identify publishers creating content on the same topic and request that they use the infographic in exchange for a backlink. 

Creating infographics as a link-building strategy effectively attracts backlinks and drives traffic to your website.

Here are steps:

1. Plan the Infographic Structure:
   • Outline the structure and flow of your infographic. Determine the key points, sections, and visual elements you want to include.
2. Design the Infographic:
   • Create the infographic using design tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Piktochart. Pay attention to layout, color schemes, fonts, and visual elements to make it visually appealing.
3. Visualize Data Creatively:
   • Represent your data and information using visually engaging charts, graphs, icons, and illustrations. Ensure that the visuals are easy to understand.
4. Craft an Attention-Grabbing Title:
   • Create a clear and compelling title for your infographic. The title should convey the main message and pique the viewer’s interest.
5. Add Credible Sources:
   • Include citations and references for the data used in your infographic. This adds credibility and transparency to your content.
6. Review and Proofread:
   • Review your infographic for accuracy, clarity, and grammar. Make any necessary revisions to improve its quality.
7. Create an Embed Code:
   • Use tools like Siege Media’s Embed Code Generator to generate an embed code for your infographic. This makes it easy for others to share your infographic on their websites.
8. Publish on Your Website:
   • Publish the infographic on your website or blog. Create a dedicated page or blog post and provide context or additional information.
9. Promote on Social Media:
   • Share your infographic on your social media channels to increase its visibility. Encourage your followers to share it as well.
10. Outreach to Relevant Websites:
    • Identify websites, blogs, and influencers in your niche who might be interested in your infographic. Send them a personalized pitch via email or social media.
11. Offer Guest Posts with Infographic Inclusions:
    • Pitch guest posts ideas to relevant websites or blogs and offer to include your infographic in the content. This can help you secure backlinks within guest posts.
12. Submit to Infographic Directories:
    • Submit your infographic to infographic directories and sharing platforms. Some popular options include Visual.ly, Infogram, and Pinterest.
13. Repurpose and Update:
    • Periodically update your infographic with new data or insights to keep it relevant. You can then re-promote it to gain additional backlinks.

Creating and promoting infographics as a link-building strategy requires creativity, research, and outreach efforts. By producing high-quality infographics that provide value to your target audience, you can attract backlinks from authoritative sources and enhance your website’s SEO performance.

8. Roundup Game

It is a proven strategy, and many SMEs have built tons of backlinks by creating round-up posts. You can interview an influencer, and people will start linking to your interview page.

Isn’t it a superb strategy to build some quick links?

A well-executed roundup game can help you secure valuable backlinks and establish your website as a reputable source of industry insights and expertise.

Building relationships with experts and influencers can lead to further link-building opportunities and collaborations.

Here are steps to execute a roundup game:

1. Identify a Compelling Topic:
   • Choose a relevant and engaging topic that resonates with your target audience and industry. Ensure that the topic is broad enough to gather diverse insights.
2. Create a List of Experts or Influencers:
   • Compile a list of experts, influencers, or thought leaders in your niche who can contribute valuable insights to your roundup post.
3. Outreach and Invitation:
   • Contact the identified experts individually via email, social media, or professional networks. Craft a personalized and compelling invitation explaining the topic and the value of their participation.
4. Provide Clear Guidelines:
   • Share clear guidelines with your contributors, outlining the format, word count, and deadline for their contributions. Include any specific questions or prompts to guide their responses.
5. Collect Contributions:
   • Gather the contributions from the experts. Ensure that you receive their insights within the specified deadline.
6. Create the Roundup Post:
   • Compile the expert contributions into a well-structured and informative blog post. Introduce the topic, provide context for each contribution, and organize the content logically.
7. Include Author Bios and Links:
   • Beneath each contributor’s insights, include a brief author bio highlighting their expertise and a link to their website, blog, or social media profile.
8. Optimize for SEO:
   • Optimize your roundup post for search engines by using relevant keywords, meta tags, and a descriptive title. Make it mobile-friendly and easy to read.
9. Visual Elements:
   • Enhance your post with visuals like images, graphics, and pull quotes to make it visually appealing and shareable.
10. Publish on Your Website:
    • Publish the roundup post on your website or blog. Ensure it is easily accessible and well-promoted within your site’s navigation.
11. Promotion and Outreach:
    • Promote your roundup post on social media, email newsletters, and relevant online communities or forums. Tag the contributors in your social media posts to encourage sharing.
12. Email Contributors:
    • Send a follow-up email to the contributors notifying them of the post’s publication. Provide them with shareable links and encourage them to share them within their networks.
13. Outreach for Backlinks:
    • Contact relevant websites, blogs, and industry publications to inform them about your roundup post. Suggest that they consider linking to it as a valuable resource.
14. Build Relationships:
    • Nurture relationships with the contributors and other influencers within your industry for future collaborations and link-building opportunities.
15. Repeat the Process:
    • Periodically create new roundup posts on different topics to attract backlinks and continually maintain your website’s authority.

9. Create Useful Guides

Start creating long-form content; Google prefers long-form content to short articles. You can make a guide with complete information about the topic, and people will start linking to that guide.

Here are steps:

1. Choose a Relevant Topic:
   • Select a topic that addresses a specific pain point, challenge, or interest within your niche or industry.
2. Conduct Thorough Research:
   • Gather information, data, statistics, and insights from reputable sources related to your chosen topic. Ensure your research is up-to-date and comprehensive.
3. Plan the Guide Structure:
   • Outline the structure of your guide, including sections, sub-sections, and key points you want to cover. Ensure it flows logically and is easy to navigate.
4. Craft High-Quality Content:
   • Write well-researched, engaging, and informative content for your guide. Use clear, concise language, and break up text with visuals and examples.
5. Incorporate Actionable Tips and Solutions:
   • Provide practical advice, actionable tips, and solutions that help your audience address the problem or challenge discussed in the guide.
6. Include Relevant Examples:
   • Use real-world examples, case studies, or success stories to illustrate key points and make the content relatable.
7. Optimize for SEO:
   • Ensure your guide is optimized for search engines using relevant keywords, meta tags, and a descriptive title. Make it mobile-friendly and fast-loading.
8. Create a Table of Contents:
   • A table of contents at the beginning of the guide will allow readers to navigate to specific sections quickly.
9. Add Interactive Elements:
   • Add interactive elements like quizzes, checklists, or downloadable templates to engage your audience.
10. Include Links to External Resources:
    • Include outbound links to reputable sources, studies, or additional reading materials if relevant. Properly cite and reference these sources.
11. Promotion and Outreach:
    • Share your guide on your website, blog, and social media channels. Email it to your subscribers and encourage them to share it.
12. Outreach to Influencers and Industry Websites:
    • Identify influencers, bloggers, and industry websites that might find your guide valuable. Reach out to them with a personalized pitch and offer to share your guide with their audience.
13. Leverage Email Marketing:
    • Email outreach will notify your contacts, partners, and industry connections about your guide. Ask for their feedback and suggestions for improvement.
14. Engage with Comments and Feedback:
    • Encourage readers to leave comments, feedback, and questions on your guide. Engage with them and provide helpful responses.
15. Build Relationships:
    • Foster relationships with those who engage with your guide and collaborate with other experts or influencers in your industry for future projects.
16. Update and Maintain:
    • Periodically update your guide to ensure it remains relevant and accurate. Share the updates with your audience and promote them.

Creating and promoting helpful guides as a link-building strategy requires a combination of quality content, strategic promotion, and relationship-building efforts.

Example: DIGITAL MARKETING GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS IN 2025: SIMPLE & EXTENSIVE

10. Claim Broken Links

Broken link building is an effective SEO strategy that involves finding broken links on other websites, creating or identifying relevant content on your site to replace the broken link, and then reaching out to the website owners to suggest your link as a replacement. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to work on building broken links:

Here is the simple and effective email template-

See the response below-

Finding opportunities and contacting the site admins usually requires some effort. However, it is worth spending the time on this.

How to Work on Building Broken Links?

Step 1: Find Broken Links

1. Identify Target Websites: Identify websites in your niche or industry where you want to acquire links. Look for authoritative sites with high domain authority.
2. Use SEO Tools: Utilize SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz to find broken links on these target websites. These tools allow you to analyze the site and identify pages with 404 errors.
3. Check Manually: You can also use browser extensions like Check My Links or Broken Link Checker to scan specific pages manually for broken links.

Step 2: Create or Identify Relevant Content

1. Audit Your Content: Review your existing content to see if you already have something relevant that can replace the broken link. Ensure that the content matches the context of the broken link.
2. Create New Content: If you don’t have relevant content, create high-quality, valuable content that can serve as a suitable replacement. Ensure it is comprehensive, engaging, and appropriate to the topic.

Step 3: Prepare for Outreach

1. Collect Contact Information: Find the contact details of the website owners or the people responsible for the content. This information is often available on the website’s contact page, about page, or through a WHOIS lookup.
2. Craft a Persuasive Pitch: Write a concise and polite email informing the website owner about the broken link and suggesting your content as a replacement. Personalize your email to increase the chances of a positive response.

Step 4: Execute Outreach

1. Send Your Emails: Reach out to the website owners with your pitch. Explain the benefits of linking to your content, such as improving their user experience and maintaining their site’s quality.
2. Follow-up: If you don’t receive a response within a week or two, send a follow-up email. Be polite and reiterate the value of your content as a replacement for the broken link.

Step 5: Track and Monitor

1. Use SEO Tools: After you’ve secured some links, use SEO tools to track your backlinks and monitor their impact on your site’s SEO performance.
2. Analyze Results: Evaluate the success of your broken link-building campaign by analyzing metrics such as organic traffic, search engine rankings, and referral traffic from the new links.

Tips for Success

• Be Relevant: Ensure that the content you’re offering as a replacement is highly relevant to the context of the broken link.
• Be Polite and Professional: Maintain a courteous and professional tone in all your communications.
• Add Value: Highlight how your content adds value to the website owner and their audience.
• Persistence Pays Off: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get immediate responses. Persistence and polite follow-ups can lead to success.

11. Hot Topics

Creating content based on the current trends in a similar niche can get you organic links. Writing about trending topics offers new data or news that can contribute to your website.

You can use tools like Google Alerts, Ahrefs—Content Explorer, and Buzzsumo to understand the new trends in your niche.

Here are the main steps for imposing:

1. Choose Relevant Hot Topics:
   • Select hot topics that are closely related to your niche or business. Ensure they align with your expertise and the interests of your target audience.
2. Define Your Unique Angle:
   • Develop a unique perspective or angle on the hot topic. Identify what sets your content apart from existing discussions and articles.
3. Create High-Quality Content:
   • Craft high-quality content that provides value and thoroughly addresses the hot topic. If applicable, use clear and engaging language supported by relevant visuals.
4. Include Visual Elements:
   • Enhance your content with visuals like images, infographics, videos, and charts to make it more engaging and shareable.
5. Cite and Reference Sources:
   • Properly cite and reference sources, studies, or experts relevant to the hot topic. This adds credibility to your content.
6. Craft an Attention-Grabbing Headline:
   • Create a compelling headline that accurately represents the hot topic and piques readers’ interest.
7. Promote on Social Media:
   • Share your content on various social media platforms to leverage the current discussion around the hot topic. Use relevant hashtags and encourage sharing.
8. Email Outreach:
   • Reach out to your email subscribers and notify them about your new content related to the hot topic. Encourage them to share it with their networks.
9. Collaborate with Influencers:
   • Identify influencers or experts discussing the hot topic and reach out for collaboration. They can amplify your content to a broader audience.
10. Leverage Newsjacking:
    • If the hot topic concerns breaking news, consider “newsjacking” by quickly creating content that offers insights or solutions related to the news event.
11. Engage with Comments:
    • Respond to comments, questions, and feedback from readers who engage with your content—Foster discussions to increase engagement.
12. Request Backlinks:
    • Identify authoritative websites, blogs, and industry publications that have discussed the hot topic. If your content provides additional value, request backlinks to it.
13. Build on the Discussion:
    • Contribute to the ongoing discussion of the hot topic by creating follow-up content, updates, or insights.

12. Join Marketing, SEO, and Link Building Communities

Another crazy deal in link-building best practices is finding the best communities to collaborate or partner with other brands. Many online communities can help you build fantastic links for your website.

You can join them on Slack, Facebook, Telegram, etc. Some famous communities are CRO Growth Hacks and Marketing Lad Slack. Try them and bring the links for your focus pages.

13. Review Other Websites

You hear me right! Creating testimonials or reviews of other brands can help you in building backlinks. When you write a review for a brand, they can showcase it to their customers and build trust with their users.

They win the users, and you win a backlink. It is a win-win for both sides.

Here are steps to execute this:

1. Create High-Quality Reviews:
   • Write comprehensive and well-researched reviews that provide valuable insights and opinions. Be honest and objective in your assessment.
2. Structure Your Review:
   • Organize your review with a clear structure. Consider including sections on design, content quality, user experience, and any standout features.
3. Include Visuals:
   • Enhance your review with visuals such as screenshots, images, or videos that illustrate key points and enhance the reader’s understanding.
4. Highlight Positives and Negatives:
   • Highlight both the positive aspects and areas where the website can improve. Offering constructive criticism adds credibility to your review.
5. Rate or Score the Website:
   • Consider assigning a rating or score to the website to summarize your overall assessment. Use a consistent and transparent rating system.
6. Add Internal Links:
   • Include internal links within your review to other relevant content on your website. This can help guide readers to explore more of your content.
7. Publish on Your Website:
   • Publish your reviews on your website or blog. Create a dedicated section for reviews or incorporate them into relevant categories.
8. Promote Your Reviews:
   • Share your reviews on social media, email newsletters, and other promotional platforms. Encourage your followers to engage with your reviews.
9. Reach Out to Website Owners:
   • Notify the owners or administrators of the websites you’ve reviewed about your assessments. Be polite and provide them with a link to the review.
10. Request a Backlink:
    • In your communication with website owners, kindly ask if they would consider linking to your review from their website. Explain how your review adds value to their content.
11. Build a Library of Reviews:
    • Continuously review relevant websites, building a library of insightful reviews. This can enhance your credibility and attract more backlinks over time.
12. Request Shareable Quotes:
    • If website owners find your review particularly positive, request permission to use their endorsement as a shareable quote on your website or in future reviews.
13. Maintain Ethical Standards:
    • Maintain ethical standards by providing honest and unbiased reviews. Avoid any form of misleading or promotional content.

This approach helps you acquire backlinks and positions you as an authoritative and trusted source within your niche or industry.

14. Inspect Your Competitors

Another ethical link-building move to gain backlinks is inspecting your competitors. You can use tools like Ubbersuggest, Ahrefs, Moz, and Semrush to check up on your competitors and find out where they are getting new links.

Reach out to those sites, possibly give a good resource, and request a link back to your website.

Here are steps to execute this:

1. Analyze Competitor Backlinks:
   • Use SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz to analyze your competitors’ backlink profiles. Identify the websites that link to your competitors and examine the quality and relevance of these links.
2. Identify Linking Opportunities:
   • Identify websites that are linking to your competitors but not to your website. These are potential linking opportunities that you can explore.
3. Analyze Content and Topics:
   • Review the content and topics covered by your competitors. Identify the types of content that have attracted backlinks to their websites.
4. Create Better Content:
   • Develop high-quality and valuable content that is superior to what your competitors have produced. This can include in-depth articles, guides, infographics, videos, or case studies.
5. Promote Your Content:
   • Promote your content through your website, blog, and social media channels. Share it with your email subscribers and encourage them to share it.
6. Outreach to Linking Websites:
   • Reach out to the websites that are linking to your competitors. Introduce yourself, explain how your content provides additional value, and request that they consider linking to your content.
7. Offer Guest Posts:
   • Contact websites within your niche that accept guest posts. Offer to write informative and relevant guest posts that link back to your content.
8. Engage in Discussions:
   • Participate in online discussions, forums, and social media conversations related to your industry. Share your insights and expertise, and include links to your content where relevant.
9. Build Relationships:
   • Build genuine relationships with influencers, bloggers, and website owners within your niche. These relationships can lead to future link-building opportunities.
10. Monitor Competitor Activity:
    • Continuously monitor your competitors’ websites and backlink profiles. Keep an eye on new linking opportunities that arise.
11. Replicate Successful Strategies:
    • If you notice that specific link-building strategies are working well for your competitors, consider replicating those strategies with your unique twist.
12. Track and Measure Performance:
    • Use analytics tools to track the performance of your link-building efforts. Monitor website traffic, engagement, and the number of backlinks acquired.

Inspecting your competitors and their link-building strategies can uncover valuable insights and opportunities for acquiring backlinks.

By creating high-quality content, engaging in outreach, and building relationships within your industry, you can effectively use competitor analysis as a link-building strategy to enhance your website’s authority and visibility.

15. Internal Link Building

Internal linking can help your less popular pages gain some value and authority. It has always helped users stay on the website and access many other links.

Linking internally can have multiple benefits, like distributing link juice, boosting page views, improving page rank, and increasing time on the site.

Here are the steps to effectively implement internal link building:

1. Audit Your Website:
   • Begin by conducting a comprehensive audit of your website’s content and structure. Identify key pages, such as your homepage, cornerstone articles, and important landing pages.
2. Create a Content Hierarchy:
   • Organize your website’s content into a clear hierarchy, with your most important and high-value pages at the top. This hierarchy will guide your internal linking strategy.
3. Select Relevant Anchor Text:
   • Choose descriptive and relevant anchor text for your internal links. Avoid generic terms like “click here” and instead use anchor text that reflects the linked page’s content.
4. Add Contextual Links:
   • Within your content, add contextual links that naturally connect related topics or pages. These links should enhance the user’s understanding of the subject matter.
5. Link to High-Value Pages:
   • Link to high-value pages that you want to rank higher in search engine results or that are crucial for conversions.
6. Use Breadcrumbs:
   • Implement breadcrumb navigation on your website, especially for e-commerce sites or websites with complex structures. Breadcrumbs create a clear path for users to navigate your site.
7. Monitor Broken Links:
   • Check for broken internal links regularly and fix them promptly to ensure a smooth user experience and maintain SEO integrity.
8. Avoid Over-Optimization:
   • Avoid overoptimizing by adding too many internal links to a single page. This can appear spammy and detract from the user experience.
9. Track and Analyze Performance:
   • Use web analytics tools to track the performance of your internal links. Monitor user engagement, click-through rates, and the impact on rankings.

16. Use Link-Building Marketplaces

Link-building marketplaces can be a game-changer for scaling your SEO efforts efficiently. These platforms connect website owners with publishers, making acquiring backlinks from relevant, high-authority sites easier.

Instead of manually reaching out to hundreds of websites, you can browse pre-vetted opportunities, filter by metrics like Domain Rating (DR) and traffic, and secure quality links faster.

While these marketplaces streamline the process, it’s crucial to prioritize relevance and quality over sheer quantity to ensure long-term SEO success.

Steps to Use Link-Building Marketplaces Effectively

1. Choose a Reliable Marketplace
   Research and select a trusted link-building marketplace like Authority Builders, LinkGraph, or Rhino Rank. Look for platforms that offer transparency, domain quality checks, and genuine outreach.
2. Define Your Link-Building Goals
   Set clear objectives—whether it’s improving rankings for a specific keyword, boosting domain authority, or diversifying your backlink profile.
3. Filter and Select Relevant Websites
   Use filters to find websites based on niche, Domain Rating (DR), organic traffic, and other SEO metrics. Prioritize relevance over just high DR numbers.
4. Analyze Website Quality
   Before purchasing a link, check the site’s traffic, backlink profile, and content quality. Avoid sites with spammy outbound links or poor engagement.
5. Choose the Right Type of Link Placement
   Based on your strategy, decide between guest posts, niche edits, or homepage links. Guest posts provide fresh content, while niche edits add links to existing, authoritative pages.
6. Review and Approve Content (If Applicable)
   Some marketplaces create content, while others allow you to submit your own. Ensure the article is well-written, provides value, and naturally includes your link.
7. Monitor the Link Placement
   Once the link is live, verify it is placed correctly, follows do-follow/no-follow requirements, and remains intact.
8. Track Performance Over Time
   Use tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to monitor the impact of your new backlinks on rankings, traffic, and domain authority.
9. Maintain a Natural Link Profile
   Avoid over-reliance on marketplaces—balance it with organic outreach and diverse link sources to prevent search engine penalties.
10. Scale Strategically
    Gradually increase link-building efforts while focusing on quality over quantity. Regularly audit your link profile to remove or disavow harmful links if necessary.

Conclusion

There are many other ways to find link-building opportunities, and it depends on how you think of being a creative link-builder. Organic and ethical link-building best practices are indeed evolving.

While being innovative, you must ensure your content is original (not plagiarised) and SEO optimized.

At Marketing Lad, we have experience in SEO. If you find ethical link-building practices overwhelming, our experts will help you conduct link profile analysis and build backlinks to strengthen your domain rating.

Are you an SEO who wants to add to the list of ethical link-building strategies?

Share them with us in the comments below to help improve the community.

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