Backlinks are simply other websites pointing to yours, and when those links come from reputable, relevant sources, they can give your search engine rankings a serious boost.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how to score backlinks that make a difference.
Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
1. Fix Your Broken Backlinks
One of the easiest ways to regain lost backlinks is by identifying broken ones and asking the site owner to fix them. This happens when other websites link to pages you’ve deleted or moved. Luckily, most webmasters are happy to update broken links—they don’t want dead links cluttering their site, and they intended to link to you anyway!
You can find your broken backlinks using Semrush’s Backlink Audit tool. Simply go to the “Target Pages” report and filter for errors. Once you have a list of broken links, identify the pages you can replace with relevant content.
Then, reach out to the website owner with a friendly email like this:
Subject: Broken Link on Your Page
Hi [Name],
I noticed your page [URL] links to a broken page on our site. Would you mind updating it with this new link: [New URL]?
Thanks so much!
[Your Name]
Track your success, follow up if necessary, and repeat the process to reclaim as many backlinks as possible.
2. Snag Your Competitors’ Broken Backlinks
Why not take advantage of your competitors’ broken backlinks? When their pages break, you can step in and suggest your own link as a replacement.
To get started, use Semrush’s Backlink Analytics tool to analyze your competitor’s domain. In the “Indexed Pages” report, filter for broken pages and look for ones you can replace or improve. Once you’ve found a good fit, reach out to the website owner and explain why your content is the perfect substitute.
Use this email template to make your pitch:
Subject: Broken Link on Your Page
Hi [Name],
I noticed your article [Title] includes a broken link for “[Anchor Text].” We’ve just published [Your Article Title], which is a great alternative because [Reason].
Thanks so much!
[Your Name]
Repeat this with other competitors and watch your backlinks grow!
3. Respond to Media Requests
Journalists are often looking for expert quotes, stats, or insights for their articles, and if you help them out, they’ll likely reward you with a backlink. Platforms like HARO, Qwoted, and ProfNet allow you to respond to media requests in your niche.
To maximize your chances, sign up, opt-in for alerts, and respond quickly with valuable insights. Don’t forget to ask for a backlink as part of your contribution.
4. Get Listed on Resource Pages
Resource pages are curated collections of useful links on specific topics. These pages often appear on university websites, industry blogs, or niche content hubs. If you have a high-quality resource that fits, the page owner might be happy to link to it.
To find resource pages in your own niche, try searches like “keyword + inurl
” or “keyword + intitle
” on Google. If your content is a good match, send the site owner a brief, polite email explaining why your resource is valuable and a great fit for their page.
5. Create Link-Worthy Content
Want backlinks to come to you naturally? Create content that’s irresistible to link to! Known as “link bait,” this type of content adds so much value that other sites want to reference it.
Examples of link-worthy content include:
- In-depth expert guides
- Infographics with unique data
- Studies with original statistics
- Free tools or templates
- Interactive or visually appealing content
If you can create content that’s valuable and hard to replicate, backlinks will follow.
6. Improve on Popular Content (Skyscraper Technique)
The skyscraper technique is all about taking popular content with lots of backlinks and making it better. Start by finding competitor content that’s already getting plenty of links, then improve upon it with more in-depth information, better design, or added value.
Once your improved content is live, reach to the sites linking to the original piece and explain why they should consider linking to your superior version.
7. Turn Unlinked Brand Mentions into Backlinks
Sometimes, websites mention your brand but don’t include a link. These unlinked brand mentions are easy backlink opportunities—you just need to ask!
Use Semrush’s Brand Monitoring tool to track mentions of your brand across the web. Filter for unlinked mentions, and when you find one, send a friendly message asking the site to link to your homepage or a relevant page on your site.
8. Replicate Your Competitors’ Backlinks
Your competitors probably have valuable backlinks that you can replicate. Use Semrush’s Backlink Gap tool to compare your backlinks with theirs. This tool will show you the sites linking to your competitors but not to you.
Once you’ve identified backlink opportunities, reach out to the website owner and pitch why they should link to you as well. Whether it’s an interview, guest post, or product mention, if your competitors are getting backlinks, there’s no reason you can’t too.
9. Leverage Existing Partnerships
If you already have business relationships or partnerships with other organizations, leverage them for backlinks. Ask your suppliers, clients, or industry partners to feature your logo, write a testimonial, or include your business in their listings.
These partnerships can be a great source of quality, relevant backlinks—just be sure to avoid reciprocal linking, which can violate Google’s guidelines.
10. Recover Lost Backlinks
Backlinks can be lost when websites update, move, or delete content, but they can also be recovered. Use Semrush’sBacklink Audit tool to find lost backlinks and determine which ones are worth pursuing.
Focus on recovering backlinks from high-quality, relevant pages. Reach for the site owners, explain the situation, and askthem to reinstate your link.
With these strategies, you can steadily build a strong backlink profile that boosts your rankings and drives traffic. Stay proactive, track your efforts, and keep refining your approach for ongoing success.
If all of this still feels like a confusing maze, don’t sweat it! Check out our monthly SEO packages and let the experts handle it for you. We’ve got your back!
