How to Build Backlinks in 2025

Backlinks remain an essential part of a strong SEO strategy, and they continue to play a significant role in improving website rankings. While the methods for acquiring links evolve, the need for high-quality backlinks that add genuine value hasn’t changed. 

What Are Backlinks?

Understanding Backlinks

Backlinks, also known as inbound links, are links from one website to another. They act as a signal of credibility, telling search engines that your content is trustworthy and valuable. A link from a reputable website is like a vote of confidence in your site. Read our latest blog:  Backlinks: A Helping Hand for SEO or a Backroom Deal, for more on this.

Why Backlinks Matter

Backlinks are one of the key ranking factors for search engines. The more high-quality links you have pointing to your site, the more likely it is to rank higher in search results. Beyond rankings, backlinks can drive referral traffic and help establish authority in your industry.

Qualities of a Strong Backlink

Not all backlinks are created equal. Here are the key qualities of a strong link:

• Relevance: Links from websites in your niche or industry carry more weight.
• Authority: Links from well-established, authoritative sites are more impactful.
• Diversity: A variety of link sources looks more natural to search engines.
• Anchor Text: The clickable text of the link should be descriptive and relevant.

Strategies for Building Backlinks

Content That Attracts Links

Publish Original Research

Data-driven content like studies, surveys, and industry reports naturally attracts links. Websites love referencing unique insights, and original research positions you as a thought leader.

Create Comprehensive Guides

Detailed, well-written guides that answer common questions in your niche are highly shareable. When others reference your expertise, they’ll often link back to your site.

Focus on Visual Content

Infographics, videos, and interactive content can generate backlinks as they are often shared and embedded by other websites. Use tools like Canva or Venngage to create engaging visuals.

Outreach and Relationship Building

Build Relationships with Industry Influencers

Networking with bloggers, journalists, and other influencers in your industry can lead to natural backlinks. Share their content, engage with them on social media, and collaborate when possible.

Email Outreach

Identify websites that might benefit from linking to your content. Send a personalised email explaining why your content would add value to their audience. Avoid generic templates to make your outreach more effective.

Guest Blogging

Write articles for reputable blogs in your industry. Include a link to your site within the content or in the author bio. Focus on providing value rather than self-promotion.

Leveraging Existing Content

Broken Link Building

Find broken links on other websites and suggest your content as a replacement. Tools like Ahrefs or Check My Links can help you identify broken links.

Update Outdated Resources

Look for outdated content in your industry and offer to provide updated information, including a link to your site. This is especially effective for data-heavy topics.

Skyscraper Technique

Identify popular content in your niche, create an improved version, and reach out to websites linking to the original. Explain why your content is a better resource.

Local and Niche Directories

Submit to Relevant Directories

List your business on reputable local or niche directories. While directory links may not have the highest authority, they can drive targeted traffic and improve your local SEO.

Leverage Local Partnerships

Collaborate with local businesses or organisations for events or campaigns, and request links from their websites. This can also strengthen community ties.

Utilise Social Media

Shareable Content

Post your content on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to encourage others to share and link to it. Hashtags and tagging relevant users can amplify your reach.

Participate in Forums

Engage with forums or communities related to your industry. Answer questions and share your expertise, including links to your content where relevant. Avoid spamming, as this can damage your reputation.

Tracking Your Backlink Progress

Tools for Monitoring Backlinks

Use tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to track your backlink profile. These tools provide insights into the number, quality, and sources of your backlinks.

Evaluate Link Quality

Regularly review your backlinks to ensure they are from reputable sources. Disavow any low-quality or spammy links using Google’s disavow tool if necessary.

Measure Impact

Track metrics like organic traffic, referral traffic, and keyword rankings to assess the effectiveness of your backlink strategy.

Best Practices for Ethical Link Building

Avoid Paid Links

Buying links violates search engine guidelines and can lead to penalties. Focus on earning links through quality content and genuine relationships.

Prioritise Quality Over Quantity

A few high-quality backlinks are more valuable than hundreds of low-quality ones. Always aim for relevance and authority in your link sources.

Stay Transparent

When reaching out for links, be upfront about your intentions. Honesty builds trust and increases your chances of a successful collaboration.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Over-Optimised Anchor Text

Using the same anchor text repeatedly can look unnatural. Vary your anchor text to include branded terms, keywords, and generic phrases.

Ignoring NoFollow Links

While NoFollow links don’t pass link equity, they can still drive traffic and increase brand visibility. Don’t dismiss them entirely.

Building Links Too Quickly

Acquiring a large number of backlinks in a short period can raise red flags with search engines. Focus on a steady, organic growth strategy.

The Future of Backlinks

Backlinks will likely remain a key factor in SEO, but search engines are increasingly prioritising user experience and content quality. By focusing on creating valuable content and building authentic relationships, you’ll be well-prepared for changes in the SEO landscape.

Building backlinks is a gradual process that requires effort, creativity, and persistence. By focusing on quality and maintaining an ethical approach, you can strengthen your website’s authority and improve its visibility.

Interested in growing your backlink profile? Let’s chat about how Childsey can support your strategy and help you achieve your goals.