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Link Building

Which are the best ways to make backlinks that work?

Oct 30, 2017

When it comes to driving more traffic to your website, here comes the Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Whether you are running a personal blog, a small ecommerce store, or online webshop of your own - the only way to pump more traffic to your web project is to improve its online visibility. That way, the ultimate goal of your website SEO is to be shown on the top of the first page of Google’s search results. What makes good SEO? When it comes to any successful optimization, link building strategy is among the most critical elements to take the lead and stay out of the competition. But how to make backlinks that work for that in the best way possible? Let’s see.

make backlinks

Let’s face it - not all backlinks are healthy. I mean you should make backlinks quality your top priority, rather than their quantity. Otherwise, you might as well do more harm than good - as having potentially unsafe links landed on your web pages can quickly ruin your current SEO progress. So, you’d better be wise to pay enough attention and have a double check before you finally make backlinks live.

That way, to help you with the process of link building and research I recommend using one of the following use-proven online tools: Majestic, Semalt Analyzer, and Ahrefs. You might as well combine several tools to make sure everything is in place. Doing so, let’s understand what to do, and what should be avoided at all cost. Below I’m going to list a clear difference between best quality links that work for your progress, and the worst ones you should avoid at all cost, or at least remove on short notice.

Good Backlinks

There are three main factors that make backlinks quality - trustworthiness, relevance, and page location. Good trustworthiness means that the backlinks that work should be from only authoritative and trusted domains, such as the world’s famous media resources, PR websites, or the leading social platforms. Link relevance suggests you backlinks must always be relevant to the main topic of your website. I mean it would be purely relevant to have a link to a tech blog pointing to your engineering webshop. Using anything irrelevant, for example, your friend’s blog posts on winter sports will never do. Page location does matter as well - the right positions make backlinks more valuable for Google. For example, those found in the footer, sidebar, or the author’s bio will always have less weight. At the same time, contextual links are usually bearing the highest value.

seo backlinks

Bad Backlinks

Basically, bad backlinks are known for their clearly artificial look, manipulative behavior, and deceptive purpose. That way, Google is concerned with all “unnatural” backlinks and usually punishes the websites with pulling down their ranking positions. To make backlinks safe, always run a double check with online tools I mentioned before. More specifically, you should never have any paid, exchanged backlinks, or irrelevant backlinks, as well as over optimized ones (i.e., with anchor texts heavily packed with the keywords). Doing so, make sure to keep away from any aggressive solutions, such as link building farms, spammy guest posts, low-quality directories, and any automated software designed to make backlinks generation in a self-driven manner.

George Forrest

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts on this topic. I appreciate your engagement and perspectives!

Emily Larson

Backlinks are indeed an essential part of SEO success. It's crucial to focus on building a high-quality backlink profile rather than just going for quantity. Quality links can have a much greater impact on ranking.

Michael Anderson

Absolutely, Emily! Quality over quantity is key. It's better to have a few authoritative backlinks from reputable websites in your niche than numerous low-quality ones. Google's algorithm values the relevance and authority of the linking site.

Sophia Thompson

I couldn't agree more, Michael. Relevance is crucial when it comes to backlinks. Getting links from websites with similar content or topics can greatly boost organic visibility and improve search engine rankings.

David Carter

Another important aspect to consider is the anchor text used in the backlinks. Using relevant keywords as anchor text can help search engines understand better what your page is about and improve your rankings accordingly.

Olivia Roberts

That's right, David! Anchor text optimization is critical for effective link building. By using targeted keywords as anchor text, you can signal the search engines about the topic or context of your page, leading to improved rankings.

George Forrest

I completely agree with all of you. Quality backlinks, relevant anchor text, and niche-related websites are vital for a successful backlink profile. It's important to focus on building relationships within the industry to acquire authoritative and relevant backlinks naturally.

Emily Larson

Good question, Andrew. Building relationships with influencers and other industry experts is one effective approach. Collaborating on content, guest blogging, or providing valuable insights can help you earn those coveted backlinks.

George Forrest

Andrew, to add to Emily's point, creating exceptional and shareable content helps attract natural backlinks. When your content is valuable and unique, other websites themselves will link to it organically, boosting your backlink profile.

Brian Edwards

While organic backlinks are undoubtedly valuable, strategic outreach can also be useful. Identifying relevant websites and reaching out to them with personalized pitches or content can help you acquire high-quality backlinks.

Lisa Thompson

Brian, what are your thoughts on using automated link building tools for generating backlinks?

Brian Edwards

Lisa, while automated link building tools may seem tempting, I recommend avoiding them. They often lead to low-quality and spammy backlinks, which can harm your SEO efforts. It's best to focus on natural and genuine link acquisition.

Olivia Roberts

Brian, what are your thoughts on guest blogging as a method to acquire backlinks?

George Forrest

I agree with Brian. The use of automated link building tools can be risky and potentially detrimental to your website's reputation. It's always better to invest time and effort into organic and legitimate backlink acquisition strategies.

Sophia Thompson

Absolutely, Michael. Regularly monitoring and auditing your backlinks can help identify any potentially harmful ones. Disavowing them promptly can help maintain a healthy backlink profile.

Robert Carter

Participating in forums can indeed be helpful, Sophia. It allows you to engage with a targeted community, share your expertise, and establish credibility, leading to potential backlink opportunities.

George Forrest

Thank you all for sharing your insights and tips on building a quality backlink profile. Your contributions have been invaluable!

Sophia Thompson

Absolutely, Robert. Engaging with online communities not only helps with backlinks but also expands your network and increases brand visibility. It's a win-win situation.

Jack Wilson

Sophia, when auditing backlinks, what are some signs of harmful backlinks that we should look out for?

Sophia Thompson

Jack, some red flags to watch out for include backlinks from spammy or irrelevant websites, sudden spikes in backlink quantity, or links from sites with low domain authority. These can be indicators of potentially harmful backlinks.

Michael Anderson

Sophia's right, Jack. Additionally, backlinks with overly optimized anchor text or links from suspicious link networks should also be carefully examined. It's crucial to maintain a vigilant eye on your backlink profile.

Sarah Adams

Michael, how frequently should we conduct backlink audits and disavow harmful links?

Sophia Thompson

Sarah, to add to Michael and Olivia's answers, if you notice a sudden drop in rankings or organic traffic, it's a good idea to review your backlink profile for any detrimental links and take appropriate action promptly.

Brian Edwards

Olivia, guest blogging can be an effective way to secure high-quality backlinks. However, it's essential to ensure that you're providing valuable and unique content to the host website's audience. Quality should always come first.

Emily Larson

I agree, Brian. When guest blogging, focus on delivering genuine value, and avoid any overly promotional content. Building relationships with relevant websites through guest blogging can lead to valuable backlinks and increased brand exposure.

George Forrest

Excellent points, Brian, Emily, and Sophia. Guest blogging is a fantastic opportunity to extend your reach, share your knowledge, and build valuable backlinks. Remember to focus on quality content and relevant websites for maximum impact.

Olivia Roberts

Sophia, do you have any tips on finding relevant forums or online communities to participate in?

Sophia Thompson

Olivia, to find relevant forums, start by searching for keywords related to your niche or industry. Look for active communities where your target audience participates. Social media groups, niche-specific websites, and dedicated forums are good places to begin.

Emily Larson

Additionally, Olivia, you can use keyword research tools to identify related topics and communities where your expertise can be valuable. Engaging with these communities will not only help with backlinks but also establish you as an authority in your field.

James Mitchell

Sophia and Emily, thank you for your insights. Being part of such communities also allows you to stay updated on the latest trends and challenges within your industry, enhancing your overall knowledge and expertise.

George Forrest

Thank you for your questions, Olivia. Sophia, Emily, and James provided some excellent tips on finding relevant forums and online communities. Actively participating in these platforms can be highly beneficial for your professional growth and backlink acquisition.

Michael Anderson

Sarah, it's advisable to conduct regular backlink audits, at least every few months, to ensure your backlink profile remains healthy. Disavowing harmful links should be done as soon as they are identified, to prevent any negative impact on your SEO.

Olivia Roberts

I agree with Michael. Prompt action is necessary to disavow harmful links and prevent any potential penalties from search engines. Regular audits and proactive monitoring will help maintain a clean backlink profile.

George Forrest

Thank you, Sarah, for your question. Michael, Olivia, and Sophia provided valuable insights regarding backlink audits and disavowing harmful links. Regular monitoring and proactive measures are essential for maintaining a strong backlink profile.

Sarah Adams

Olivia, in guest blogging, should we prioritize websites with higher domain authority or those more closely related to our niche?

Olivia Roberts

Sarah, ideally, you should aim for websites that are both relevant to your niche and have a decent domain authority. However, if you have to choose, prioritize websites that are closely related to your niche. Relevance plays a crucial role in backlink quality.

Sophia Thompson

To add to Olivia's point, Sarah, a balance between relevance and domain authority is desirable. Links from authoritative websites in your niche carry more weight and relevance to your target audience, resulting in better SEO outcomes.

Oliver Barnes

Sarah, to add to the previous answers, consider looking for websites that have an engaged audience and active community. Getting your content in front of an interested and interactive audience can bring more exposure and potential traffic to your site.

George Forrest

Great question, Sarah. Olivia and Sophia provided a balanced perspective. While prioritizing highly relevant websites is crucial, a combination of relevance and domain authority can lead to optimal backlink benefits.

Robert Carter

I agree, George. A strong focus on relevance with a sprinkling of high domain authority sites helps to create a diverse and effective backlink profile.

Sophia Thompson

Absolutely, Robert and Emily. Building a diverse backlink profile not only improves your SEO efforts but also establishes your industry authority by showcasing your connections with various reputable sources.

Emily Larson

Indeed, Robert. A diverse range of backlinks from relevant and authoritative sources shows search engines the breadth, depth, and trustworthiness of your website's content.

George Forrest

Well said, Robert, Emily, and Sophia. Balancing relevance and domain authority helps create a diverse and trustworthy backlink profile, further strengthening your website's credibility and authority in the eyes of search engines.

Sarah Adams

Thank you, Oliver. That's a great point to consider. Engaging with an active community can yield additional benefits beyond the backlink itself.

George Forrest

Thank you, Oliver and Sarah. Engaging with websites that have an active community can open up opportunities for increased exposure and traffic, which are valuable additions to the benefits gained from quality backlinks.

Liam Wilson

Olivia, when reaching out for guest blogging opportunities, how important is it to personalize each pitch? Can templates be effective?

Olivia Roberts

Liam, personalization is crucial when reaching out for guest blogging opportunities. Templates can work as a starting point, but customizing each pitch to reflect your understanding of the host blog, their audience, and your expertise will significantly increase your chances of acceptance.

Sarah Adams

Liam, personalized pitches demonstrate your genuine interest in collaborating, understanding of the hosting blog, and how your content can benefit their audience. It shows dedication and professionalism, increasing the chances of successfully securing the opportunity.

Ella Davis

Liam, using templates as a starting point is fine, but make sure to customize them appropriately for each recipient. Personalization shows that you value the opportunity and that you've done your research.

George Forrest

Liam, personalization plays a vital role in making a lasting impression on the hosting blog. By tailoring your pitches to reflect a genuine interest and understanding of their platform, you exhibit professionalism and increase the likelihood of acceptance.

Brandon Lewis

George, speaking of building relationships in the industry, what are your thoughts on networking events and conferences?

George Forrest

Brandon, networking events and conferences are excellent ways to connect with industry professionals, establish relationships, and discover potential collaboration opportunities. They offer valuable face-to-face interactions that can lead to long-lasting connections and quality backlink prospects.

Olivia Roberts

I agree with George. Attending industry events allows you to build authentic connections and interact with experts in your field. These interactions can help you establish credibility, gain insights, and strengthen your network - all of which can contribute to acquiring quality backlinks.

Oliver Barnes

Olivia and Emily, you both mentioned the importance of engaging with related topics and communities. How much time should be dedicated to this activity?

George Forrest

Thank you, Brandon, for your question. Attending networking events and conferences can provide immense value, allowing you to make valuable connections within the industry and explore potential backlink opportunities. It's about establishing trust and fostering relationships.

Emma Allen

Sophia, in your experience, what are some effective ways to maintain relationships and keep the connection active after networking events?

Sophia Thompson

Emma, following up after networking events is crucial to maintain relationships. Sending personalized emails, connecting on professional social media platforms, engaging with their content, or even meeting for a coffee can keep the connection alive and foster collaboration possibilities.

George Forrest

Emma, Sophia and Oliver have provided valuable insights on nurturing relationships beyond networking events. Consistent follow-ups and active engagement help sustain connections, making it easier to explore potential collaborations, including backlink opportunities.

Liam Wilson

Thank you, Ella. I understand the importance of personalization now. It's about putting in the effort to build a genuine connection with the host blog or website.

Sarah Adams

Liam, always remember that the hosts receive numerous pitches regularly. Personalization helps you stand out from the crowd and increases the chances of your pitch being considered seriously.

George Forrest

Liam, Ella, and Sarah have highlighted the significance of personalization in guest blogging pitches. By putting effort into customizing your pitches, you demonstrate your seriousness, increase the likelihood of acceptance, and foster stronger collaborations.

Olivia Roberts

Oliver, the time dedicated to engaging with related topics and communities can vary based on your available resources and goals. Consistency is key. Allocate a reasonable amount of time regularly to participate in discussions, share insights, and build connections within your target communities.

Lily Moore

Olivia, when searching for relevant forums or communities, how can we identify the ones where our target audience is active?

Emily Larson

Oliver, it depends on your capacity and priorities. Dedicate time that allows you to actively engage without compromising other essential tasks. Find a balance that suits your schedule, allowing you to participate consistently and meaningfully.

George Forrest

Oliver, Olivia, and Emily have provided practical guidance. The time allocation for engaging in related topics and communities should be based on your capacity and goals. Consistency and meaningful participation are key to creating valuable connections and potential backlink opportunities.

Olivia Roberts

Lily, to identify active forums and communities relevant to your audience, start by conducting keyword research related to your niche. Look for popular forums, social media groups, and specialized websites where your target audience is likely to engage. Explore user activity, discussions, and topics to gauge their level of activity.

Daniel Thompson

Olivia, how can we ensure that our guest blog content is both valuable to the host and helps us gain quality backlinks?

Sophia Thompson

Lily, analyzing competitor websites, social media profiles, and industry influencers can also provide insights into where your target audience is active. Check out the platforms they frequent or the communities they engage with, and evaluate if those discussions align with your target audience.

George Forrest

Lily, Olivia and Sophia have provided some actionable steps to identify forums or communities where your target audience is engaged. By conducting thorough research and analyzing competitor activities, you can discover relevant platforms to actively participate in and connect with your audience.

Sophia Thompson

Exactly, Harry! Building relationships with professionals in related fields can lead to organic backlink opportunities, referrals, and even potential business collaborations. It's a holistic approach that goes beyond the immediate SEO benefits.

George Forrest

Harry, Sophia, and Emily have highlighted the broader benefits of relationship-building beyond backlinks. By fostering a network of professionals, you create opportunities for collaboration, referrals, and personal growth. Quality backlinks often emerge naturally as a result of these connections.

Olivia Roberts

Daniel, to ensure your guest blog content is valuable to the host and helps you gain quality backlinks, it's crucial to research the host's audience, their interests, and the type of content they generally publish. Align your expertise with their needs to provide insightful, practical, and unique content that will resonate with their readers and potentially earn you valuable backlinks.

Daniel Thompson

Thank you, Olivia and George, for the guidance. It's important to ensure our guest blog content aligns with the host's audience, providing value to them whilst catering to our backlink goals.

Ethan Mitchell

Olivia, could you provide some examples of anchor text optimization without sounding overly promotional?

George Forrest

Daniel, Olivia provided a helpful approach to crafting guest blog content that adds value to the host and increases your chances of obtaining quality backlinks. By genuinely understanding the host's audience and delivering unique insights, you can create a win-win situation for both parties.

George Forrest

You're welcome, Daniel! Finding the right balance between meeting the host's audience needs and aligning with your backlink goals is crucial. It sets the foundation for a successful and mutually beneficial guest blogging experience.

Jessica Hall

George, you mentioned investing time and effort into organic backlink acquisition strategies. How much time should one allocate to building a strong backlink profile?

George Forrest

Jessica, the time allocation for building a backlink profile will depend on various factors such as your website's size, competition, resources, and SEO goals. It's an ongoing process that requires consistent effort. Ideally, allocate regular time each week or month to focus on backlink acquisition, outreach, and relationship-building activities.

George Forrest

Jessica, building a strong backlink profile is a continuous effort. Allocating regular time for backlink acquisition activities ensures steady progress towards your SEO goals. The specific duration depends on various factors unique to your website and available resources.

Lily Moore

Oliver, when participating in discussions and engaging with communities, how do we strike a balance between sharing insights and avoiding self-promotion?

Oliver Barnes

Lily, when engaging with communities, the focus should always be on providing valuable insights and helping others rather than self-promotion. Share your expertise genuinely, answer questions, and offer suggestions without pushing your own agenda. Building credibility through helpful contributions will naturally lead to increased visibility and potential backlink opportunities.

Emily Larson

Lily, Oliver's response is spot-on. Genuine contributions resonate more with the community and build trust. By consistently offering valuable insights without overt self-promotion, you establish yourself as an authority, increasing your chances of organic engagement and potential backlinks.

George Forrest

Lily, Oliver and Emily have provided valuable insights on maintaining a balanced approach when engaging in discussions. Genuine contributions that focus on offering insights and helping others naturally establish your credibility and open up backlink opportunities without appearing overly promotional.

Olivia Roberts

Ethan, when optimizing anchor text, it's best to prioritize natural language and relevance. Instead of using promotional phrases like 'buy now' or 'best product,' focus on describing the content or benefits. For example, if the linked content provides tips on improving SEO, you can use anchor text like 'valuable SEO tips' or 'improving SEO performance.'

Sophia Thompson

To add to Olivia's point, Ethan, providing context within anchor text can enhance user experience while maintaining relevance. For instance, 'learn more about on-page SEO optimization' or 'discover effective link building strategies' effectively combines anchor text optimization with a valuable description.

Robert Carter

Sophia, engaging in relevant online forums can also help establish your personal brand and contribute to thought leadership, beyond just acquiring backlinks.

David Carter

Great examples, Olivia and Sophia. By focusing on descriptive and relevant anchor text, you ensure that both search engines and users understand the context of the linked content without resorting to promotional tactics.

George Forrest

Ethan, Olivia, Sophia, and David have provided excellent examples of how to optimize anchor text effectively. By maintaining relevance and offering descriptive context, you can enhance the user experience while signaling to search engines the content's subject matter.

George Forrest

You're welcome, Ethan! We're glad to have provided useful insights. Remember, optimizing anchor text should always prioritize relevance and user experience. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

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