Create High-Value, Shareable Content
The best way to earn backlinks is to publish content people want to reference. That includes how-to guides, statistics, original research, and visual assets like infographics. If your content solves problems better than others, backlinks will come naturally.
Use HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
Sign up at HARO and respond to journalist requests with expert input. If they use your quote, they’ll usually include a backlink. It’s free, fast, and a great way to build authority backlinks from high-domain websites.
Write Guest Posts for Industry Blogs
Offer to write original blog posts for other websites in your industry. Most will let you include a link back to your site in the author bio or content. Be genuine — pitch topics that align with their audience.
Engage in Industry Forums and Niche Communities
Contribute thoughtful responses in places like Reddit, Quora, and niche-specific forums. Where appropriate, link to your own blog or guide that adds value to the discussion. Avoid spammy tactics — your link should always be helpful.
Reclaim Unlinked Mentions
Sometimes, websites mention your business or content but don’t link to it. Use tools like Google Alerts or Ahrefs Alerts to find these mentions and reach out — a polite request often turns into a free backlink.
Final Thoughts
Backlinks are one of the hardest — but most important — parts of SEO. Earning them ethically takes time and creativity, but the payoff is huge. Focus on being helpful, building relationships, and creating link-worthy content.
FAQ: How to Get Backlinks for Free
- What is a backlink?
A link from another website to yours — crucial for SEO. - Why do backlinks matter?
They signal trust and authority to search engines. - Can I buy backlinks?
Google discourages it — and bad links can hurt your site. - What’s HARO?
A platform that connects journalists with expert sources (helpareporter.com). - How many backlinks do I need?
Quality > quantity — even a few strong links can move the needle. - What’s a guest post?
An article you write for another blog or publication, usually with a backlink. - Are backlinks from forums valuable?
Sometimes — especially if they’re relevant and not spammy. - What’s a dofollow vs. nofollow link?
Dofollow passes SEO value; nofollow doesn’t — but both have benefits. - Should I ask websites to link to me?
Yes — especially if they’ve already mentioned your business. - How do I track backlinks?
Use tools like Ahrefs, Moz, or Google Search Console.