Want to take your link building to the next level and compete with the top players?
Check out our detailed list of advanced link-building strategies.
Over the past ten years, we’ve built thousands of backlinks and boosted our website’s Google ranking. We’ve honed these tactics and gained numerous high-quality backlinks using every cutting-edge method on this list.
In this post, we’ll dive into these advanced techniques that can enhance your link profile and boost your SEO results.
Understanding your target audience, building quality backlinks, and increasing your domain authority will help you beat the competition.
Let’s get started!
Broken Link Building
Imagine clicking a link and getting a frustrating 404 error. It happens a lot online.
Not only does this hurt the user experience, but it can also negatively affect a website’s SEO.
That’s where broken link building comes in handy:
With this strategy, you find these broken links, usually on sites related to your topic, and then create content to replace those outdated links.
Next, reach out to the webmasters or site owners who manage those broken links.
Let them know about the broken link on their site and kindly suggest replacing it with a link to your newly created content. This way, you’re helping them fix an issue while also getting a valuable backlink.
The great thing about this strategy is that it’s a win-win: you get a backlink that boosts your authority and SEO, while the site owner gets a working, relevant link.
However, broken link building has become more competitive over time, so it can be tougher to secure these links.
Still, it’s a great advanced tactic if you’re working with a tight budget.
Competitor Link Analysis
Competitor link analysis is my go-to method for link building because it’s straightforward. It involves checking out the backlink profiles of your competitors.
The idea is to find out which backlinks are helping your rivals rank high on search engine results and then try to get similar links for yourself.
Since their strategies are already proven to work, you can use the same approach to score high-quality backlinks.
This process usually happens in steps. Start by identifying your main competitors in your industry, then use a tool like Ahrefs to dig into their backlink patterns.
While there are cheaper tools out there, Ahrefs is still the best for getting detailed backlink data and filtering out high-quality from low-quality links.
The next step is to reach out to your prospects and start building a connection with them. Since they’ve already linked to content similar to yours, you can show them why linking to your material would be a great choice or a valuable addition to their content.
Another approach is to suggest new topics for their upcoming pieces that could link back to your work.
We love using this tactic and apply it to almost all our link-building efforts.
Your competitors have already done the hard work of finding sites that link to similar content, so take advantage of their research!
Skyscraper Link Building
The goal of this strategy is clear: boost your website’s search engine rankings by creating top-notch, detailed content that outshines what’s already available in your niche.
The Skyscraper technique, popularized by Brian Dean from Backlinko, involves two main steps:
- Enhance popular content by adding fresh information, providing more in-depth resources, or making it easier to read and visually appealing.
- Aim to replicate the backlinks that the existing top content has already earned.
This second step builds on the earlier tactic of analyzing your competitors’ backlink profiles.
To gather all the links pointing to the top ten or twenty articles on the same topic, use a tool like Ahrefs.
After that, send them an email with your proposal.
By using the Skyscraper Technique, your content will stand out and attract attention because it’s better than what’s already out there. Websites will naturally link to top resources, so once they see what you’ve created, you’ll have a good chance of getting those valuable links.
In my experience, creating high-quality content like this can take quite a bit of time, especially depending on your niche.
Even if your content is top-notch, this method is still pretty straightforward and can help you earn links from many sites.
Offering something extra, like cash or link exchanges, can make a big difference in getting those links.
Resource Page Link Building
Another often overlooked link-building strategy that can quickly earn you great backlinks is resource page link building.
Here’s how it works: start by finding resource pages related to your industry. These pages compile useful links and information for their users.
Then, reach out to the site owners. Instead of just asking to be added to their list, explain why your content would be a valuable addition to their resource page.
Make sure you’re not just spamming random sites. Your content should genuinely fit in with the other resources on their page.
If your content is relevant and helpful, they might add your link.
We’ve also had success by searching for resource pages before creating our content. Look at what types of content are often included in resource lists for your field, and then create something similar.
By producing quality content that appeals to your target audience and tailoring your outreach, you can boost your chances of getting featured on these resource sites.
Just like with other strategies, the quality of your content matters. It’s tempting to try a “brute force” approach with mediocre content, but putting in a bit more effort can lead to many more backlinks for your efforts.
Also Read: Digital PR Link Building Guide
Influencer Link Building
Influencers are key players on social media and in various industries, with huge followings.
Have you noticed that popular figure in the SEO world? Collaborating with influencers can be a game-changer for getting backlinks and boosting your website’s authority and visibility.
Reach out to influencers in your niche and propose working together. This could mean having them share your content, create joint content, or mention your brand.
By teaming up with influencers, you get more than just backlinks. You also benefit from the trust and reputation they’ve built with their audience.
Their endorsement can improve your search engine rankings, drive more referral traffic, and increase brand awareness.
Top influencers can be pricey, especially if you’re just starting out or don’t have a big brand presence. Sometimes, it’s more cost-effective to work with mid-tier influencers initially.
But if you have the budget, aim high and go for the top influencers!
Create a Link Building Pyramid With Tiered Links
An advanced link-building tactic that can help boost your website’s authority and visibility is creating a link pyramid, also known as tiered link building. Here’s how it works:
Tier 1: At the top of the pyramid are your best backlinks. These are high-quality links from trustworthy and authoritative sources. They directly link to your main page.
Tier 2: The second tier consists of links that point to the Tier 1 links. These come from sources of slightly lower quality but help strengthen the credibility of your Tier 1 links, which benefits your main page.
Tier 3: The bottom tier includes links that point to the Tier 2 sources. These links might not be top-notch, but they add some natural variation to your link profile.
Keep in mind, while this technique can be effective, using very low-quality links comes with risks. Google might spot spammy practices across multiple tiers. So, it’s wise to be cautious.
We usually stick to Tier 2 and avoid going further. Instead of using spammy links, we prefer lower-authority PBNs and niche-specific content.
Link Reclamation
The Moving Man approach, or link reclamation, starts with finding links to your website that are either broken or lead to outdated content.
To fix these issues, you might need to update URLs, set up 301 redirects, or contact website owners to request updates.
You can use WordPress redirection plugins for this.
This method helps preserve your site’s link equity and keeps it stable over time. It also improves user experience by ensuring your online presence is accurate and useful, giving your digital persona a much-needed refresh.
However, this strategy works best if your site already has a solid number of backlinks. Newer sites may need to work harder to build their link profile first.
Unlinked Brand Mentions
This strategy works best if your brand is already well-known.
If it is, then turning unlinked brand mentions into backlinks can be pretty straightforward.
Unlinked brand mentions are when your brand, name, or website is mentioned on a webpage but isn’t linked to your site. These can also be called fresh mentions or unlinked mentions.
To find these mentions, you can use tools like Ahrefs, Google Alerts, or social media monitoring tools.
Once you spot these mentions, reach out to the website owners or content creators and politely ask them to add a link to your site. Make sure to highlight how linking to your site can benefit them, not just you!
With a bit of effort, these unlinked mentions can become valuable backlinks and boost your authority.
Guest Posting & Building Relationships
Guest posting is all about writing and sharing content on other websites, blogs, or online platforms. The key is to include links in these posts that lead back to your own website.
Here’s why guest posting is so effective:
- Increased Exposure: When you publish a guest post, you tap into the hosting site’s existing audience. This gives you a chance to showcase your expertise to a broader crowd.
- Traffic Generation: Great content can attract visitors to your website. Think of it like inviting people to your place—some of them might even become regular visitors or loyal customers.
- Establishing Authority: By consistently creating high-quality guest posts for respected sites, you build your reputation as an industry expert. You’ll start to be seen as a trusted voice.
- Building Relationships: Guest posting isn’t just about getting your name out there. It’s also a way to network with other bloggers and influencers, share your knowledge, and learn from others.
- Link Building: Each guest post should include links back to your website. These links act as virtual bridges, boosting your site’s SEO and authority.
It’s a popular strategy in the industry and a core part of our agency’s link-building efforts. It’s incredibly scalable and effective for any stage of website development. Tools like PitchBox make managing these outreach campaigns a breeze.
Find the right sites, make connections, and set up agreements. It’s a proven way to generate valuable backlinks.
Post Original Research & High-Quality Content
Even though this method takes more time compared to some others, the high-quality backlinks you can get from it make it worth the effort.
Here’s the deal: you conduct your own research, surveys, or tests, and then share the findings.
Since this requires a different skill set than most SEOs have, many opt to work with a PR agency for this.
It’s like offering a fresh, unique perspective with your content! Your insights position you as a trusted authority in your field, drawing an interested audience.
Creating high-quality content means giving your readers something both informative and engaging. Your work should be well-researched, thorough, and provide real solutions to problems.
What happens next? This kind of content really grabs attention. Bloggers will discuss it, link to it, and spread the word.
Provide Infographics & Resources
Creating eye-catching infographics is a great way to engage your audience and share important information. Here’s a simple guide to help you make one:
- Pick a Relevant Topic: Start with a topic that your audience will find interesting and useful. It should align with what you want to achieve with your content.
- Collect Data: Gather reliable and accurate data on your chosen topic. Your infographic will be more valuable and trustworthy if it’s based on solid information.
- Design with Style: Use vibrant colors, appealing images, and clean design elements to make your infographic stand out. Keep the layout simple and easy to read.
- Add Value: Include unique insights, practical tips, or actionable advice. Make sure your infographic is not just informative but also useful for your audience.
- Share and Promote: Post your infographic on your website and share it on social media. Reach out to influencers or relevant websites in your niche to help spread the word.
If creating infographics isn’t your strength, consider hiring a professional. Like original research and high-quality content, well-designed infographics can attract valuable backlinks for a long time.
Develop Useful Tools & Widgets
Creating useful tools and widgets can really enhance user experience and add value.
Here’s a simple guide to get started:
- Find a Need: Identify a problem or need that your tool or widget can solve. Think about what could make life easier or more enjoyable for your audience. You can also check out popular tools in your niche for inspiration.
- Design for Ease: Make sure your tool or widget is easy to use and intuitive. A clean, simple design will make it more user-friendly.
- Ensure Functionality: Test your tool to make sure it works well before launching it. A smooth, reliable performance is key.
- Be Mobile-Friendly: With so many people using mobile devices, ensure your tool looks and works great on smartphones and tablets, too.
- Keep It Updated: Regular maintenance is important. Update your tool based on user feedback to keep it running smoothly.
You don’t need to be a coder to create these tools anymore—ChatGPT’s code interpreter can help with most of the heavy lifting. Just build the basics and use a WordPress plugin to add the code to your site.
Promote Your Content Constantly
Promoting your content is a bit like tending a garden—it needs regular care to thrive. Here are some key tactics to help your content get noticed:
- Social Media Sharing: Start by posting your content on various social media platforms. Create engaging posts, use relevant hashtags, and time your posts for when your audience is most active. This helps you reach your target audience when they’re most likely to engage.
- Email & Digital Marketing: Use your email list to spread the word about your content. Send out emails with links to your latest blog posts, articles, and other content you’ve created.
- Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with industry influencers to promote your content. They can help you reach a wider audience and boost your content’s visibility.
Staying consistent with these efforts can lead to great results for your link-building and content marketing campaigns.
What to Link Building Tactics to Avoid
When using advanced link-building techniques, watch out for common pitfalls that could hurt your strategy and your website’s SEO.
Here’s what to avoid to keep your plan on track:
- Low-Quality and Spammy Links: Don’t get links from sketchy or low-quality sites. These can harm your site’s ranking and reputation. Focus on getting links from trustworthy, relevant, and high-quality sources.
- Over-Optimized Anchor Text: Using the same exact match anchor text too often can trigger Google’s algorithm and lead to penalties. Mix up your anchor text to make it look more natural and less like an SEO tactic.
- Ignoring Relevancy: Links from unrelated sites aren’t very valuable. Make sure the sites you target are relevant to your industry or niche. Relevant links make your backlink profile more credible.
- Neglecting Content Quality: Link building should enhance your content strategy. If your content quality suffers, getting valuable backlinks will be tougher. Create high-quality, engaging content to attract natural backlinks.
