When it comes to SEO, link building is KEY. In fact, Google recently confirmed that backlinks are one of their “top 3” ranking signals. Unfortunately, building links isn’t easy (that’s why most other SEO checklists skip this step). But if you want to rank in Google, links are a must. And in this section, I’ll show you how to do it.
1. Build Powerful Backlinks with Guest Posting
Guest posting is an AWESOME link building strategy.
That said:
There’s a right and wrong way to guest post.
Right way: Publish your guest post on respected sites in your industry.
Wrong way: Publish guest posts on any website that has a “write for us” page.
In fact, I only guest post on sites that will send me targeted traffic.
For example, I recently published a guest post on the Buffer blog
Not only did I get a great backlink from my guest post, but decent amount of traffic too:
2. Reverse Your Competitor’s Backlinks
Why reinvent the wheel when you can copy your competitor’s link sources?
To do this, you’ll need a link analysis tool.
I personally use Ahrefs.
But if you’re on a budget, you can use a freemium tool like Link Explorer (from Moz).
No matter what tool you choose, the process is exactly the same:
- Grab your competitor’s URL.
- Pop it into the tool
- Finally, get as many of their links as you can
For example, here’s a link report from Ahrefs of my site:
Now:
Some of these links will be nearly impossible to replicate
(For example, links from sites I have relationships with).
But many are pretty easy to copy.
(Like links from guest posts and interviews)
3. Build Contextual Backlinks with Link Roundups
This strategy works GREAT.
That said, it comes with a catch.
I reveal that catch (and how this technique works) right here:
As you can see, I got a sweet backlink (and a handful of targeted visitors).
4. Become a Podcast Guest
This is similar to guest posting.
But instead of contributing an article, you go on a podcast as a guest.
For example, I went on this podcast a few months ago:
5. Mention Influencers in Your Blog Posts
This process couldn’t be simpler:
First, mention influential bloggers in your content.
Then, let them know you mentioned them.
(Seriously, that’s it)
For example, when I published my list of SEO tools, I let the founder of each tool know that I featured them:
And, as you can see, they happily shared my content on social media.
