- An editorial link is one a writer or editor chooses to include because it genuinely helps their reader.
- They are the most valuable links because they signal real, unprompted trust.
- You earn them by being worth citing: original data, useful tools, clear expertise, and digital PR.
- They are harder to get than placements, which is exactly why they count for more.
If links are votes, editorial links are the ones cast freely. They are the kind search engines trust most, which is why referring domains correlate with rankings so strongly (Backlinko). They sit at the top of the value scale in types of backlinks.
What editorial links are
An editorial link is added by a writer or editor of their own accord, inside relevant content, because your page genuinely adds something. Nobody asked them to place a commercial anchor. That freedom is what gives the link its weight.
How to earn them
You earn editorial links by being worth citing. Publish original data and studies people reference. Build a tool or resource that saves time. Share genuine expertise and a clear point of view. Run digital PR that gives journalists a story. Each of these gives writers a reason to link without being asked. The other routes in how to get backlinks support this work.
Why they are the gold standard
Editorial links are harder to win, and that is the point. They reflect real trust, come from relevant pages with real audiences, and hold up over time. They meet every part of the test in what makes a high-quality backlink. A campaign built around earning them ages well.
Send us your site and we will reply with a free audit of your backlink profile and the first opportunities we would go after.
Frequently asked questions
What is an editorial backlink?
A link a writer or editor adds freely because your page helps their reader, rather than one you requested or placed.
How do I earn editorial links?
Become genuinely citable: original data, useful tools, clear expertise, and digital PR that gives people a reason to reference you.
Are editorial links better than guest posts?
They tend to carry more weight because they are unprompted, but both work when the site is relevant and real.
