- There is no single way to get backlinks. The reliable approach is a mix of outreach, content, and digital PR.
- Because about 66% of pages have no links at all (Ahrefs), even a handful of relevant links can move you ahead of competitors.
- Prioritise methods by relevance and the quality of the sites they reach, not by raw volume.
- Pick three or four methods, do them consistently, and measure referring domains.
The pages that rank are the ones that earn links, yet 66% of pages have none at all (Ahrefs). That gap is the opportunity. Here are twelve dependable ways to close it, all built on relevance rather than shortcuts. For the wider plan, start with the ultimate link building guide, and check the 2026 link building statistics for the numbers behind them.
12 ways to get backlinks
- Editorial outreach. Pitch genuinely useful pages to relevant sites and earn a mention.
- Guest posting. Contribute strong articles to relevant publications. See niche edits vs guest posts.
- Niche edits and link insertions. Add a relevant link to an existing, already-indexed article.
- Digital PR. Earn coverage and links from news sites with a story or data. See digital PR for SEO.
- Linkable assets. Original data, calculators, and guides that others cite.
- Broken link building. Find dead links and offer your page as the replacement.
- Resource pages. Get listed on curated industry resource lists.
- Podcasts and interviews. Appearances usually come with a link.
- Unlinked brand mentions. Ask sites that mention you to add a link.
- Partnerships. Suppliers, clients, and partners who can reference you.
- Testimonials. Honest reviews of tools you use, with a link back.
- Journalist requests. Answer reporters looking for expert sources.
How to prioritise
You cannot do all twelve well at once. Pick the three or four that reach the most relevant sites for your niche, and judge each opportunity by the standard in what makes a high-quality backlink. If you would rather have a team run these for you, that is what our link building service is built for.
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 the fastest way to get backlinks?
Reclaiming unlinked mentions and adding relevant link insertions tend to be quickest, because the relationships or pages already exist.
How many backlinks should I aim for?
Match the link profiles of the pages already ranking for your target term, then keep a steady, natural pace rather than a sudden spike.
Do I need new content to earn links?
It helps. A genuinely useful asset gives people a reason to link, but outreach and digital PR can also point links at pages you already have.
