Backlink Success: 10 Types of Backlinks You Need to Know
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- April 14, 2025
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In our previous article, we explored the guide to backlinks – what they are, why they matter, and the general strategies for building them. Now, we’ll dive deeper into the specific types of backlinks available to website owners and marketers. Each type has its own unique benefits, challenges, and best practices.
With 35 different backlink types to cover, this guide will give you a comprehensive toolkit for diversifying your link building strategy. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your existing approach, understanding these different link opportunities will help you build a more natural and effective backlink profile.
Remember, a diverse backlink profile that incorporates various types of links appears more natural to search engines and helps protect your website against algorithm changes. Let’s explore each type of backlink and how you can use it effectively.
Broken Backlink Building
How It Works:
- Find relevant websites in your industry that link to resources
- Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Check My Links (a Chrome extension) to identify broken links on these sites
- Create content similar to what the broken link was pointing to
- Reach out to the website owner, alerting them to the broken link and suggesting your content as an alternative
Example Email:
Subject: Broken link found on your resources page Hi [Name], I was browsing your excellent resource page [URL] and noticed a broken link to [describe the broken resource]. I thought you might want to know so you can fix it. Actually, I recently published a comprehensive guide on [similar topic] that might be a good replacement. You can check it out here: [Your URL] Either way, I enjoy your content and hope this helps keep your site up to date! Best regards,[Your Name]
Why It’s Effective:
Broken backlink building works because you’re providing value to the site owner by helping them improve their user experience. Instead of just asking for a link, you’re solving a problem for them.
Best Practices:
- Focus on finding broken links on high-quality, relevant websites
- Create replacement content that’s as good or better than the original
- Be helpful in your outreach, not demanding
- Keep track of your outreach efforts to avoid contacting the same site repeatedly
Video Backlinks
How It Works:
- Create valuable video content related to your industry
- Upload to platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Wistia
- Optimize video titles, descriptions, and tags to include your website URL
- Encourage others to embed or share your videos
Types of Link-Worthy Videos:
- How-to tutorials and guides
- Expert interviews
- Product demonstrations
- Industry news analysis
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Case studies and success stories
- Original research presentation
Link Opportunities from Videos:
- Video platform profile links
- Website embeds of your videos
- Mentions and references to your video content
- Roundups of the best videos on a topic
- Transcripts and show notes
Why It’s Effective:
Videos are highly engaging and shareable. They provide multiple opportunities for backlinks while also diversifying your content strategy.
Best Practices:
- Focus on creating genuinely helpful or entertaining videos
- Include a call-to-action to visit your website
- Optimize video descriptions with relevant links
- Create thumbnails that encourage clicks
- Transcribe your videos for additional content
- Promote your videos across multiple channels
Guest Blogging
How It Works:
- Identify relevant blogs in your industry that accept guest posts
- Study their content style, topics, and audience
- Pitch unique, valuable content ideas that align with their needs
- Write high-quality content that genuinely serves their audience
- Include natural links to your website where relevant
Example Pitch:
Subject: Guest post idea: 5 Data-Backed Strategies for [Their Blog Topic] Hi [Editor’s Name], I’ve been following [Blog Name] for some time and particularly enjoyed your recent article on [topic]. It got me thinking about some research we’ve been doing at [Your Company] about [related topic]. I’d love to share our findings with your audience through a guest post titled: “[Proposed Title].” The article would cover:- [Key point 1]- [Key point 2]- [Key point 3]- [Key point 4]- [Key point 5] This would be entirely original content created specifically for your readers. I’ve previously written for [mention any notable publications], and you can see examples of my work here: [Portfolio link] Let me know if this would be of interest, and I’d be happy to send a more detailed outline. Best regards,[Your Name]
Why It’s Effective:
Guest blogging helps you reach new audiences while building quality backlinks. It establishes you as an authority in your field and creates relationships with other content creators.
Best Practices:
- Focus on quality over quantity – a few posts on respected industry blogs are worth more than dozens on low-quality sites
- Provide genuine value – don’t just write for the backlink
- Follow the site’s guidelines for guest contributors
- Promote your guest post once it’s published
- Build relationships with editors for ongoing opportunities
Resource Page Backlinks
How It Works:
- Create a truly valuable resource that others in your industry would want to reference
- Find relevant resource pages using search queries like “keyword + resources,” “keyword + links,” or “keyword + helpful resources”
- Reach out to the website owners with a personalized pitch explaining why your content would benefit their visitors
Example Resources That Attract Links:
- Comprehensive guides or tutorials
- Free tools or calculators
- Original research or data
- Curated lists of statistics
- Glossaries or encyclopedic content
- Templates or downloadable resources
Example Outreach:
Subject: Suggestion for your [Topic] resource page Hi [Name], I was browsing your excellent resource page on [Topic] [URL] and wanted to suggest another resource that might be valuable to your visitors. We recently published [describe your resource and what makes it unique/valuable], which has been well-received by [mention any positive feedback, statistics, or notable mentions]. You can check it out here: [Your URL] I think it would fit well with the other quality resources you’re already sharing. Either way, thanks for maintaining such a helpful collection of resources! Best regards,[Your Name]
Why It’s Effective:
Resource page links are highly relevant and contextual. They typically come from pages specifically designed to link out to helpful content, making them powerful for SEO.
Best Practices:
- Focus on creating genuinely useful resources that deserve to be included
- Target resource pages that are relevant to your content
- Personalize your outreach to show you’ve actually looked at their page
- Be concise in explaining the value your resource provides
Directory Submissions
How It Works:
- Identify reputable directories relevant to your industry or location
- Submit your website with a complete and accurate profile
- Some directories are free, while others charge a fee for inclusion
Types of Valuable Directories:
- Industry-specific directories
- Local business directories
- Chamber of commerce listings
- Professional association directories
- Niche community directories
- Review platforms (Google Business Profile, Yelp, TripAdvisor)
Why It’s Effective:
Quality directories can drive referral traffic while providing backlinks. Local and industry-specific directories are particularly valuable for businesses targeting specific geographic areas or sectors.
Best Practices:
- Focus only on reputable, relevant directories
- Ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) information is consistent across all listings
- Create complete profiles with all relevant information
- Include appropriate categories and keywords
- Add photos and videos when possible
Avoid spammy directories or mass submission services
Brand Mentions
How It Works:
- Monitor the web for mentions of your brand using tools like Google Alerts, Brand24, or Mention
- Identify unlinked mentions of your brand
- Reach out to the website owners and politely ask them to convert the mention into a hyperlink
Example Outreach:
Subject: Quick note about your article mentioning [Your Brand] Hi [Name], I just came across your excellent article [Article Title] and wanted to say thanks for mentioning [Your Brand]! I was wondering if you’d mind adding a link to our website where you mention us? This would help your readers find us more easily if they want to learn more after reading your piece. Either way, I appreciate the mention and enjoyed your article. Best regards,[Your Name]Why It’s Effective:
Since the website already mentioned your brand, they clearly know who you are and found you worth mentioning. This makes them more likely to add a link when asked.Best Practices:
- Be polite and appreciative in your outreach
- Make it easy by providing the exact URL you’d like them to link to
- Focus on high-quality websites with good domain authority
- Don’t be pushy if they decline
- Consider offering something in return, like sharing their content on your social channels
Association Memberships
How It Works:
- Identify relevant industry associations, local business groups, or professional organizations
- Join as a member (usually requires an application and membership fee)
- Ensure your profile is complete with your website URL
- Some organizations may have additional opportunities for featured members or content contributions
Types of Organizations to Consider:
- Industry-specific associations
- Local chambers of commerce
- Professional certification bodies
- Trade groups
- Better Business Bureau
- Local business networks
- Alumni associations
Why It’s Effective:
Association links typically come from established, authoritative websites. They also demonstrate your business’s legitimacy and industry involvement.
Best Practices:
- Join organizations that are genuinely relevant to your business
- Participate actively to maximize the relationship beyond just the backlink
- Complete your member profile thoroughly
- Look for additional opportunities within the organization, like committee participation or content contribution
Case Study Backlinks
How It Works:
- Identify products or services your business uses successfully
- Document your experience, results, and ROI in a detailed case study
- Reach out to the company and offer your case study for their marketing
- When they publish it, they’ll typically include a link back to your website
Elements of an Effective Case Study:
- Clear description of the challenge or problem you faced
- Explanation of how you implemented the solution
- Specific, measurable results (with data if possible)
- Quotes from your team about the experience
- High-quality images or videos to enhance the story
Example Outreach:
Subject: Case study offer: How we achieved [specific result] using [Their Product] Hi [Name], We’ve been using [Their Product] for [timeframe] at [Your Company], and have seen some impressive results that I thought might make an interesting case study for your website. Specifically, we’ve achieved:- [Result 1 with specific numbers]- [Result 2 with specific numbers]- [Result 3 with specific numbers] I’d be happy to provide more details, screenshots, and team quotes if you’re interested in featuring our experience. We’d be glad to be showcased on your website and share how your product has helped our business. Let me know if this is something you’d like to pursue! Best regards,[Your Name]
Why It’s Effective:
Companies are always looking for success stories to showcase their products or services. A well-documented case study provides valuable marketing material for them while earning you a relevant backlink.
Best Practices:
- Focus on products or services where you have genuinely impressive results to share
- Include specific, measurable outcomes
- Make the case study professional and comprehensive
- Offer high-quality visuals to enhance the case study’s appeal
- Target companies with strong domain authority
Certification and Accreditation Backlinks
How It Works:
- Identify relevant certifications or accreditations in your industry
- Complete the necessary courses, exams, or applications
- Once certified, ensure your profile or listing includes your website URL
- Some programs may have tiered partner listings with enhanced profiles for higher-level partners
Examples of Certification Programs:
- Google Partners
- HubSpot certified professionals
- Industry-specific certifications
- Software partner programs
- Professional license organizations
- Eco-friendly or sustainability certifications
- Security compliance certifications
Why It’s Effective:
Certification websites are typically authoritative and trusted. Links from these sites not only help with SEO but also enhance your credibility with potential customers.
Best Practices:
- Pursue certifications that are genuinely relevant to your business
- Keep certifications current and updated
- Complete your profile thoroughly with all relevant information
- Showcase your certifications on your own website as well (creating reciprocal value)
- Look for opportunities to be featured as a success story within the certification program
Link Reclamation
How It Works:
- Monitor the web for mentions of your brand
- Check for links to deleted or moved pages on your site
- Identify instances where your content is used without attribution
- Reach out to fix these issues
Scenarios for Link Reclamation:
- Unlinked brand mentions (as covered earlier)
- Broken links due to changed URLs on your site
- Images or infographics used without attribution
- Data or research cited without a link
- Changed company names or rebrands
Example Outreach for Broken Link:
Subject: Quick fix needed for link to our content on your site.Hi [Name], I noticed that your excellent article [Article Title] includes a link to our [content/tool/resource], but the link is currently broken due to a recent website restructuring. The new URL is: [New URL] Would you mind updating the link when you have a moment? This will ensure your readers can access the resource you’re recommending. Thanks for featuring our content, and let me know if you need anything else! Best regards,[Your Name]
Why It’s Effective:
Link reclamation often has a higher success rate than creating new links since there’s already an existing relationship or reference.Best Practices:
- Regularly audit your backlink profile for broken links
- Set up alerts for brand mentions
- Make it easy for webmasters to implement the fix
- Be polite and helpful in your outreach
- Consider setting up proper 301 redirects to prevent broken links in the future
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide has covered 10 different types of backlinks, each with its own unique benefits and implementation strategies. As you develop your backlink strategy, remember these key principles:
- Focus on quality over quantity. A few high-quality, relevant backlinks will provide more value than dozens of low-quality ones.
- Diversify your backlink profile. Incorporating various types of backlinks creates a natural link profile that appears organic to search engines.
- Prioritize relevance. Links from websites related to your industry or topic carry more weight than unrelated sources.
- Build for the long term. Sustainable link building focuses on creating real value and building genuine relationships, not quick tricks or manipulative tactics.
- Monitor and maintain your backlinks. Regularly audit your backlink profile to identify and address issues like lost or toxic links.
By implementing a strategic combination of these backlink types, you can build a robust link profile that improves your search rankings, drives referral traffic, and establishes your authority in your industry.
Remember that effective link building takes time and consistent effort. Focus on creating valuable content and resources that naturally attract links, while supplementing with targeted outreach for specific link opportunities. With patience and persistence, you’ll build a backlink profile that provides sustainable SEO benefits for years to come.
Meet The Author
John Wilson
John, the driving force behind Optisite Rocket, spent 10 fulfilling years as the owner of a contracting company, where he honed his skills and developed a deep love for the contracting industry. Seeing the dismal results from hiring many “experts” to build his website and do his SEO, he realized he needed to learn how to do this himself. This allowed him to build a thriving company in his local area. A sudden injury, however, curtailed his ability to continue hands-on work. Undeterred, John now channels his passion into educating and inspiring others. He aims to equip aspiring professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools to excel in this rewarding field.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many backlinks do I need to rank on the first page of Google?
There’s no specific number of backlinks that guarantees first-page rankings. The quality, relevance, and authority of your backlinks matter more than the quantity. Additionally, the number of backlinks needed varies greatly depending on your industry and the competitiveness of your target keywords.
Rather than focusing on a specific number, analyze the backlink profiles of websites currently ranking for your target keywords. This will give you a realistic benchmark for what you need to achieve in your specific situation.
Are all dofollow links better than nofollow links?
While dofollow links pass more direct SEO value, nofollow links still have benefits. They can:
- Drive referral traffic to your website
- Increase brand visibility
- Lead to additional dofollow links if users discover your content
- Contribute to a natural-looking backlink profile
A healthy backlink profile typically includes a mix of both dofollow and nofollow links. Focus on acquiring links that make sense for your business and audience, regardless of whether they’re dofollow or nofollow.
How quickly can I expect to see results from new backlinks?
The impact of new backlinks isn’t usually immediate. It typically takes weeks or sometimes months for search engines to fully process new links and adjust rankings accordingly. Several factors affect the timeline:
- The authority of the linking website
- The relevance of the link to your content
- Your existing backlink profile
- The competitiveness of your target keywords
- The frequency of search engine algorithm updates
Backlink building should be viewed as a long-term strategy, with consistent efforts over time yielding the best results.
Can backlinks hurt my website's rankings?
Yes, certain types of backlinks can harm your rankings if they appear manipulative or come from low-quality sources. Potentially harmful backlinks include:
- Links from websites with a history of spam
- Links from irrelevant websites or content
- Links with over-optimized anchor text
- Links from private blog networks
- Paid links without proper disclosure
- Links from hacked websites
If you discover harmful backlinks pointing to your site, you can use Google’s disavow tool as a last resort to tell search engines to ignore these links.
Should I remove old backlinks when building new ones?
In most cases, there’s no need to remove old backlinks unless they’re clearly harmful or violate search engine guidelines. Even older links from less authoritative sources still contribute to your overall backlink profile.
However, it’s good practice to periodically audit your backlink profile and consider disavowing links that:
- Come from spammy or malicious websites
- Appear manipulative or unnatural
- Have been created through practices that violate search engine guidelines
- Could potentially trigger penalties
Focus on building new, high-quality links while monitoring your existing backlink profile for any issues that need addressing.
