What are off-page SEO strategies for building backlinks?

As you can see clearly in the screenshot of the backlinks profile of a website and their visits per month, it means off-page SEO is very, very important to rank on Google.

However, not all backlinks are created equal. Some can boost your rankings, while others can harm them.

In this article, we’ll explore proven off-page SEO strategies for building backlinks that enhance your website’s authority and credibility.

1. Guest Posting: A Tried-and-True Link-Building Strategy

Guest posting involves writing high-quality articles for other websites in your industry in exchange for a backlink. It is one of the most effective and widely used off-page SEO strategies.

How to Find Guest Posting Opportunities:

• Search Google using queries like "write for us + [your niche]" or "guest post guidelines + [your industry]."

• Use tools like Ahrefs or Semrush to identify competitor backlinks from guest posts.

• Reach out to websites via emails that accept guest contributions and provide valuable content.

Best Practices for Guest Posting:

• Choose authoritative and relevant websites in your niche.

• Write well-researched, high-quality content that adds value.

• Naturally integrate backlinks within the article without appearing spammy.

2. Broken Link Building: Turning Dead Links into Opportunities

Broken link building is a strategy where you find broken links on authoritative websites and offer your content as a replacement. This technique benefits both website owners and SEO professionals.

Steps to Implement Broken Link Building:

1. Identify websites in your niche that have broken links using tools like Semrush.

2. Create or suggest existing content on your website that can serve as a suitable replacement.

3. Contact the website owner or webmaster and politely suggest your content as an alternative.

This strategy works well because website owners appreciate help in fixing broken links while you earn a high-quality backlink.

3. HARO (Help a Reporter Out): Earn Backlinks from High-Authority Sources

HARO (Now Connectively.us) is a platform that connects journalists with experts. By responding to journalist queries, you can get featured in high-authority publications like Forbes, Business Insider, and The New York Times.

• Sign up on HARO and subscribe to relevant query categories.

• Provide expert insights in your niche when responding to queries.

• Keep responses concise, valuable, and unique to increase your chances of getting featured.

4. Skyscraper Technique: Creating Link-Worthy Content

The Skyscraper Technique involves finding high-performing content in your niche and creating an even better version of it.

Steps to Apply the Skyscraper Technique:

1. Use Semrush to find popular content with many backlinks. Go to the "Topic Research" tool under "Content Marketing", enter your topic and click on "Get content ideas" the green button.

After clicking on the green button you will get unlimited popular content ideas relative about your topic. You can filter them and export data.

After clicking the see more below every card you will get more information about the topic like top headlines, questions, topic efficiency, volume and difficulty.

2. Create a more comprehensive, updated, or visually appealing version of that content.

3. Reach out to websites linking to the original post and suggest your improved version as a replacement.

5. Digital PR: Getting Featured in Online Media & Blogs

Digital PR involves reaching out to journalists, bloggers, and news websites to get featured in online publications.

Effective Digital PR Strategies:

• Send press releases about new products, research findings, or industry insights.

• Engage with journalists and bloggers on social media to build relationships.

• Offer unique data or expert opinions to increase your chances of being quoted.

6. Social Media and Content Promotion: Amplify Your Backlink Potential

While social media links are typically no-follow (not directly impacting rankings), they help increase content visibility, which can attract backlinks.

How to Leverage Social Media for Backlinks:

• Share content on LinkedIn, Twitter, and niche-related Facebook groups.

• Engage in discussions on Reddit and industry-specific forums.

• Use YouTube or Pinterest to drive traffic and backlinks to your content.

7. Niche Edits (Contextual Link Building)

Niche edits involve inserting a backlink into an existing, relevant piece of content on another website.

Best Practices for Niche Edits:

• Find outdated content that could benefit from updates.

• Contact website owners and suggest adding your relevant link.

• Ensure the link is placed naturally within the content.

8. Resource Page Link Building: Getting Featured on Authority Sites

Resource pages are lists of helpful links curated by websites in a specific niche. Getting your content listed on these pages is a great way to earn backlinks.

How to Get Listed on Resource Pages:

• Search for resource pages using queries like "[your keyword] inurl:resources"

• Identify broken or outdated links and suggest your content as an update.

• Reach out with a personalized email explaining why your content adds value.

9. Influencer and Blogger Outreach: Building Relationships for Links

• Collaborating with influencers and bloggers can help you secure high-quality backlinks.

  How to Approach Influencers:

  • Offer value in exchange for a mention (e.g., exclusive insights, free tools, or guest posts).

  • Build genuine relationships before requesting a backlink.

  • Participate in expert roundups and interviews.

10. Local Citations and Business Listings: Strengthening Local SEO

Local citations involve listing your business on directories, helping improve local search rankings.

Where to List Your Business for Backlinks:

• Google My Business, Yelp, Bing Places.

• Niche-specific directories related to your industry.

• Chamber of commerce and local business websites.

Conclusion

Off-page SEO strategies play a vital role in improving your website’s authority and search rankings. Building high-quality backlinks through guest posting, broken link building, HARO, and digital PR can help increase visibility and drive organic traffic.

Focus on ethical link-building strategies, prioritize quality over quantity, and continuously track your backlink profile using tools like Google Search Console and Ahrefs. By implementing these proven strategies, you’ll position your website for long-term SEO success.