High Quality Backlinks: How To Get Them

Quality backlinks are like a thumbs-up from a website that's a big deal online, one that search engines and actual people trust. This kind of trust is hard-earned and reflects a site's credibility, quality, and relevance in its niche.

In this guide, I'll take you through the nuts and bolts of getting high-quality backlinks in 2024. Here's what we're covering:

• What is a Quality Backlink?
• Examples of backlinks that are goals
• How do you get the best backlinks out there?
• The Best Tactics to Get High-Quality Backlinks
• What to Avoid When Building High-Quality Backlinks?
• Where to Get High-Quality Backlinks?

Here's what you need to know: grabbing quality backlinks is super important in today's SEO world. And I'm here to make this as straightforward as possible. We'll go over proven strategies that are all about making your site more visible and authoritative in 2024.

Let’s get to it!

What is a Quality Backlink?

So what makes a backlink quality? In this section, we’ll talk about the true essence of a high-quality backlink.

When it comes to SEO, not all backlinks are created equal. A quality backlink, as recognized by Google, is more than just a pathway to your website. It's a robust endorsement of your site's authority and relevance in your niche.

But what exactly catapults a backlink into the "quality" category? Let’s see:

• Relevance is king. A backlink from a site closely related to your niche is priceless. It tells search engines that your content is not only valuable but also relevant to the audience in that specific field;
• Authority of the donor site. Links from websites with high Domain Rating (DR) or Domain Authority (DA) pack a powerful punch. These metrics gauge a site's trustworthiness and influence on the web.

Ahrefs notes that Google consistently ranks backlinks among its top three SEO priorities, highlighting their crucial role. Despite speculation that their significance might wane, they remain a powerful force in the current SEO landscape.

Backlinks became a critical determinant of where your site lands on search engine results pages. Their significance is twofold: they signal to Google that others vouch for your content, and they directly influence your site's visibility and ranking.

📝 At the same time, according to Forbes, 95% of web pages don't have any backlinks, yet these are crucial for good rankings.

Quality vs. quantity

Here’s an interesting fact: the debate between the quantity and quality of backlinks is ongoing. While some argue that the more backlinks, the better, others stress the superiority of high-quality backlinks. The truth, however, lies somewhere in the middle.

In reality, it’s all about making your overall backlink profile balanced, featuring both quantity and quality. This is essential for moving the needle on your SEO efforts.

📝 Note: Context matters for backlinks. Those embedded in relevant content that aligns with the searcher's intent are far more effective than those randomly placed on a page. The former add value to the reader's experience, showing off your value and expertise.

Examples of high-quality backlinks

Building backlinks is like hitting the gym for your website. You could try figuring it out on your own, but it’s smarter and faster to learn from the best.

Just like picking the right YouTube channel for fitness tips, choosing reputable sites for backlinks can significantly boost your SEO game.

📝 According to Ahrefs, nearly 74% of domains engage in link exchanges with sites they link to.

Let's explore the best places to find where to get high-quality backlinks.

Connectively featuring HARO (Help A Reporter Out): It’s like the networking event of the year but online. Journalists and bloggers look for insights, and you can offer yours. Land a mention, and you score a backlink from a top news site.

📝 Forbes states that the highest-ranking search results typically boast almost four times as many backlinks compared to those ranked lower, highlighting backlinks' role in signaling a page's value to Google.

HubSpot: The gold standard in marketing wisdom. Getting a backlink from HubSpot is like having a celebrity endorse you. It boosts your site’s credibility through the roof.

By the way, here’s my hard-earned backlink in their article:

Aiming for backlinks from these sites can elevate your SEO efforts big time. They can help your site stay top of mind and enjoy a major bull run in search rankings.

How to Get High-Quality Backlinks?

I've spent years in the field building valuable backlinks through white-hat SEO. This approach, which strictly adheres to Google's rules, is essential for boosting your site's credibility without risking penalties.

Image Source: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/essentials/spam-policies

White-hat SEO focuses on ethical strategies that offer genuine value, aiming to improve user experience and website quality. Here's an (extremely!) simplified guide to getting started with effective, white-hat link-building tactics:

• Editorial Links: Secure natural links from high-authority websites by having your content included in their existing articles. Remember, it's about earning a spot through relevance and quality;
• HARO Link Building: Offer your expertise to journalists seeking sources for their stories. A well-placed comment could net you a link from a top-tier publication;
• Guest Blogging: Contribute guest posts to reputable sites in your niche. It's a direct way to share your knowledge and link back to your site;
• Link Bait Content: Develop content so compelling that others want to link to it naturally. Whether it's groundbreaking research or stunning infographics, make it link-worthy.

White-hat SEO is a commitment to quality and ethics in SEO practices. It requires patience, but the rewards include a stronger brand and a more authoritative website. Stick with it, and the results will speak for themselves.

“According to experts, the most important ranking factors in 2023 were quality content, backlinks, and search intent/relevance” (Forbes)

Focusing on the relevance, authority, and strategic placement of your links is crucial in learning how to get high-quality backlinks. Doing so can garner praise from both search engines and users, helping your site to stand out and flourish online.

PR links

Public Relations (PR) links come from media coverage or news about your business, leading readers directly to your article or website. Think about a mention of your company in a major news outlet that links back to your website for more information.

PR links are valuable because they come from high-authority news sites and are seen as highly credible by search engines and users alike. Learn more about harnessing the power of PR links in my detailed guide on PR link building.

Niche edits

Looking to seamlessly integrate your website into existing, authoritative content? Editorial.Link specializes in niche edits, a strategy where your link is carefully placed into relevant, pre-existing articles on established websites.

This method is not only effective but also adds contextual relevance to your backlinks, elevating your SEO efforts.

For a deeper dive into how niche edits can enhance your backlink profile, keep an eye out for my upcoming article on the subject.

Ready to explore niche edits? Contact Editorial.Link to get started.

Linkable assets

Making linkable assets means crafting content so compelling and helpful that other sites will want to link to it on their own. This is how you can draw in top-notch backlinks based on the natural appeal and usefulness of your content.

Linkable assets can range from original research and infographics to comprehensive guides and tools. Discover why creating linkable assets is a game-changer for your backlink strategy.

HARO link building

While HARO has been a popular method for securing backlinks from top-tier publications, its effectiveness is dwindling in the AI era. With the rise of advanced technologies, securing a link through HARO is becoming increasingly challenging.

However, it's still possible to boost your SEO with strategic HARO link building. For insights on navigating HARO in the current landscape, including alternative strategies, check out my comprehensive guide.

Additionally, in our article called "Link Building with ChatGPT," we explore ways to enhance your link-building strategies using this AI tool.

📝 Note: While you aim to build your backlink portfolio, steer clear of shortcuts that could land you in hot water with Google. Practices like cloaking or abusing link schemes can quickly tick off search engines, leading to penalties that get your SEO off to a rough start.

What to Avoid When Building High-Quality Backlinks

In developing your site's backlink profile, remember that the value of links can vary greatly. There are certain types of backlinks you should avoid, primarily because they won't ever qualify as high-quality. Understanding this is crucial for maintaining your site's integrity and search engine ranking.

Avoid link farms

Link farms are essentially websites created for the sole purpose of link exchange, aiming to manipulate SEO rankings. These sites often lack relevance and quality, making them detrimental to your SEO efforts.

Engaging with link farms can lead to penalties from search engines. Learn why these links are harmful in my link farm guide.

Beware of forum backlinks

While some forum backlinks can be valuable, many are seen as low-quality by search engines. Links from forums that are not relevant to your niche or that are placed without meaningful contributions to the discussion can harm your site’s ranking.

Get insights on forum backlinks and shed more light on this topic.

Why are these backlinks problematic?

• Low Quality: These links often come from sites with little to no editorial standards, meaning anyone can place a link, reducing the overall quality and relevance;
• Search Engine Penalties: Google’s algorithms are designed to recognize and penalize manipulative link-building practices. Getting involved with link farms or irrelevant forum backlinks can lead to a drop in rankings or even a manual penalty;
• Lack of Relevance: High-quality backlinks come from sources that are relevant to your content and audience. Link farms and indiscriminate forum links rarely offer this relevance, diminishing their value.

I know it may be super tempting to grab those quick, easy backlinks from link farms or forums, but trust me, it's a risky move that often doesn't end well.

Stick to the good stuff — ethical link-building and hunting for those relevant, top-notch backlinks. Considering the long-term perspective, it's a game-changer for your SEO.

Where to Get High-Quality Backlinks?

So how do you secure those valuable high-quality backlinks that make a difference? Well, you're looking at two main options: getting a professional link-building agency on board or hiring an in-house specialist.

Each path comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. I'm here to break it down for you, offering the insights you need to make the right call for your strategy.

The reality is that mastering the art of backlink acquisition takes a blend of knowledge, strategic planning, and finesse. Let me guide you through these choices.

Pros of hiring a reputable link-building agency:

• Broad Network: Agencies usually have established relationships across a wide array of sites and niches, offering a diverse pool of backlink opportunities;
• Strategic Expertise: With a team of specialists, agencies bring a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight to your link-building efforts;
• Time-Saving: Outsourcing to an agency frees up your team to focus on other critical aspects of your business and SEO strategy.

Cons of hiring a link-building agency:

• Cost: While potentially more efficient, agencies can be a more significant upfront investment compared to hiring an individual;
• Less Control: You might have less direct oversight over the specifics of your backlink acquisition process;
• Generic Strategies: There's a risk of receiving a one-size-fits-all approach rather than a tailored strategy.

According to AuthorityHacker’s research, factoring in salaries, seasoned link builders can secure links 41% more cost-effectively.

Pros of hiring an in-house specialist:

• Dedicated Focus: An in-house specialist can dedicate their full attention to your backlink strategy, ensuring a tailored approach;
• Direct Communication: Working closely with your team, an in-house expert facilitates easier collaboration and quicker adjustments to strategies;
• Deep Understanding: Over time, they'll gain a nuanced understanding of your business, potentially leading to more effective link-building efforts.

Cons of hiring an in-house specialist:

• Limited Network: An individual may not have as extensive a network of contacts for backlink opportunities as an agency;
• Resource Intensive: Beyond salary, you’ll need to invest in training, tools, and resources to support their work;
• Scalability: As your needs grow, a single specialist might not keep pace with the demand, necessitating further hires.

On the other hand, for a deeply integrated and focused approach, bringing someone in-house might be the way to go. Either way, the key is to choose a path that aligns with your long-term SEO and business objectives.

Should you pay for high-quality backlinks?

As AuthorityHacker suggests, about 74.3% of us in the link-building game have bought links at some point. Why? Because it seems to promise a shortcut to more links. But here’s a kicker – on average, paying up only nets an extra couple of links a month.

Securing a high-quality backlink doesn't come cheap. Prices start at $250-300 and can soar to over $1000 for a single link. Especially if you're aiming for a spot on a high-authority site. For a deeper dive into link building pricing, check out my detailed article.

Now, onto the million-dollar question: should your wallet take the hit for backlinks? If you think cash can catapult you to SEO stardom, it’s not that simple. Google’s not a fan of paid links, and instead of climbing the rankings, you could end up on their naughty list.

While I don't advocate for buying links, recognizing that many still do despite it being against Google's guidelines, it's crucial to approach it with caution. It offers quick gains and control over link placement, but don't be fooled – it's hardly a strategy for lasting success.

If I were to buy, I’d go for “sponsored” links to keep things above board. But honestly, rolling up your sleeves and earning those links through great content or smart PR feels more rewarding – and it’s safer in the Google jungle.

All in all, while you can technically buy your way to more backlinks, it’s a risky move that might not be worth the gamble. Better to play it safe, focus on quality, and build high-quality backlinks the old-fashioned way. Trust me, it pays off.

Wrapping up: Smart Moves for Your Link-Building Game

A balanced backlink profile with both quality and quantity matters. Sure, top-tier backlinks act as endorsements from the heavy hitters in your niche. But remember, a well-rounded backlink profile that combines the power of both is truly what sets you apart.

My approach?

Focus on creating content that naturally draws in these valuable links and forging real relationships in the industry.

Not all quick fixes bring victory. While buying backlinks might look appealing, it's fraught with danger and could seriously misfire. The goal in how to build high-quality backlinks is to earn them with great content and real relationships, not just through spending.

In the end, the best backlinks elevate your site to a level of trusted authority. Strive for a backlink profile that's as robust and authentic as the content you produce, achieving links that genuinely impact your online presence!