51 Types of Backlinks That You Must Know and Build In 2025

Backlinks are links from one website to another. In SEO, they act like votes of confidence, telling search engines that a page is valuable and worth ranking higher.

Not all backlinks are equal. High-quality backlinks from trusted sites improve search rankings, boost authority, and drive organic traffic. On the other hand, spammy or low-quality backlinks can harm rankings.

In 2025, backlinks will still be a major ranking factor. However, Google is focusing more on relevance, authority, and natural link-building. Earning backlinks from niche-relevant, high-authority sources will be more important than ever.

In this blog, I am going to share with you 51 types of backlinks that I have used for my website and my client’s websites too.

Table of Content

What Are Backlinks in SEO?

If you’ve ever clicked on a link that took you to another website, you’ve used a backlink. In simple terms, a backlink is a link from one website to another. Search engines see backlinks as a sign of trust. The more quality backlinks a page has, the better its chances of ranking higher in search results.

For example,

Imagine you’re looking for the best pizza place in town. If five of your friends recommend the same restaurant, you’ll trust their advice. In SEO, backlinks work the same way. When multiple trusted websites link to a page, Google sees it as valuable and ranks it higher.

Dofollow vs. Nofollow Backlinks

Not all backlinks pass SEO value right. There are two main types:

  • Dofollow Backlinks: These pass SEO value (link juice) and help improve rankings. Example: A tech blog linking to your software tool.
  • Nofollow Backlinks: These don’t pass SEO value but still bring traffic and visibility. Example: A link from a social media post or a blog comment.

Why Relevant & High-Authority Backlinks Matter in 2025

Getting backlinks from random sites won’t help because it could be spamming so you should build relevant and high-authority backlinks that make the real difference.

A link from a well-known site in your niche (like Forbes for business or Moz for SEO) holds more weight than from low-quality sites. Do you understand what I mean?

Why Are Backlinks Important for SEO?

As you know backlinks play a huge role in off-page SEO right because they tell Google that your website is trustworthy and worth ranking higher.

But not all backlinks are equal. Let’s break down why they matter and what makes a good backlink different from a bad one.

How Backlinks Boost Domain Authority

Think of domain authority as your website’s reputation. The more high-quality backlinks you earn, the stronger your website appears in Google’s eyes.

Websites with high domain authority (like Forbes, HubSpot, or Moz) usually rank higher because they have tons of strong backlinks pointing to them.

If your site gets links from well-known, trusted sources, your authority grows.

Backlinks & Google’s Ranking Algorithm

Google’s ranking system considers backlinks as a key factor. Websites with more high-quality backlinks tend to rank higher because they’re seen as valuable.

But Google doesn’t just count backlinks it analyzes their quality, relevance, and source.

For example:

✅ A link from a respected SEO blog to your SEO agency site is strong.
❌ A link from a random unrelated site (like a pet blog linking to your car repair site) holds little to no value.

Good vs. Bad Backlinks

Not all backlinks help rankings. Some can actually hurt them.

Good Backlinks

  • Come from high-authority websites.
  • Are relevant to your niche.
  • Are naturally earned (not paid or spammy).

Bad Backlinks

  • Come from spammy, low-quality sites.
  • Are bought in bulk (Google penalizes this).
  • Are irrelevant to your content.

Related Post: 15 Examples of Good Backlinks vs. Bad Backlinks You Must Know

51 Types of Backlinks You Must Know & Build in 2025

  1. Editorial Backlinks
  2. Guest Post Backlinks
  3. HARO (Help a Reporter Out) Backlinks
  4. Backlinks from .EDU & .GOV Websites
  5. Niche-Relevant Blog Backlinks
  6. Backlinks from Long-Form Content
  7. Infographic Backlinks
  8. Podcast Backlinks
  9. eBook & Whitepaper Backlinks
  10. Video Backlinks (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)
  11. Quora & Forum Backlinks
  12. Reddit & Social Media Backlinks
  13. Pinterest & Image-Sharing Backlinks
  14. LinkedIn Article Backlinks
  15. Facebook & Twitter Post Backlinks
  16. Google My Business (GMB) Backlinks
  17. Yelp & Local Directory Backlinks
  18. Bing Places Backlinks
  19. Trustpilot & Review Site Backlinks
  20. Crunchbase & Startup Directory Backlinks
  21. Author Bio Backlinks
  22. Niche-Relevant Guest Post Backlinks
  23. Cold Email Outreach Backlinks
  24. Expert Roundup Backlinks
  25. Podcast Guest Backlinks
  26. Medium & Blogger Backlinks
  27. WordPress.com Blog Backlinks
  28. Tumblr & Weebly Backlinks
  29. Substack & Newsletter Backlinks
  30. Ghost Blog Backlinks
  31. Amazon Product Page Backlinks
  32. Affiliate Program Backlinks
  33. Etsy & Shopify Store Backlinks
  34. eBay & Online Marketplace Backlinks
  35. Product Review Backlinks
  36. Wikipedia Backlinks
  37. News Website Backlinks (Forbes, TechCrunch, etc.)
  38. PR (Press Release) Backlinks
  39. Sponsorship & Donation Backlinks
  40. Scholarship Backlinks
  41. Broken Link Building Backlinks
  42. Competitor Backlink Replication
  43. Skyscraper Technique Backlinks
  44. Resource Page Backlinks
  45. PBN (Private Blog Network) Backlinks – Use with Caution
  46. Expired Domain Backlinks
  47. RSS Feed Backlinks
  48. Website Footer & Sidebar Backlinks
  49. Image Credit Backlinks
  50. Testimonial & Case Study Backlinks
  51. Guestbook & Comment Backlinks (Low-Value)

A. High-Authority Backlinks (Best for SEO)

If you want to rank higher on Google, high-authority backlinks should be your priority. These backlinks come from trusted, well-established websites that search engines respect. Getting them isn’t always easy, but they bring long-term SEO benefits.

1. Editorial Backlinks

Editorial backlinks are some of the best backlinks for SEO because they are naturally earned. These links come from reputable websites that mention your content without you asking for it.

How to Get Editorial Backlinks:

  • Publish high-quality, data-driven content that websites want to reference.
  • Get featured in industry news, research studies, and expert roundups.
  • Build relationships with journalists and bloggers who cover your niche.

2. Guest Post Backlinks

Guest posting is a proven way to get backlinks while showcasing your expertise. You write an article for another website, and in return, you get a backlink in your author bio or within the content.

Guest Post Backlink Author Bio
Source: Hubspot

How to Get Guest Post Backlinks:

  • Find high-authority sites in your industry that accept guest posts.
  • Pitch unique, valuable topics that align with their audience.
  • Write high-quality content that naturally includes a backlink to your site.

3. HARO (Help a Reporter Out) Backlinks

HARO (Help a Reporter Out) is a platform where journalists look for expert quotes. If they choose your response, you get a backlink from a high-authority news site.

How to Get HARO Backlinks:

  • Sign up for HARO and respond to relevant journalist queries.
  • Provide expert insights, statistics, or unique perspectives.
  • Be quick! Journalists receive hundreds of responses, so timing matters.

4. Backlinks from .EDU & .GOV Websites

Websites with .EDU and .GOV domains are highly trusted by Google. If you get a backlink from one of these sites, it can significantly boost your SEO rankings.

How to Get .EDU & .GOV Backlinks:

  • Offer scholarships or student discounts and get listed on university websites.
  • Contribute to government or educational resources.
  • Engage with college blogs, research publications, and alumni networks.

5. Niche-Relevant Blog Backlinks

Not all backlinks are created equal. A backlink from a relevant blog in your industry is far more valuable than one from an unrelated site. Google values relevance when determining rankings.

How to Get Niche-Relevant Backlinks:

  • Connect with bloggers and influencers in your industry.
  • Publish guest posts, expert interviews, or case studies on niche sites.
  • Get mentioned in blog roundups, resource pages, and reviews.

B. Contextual & Content-Based Backlinks

Contextual backlinks are links placed within the content of an article, blog post, or media piece. These are some of the most valuable backlinks because they appear naturally within relevant content, making them trusted by Google.

Let’s look at some of the best content-based backlinks you should build.

6. Backlinks from Long-Form Content

Long-form content (2,000+ words) tends to rank higher and attract more backlinks because it provides in-depth value. Other websites naturally cite well-researched content, making it a strong source of organic backlinks.

How to Get Long-Form Content Backlinks:

  • Write comprehensive guides, tutorials, and case studies.
  • Include original research, statistics, or expert insights.
  • Promote your content to journalists, bloggers, and industry leaders.

7. Infographic Backlinks

People love visual content, and infographics are widely shared across blogs and social media. If your infographic is informative and well-designed, other sites will embed it with a backlink to credit you.

How to Get Infographic Backlinks:

  • Create engaging infographics with valuable data.
  • Submit them to infographic directories and blogs.
  • Offer them to relevant websites in exchange for credit and a backlink.

8. Podcast Backlinks

Podcasts are booming, and they offer huge backlink opportunities. When you appear as a guest on a podcast, the host often links back to your website in the episode description or show notes.

How to Get Podcast Backlinks:

  • Reach out to podcast hosts in your niche and offer valuable insights.
  • Start your own podcast and interview industry experts.
  • Get featured on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for extra exposure.

9. eBook & Whitepaper Backlinks

eBooks and whitepapers are great linkable assets that attract backlinks from authoritative sources. If your resource provides valuable information, other websites will reference and link to it.

How to Get eBook & Whitepaper Backlinks:

  • Publish free industry reports, case studies, or how-to guides.
  • Share them on LinkedIn, forums, and relevant communities.
  • Reach out to bloggers, journalists, and business websites to link to your resource.

10. Video Backlinks (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)

Videos are powerful for SEO. If you upload valuable content to platforms like YouTube or Vimeo, you can include backlinks in the video description, comments, or embedded content on websites.

How to Get Video Backlinks:

  • Create tutorials, product reviews, or educational videos.
  • Add your website link in the video description and pinned comment.
  • Encourage bloggers and businesses to embed your videos with a backlink.

C. Social & Community-Based Backlinks

Social and community-based backlinks come from platforms where people actively engage, share, and discuss topics. While most of these backlinks are nofollow, they still help drive traffic, improve brand visibility, and support SEO efforts.

11. Quora & Forum Backlinks

Quora and forums like Reddit and niche discussion boards allow you to share insights and include links to relevant content. These backlinks help drive targeted traffic and establish authority in your industry.

How to get Quora & forum backlinks:

  • Find questions related to your niche and provide valuable answers.
  • Add your website link only when it’s relevant and helpful.
  • Participate in niche forums where your audience is active.

12. Reddit & Social Media Backlinks

Reddit and other social media platforms can generate massive referral traffic if used correctly. While most links are nofollow, they still help improve brand visibility and encourage organic sharing.

How to get Reddit & social media backlinks:

  • Share valuable insights in relevant subreddits without spamming.
  • Post content that encourages discussions and natural shares.
  • Engage in comments and provide helpful responses with links when necessary.

13. Pinterest & Image-Sharing Backlinks

Pinterest, along with platforms like Flickr and Imgur, allows you to share images with backlinks to your website. These links drive targeted traffic and can improve SEO if done correctly.

How to get Pinterest & image-sharing backlinks:

  • Create high-quality, visually appealing pins linking to your content.
  • Optimize pin descriptions with relevant keywords.
  • Use image-sharing platforms to post infographics, product images, or creative visuals with backlinks.

14. LinkedIn Article Backlinks

LinkedIn allows you to publish articles that can include backlinks to your website. Since LinkedIn is a high-authority domain, links from its platform can help improve credibility and drive professional traffic.

How to get LinkedIn article backlinks:

  • Publish in-depth, informative articles related to your industry.
  • Include links to your website naturally within the content.
  • Share your articles in relevant LinkedIn groups and discussions.

15. Facebook & Twitter Post Backlinks

Facebook and Twitter posts can include backlinks to your website, helping with traffic generation and brand awareness. While these links don’t directly impact SEO, they can drive social signals that indirectly help rankings.

How to get Facebook & Twitter backlinks:

  • Share your blog posts, videos, and other content with engaging captions.
  • Participate in industry discussions and add links where relevant.
  • Encourage followers to share your content to increase visibility.

D. Profile & Business Listing Backlinks

Profile and business listing backlinks come from trusted directories and review platforms. These links help businesses improve local SEO, increase credibility, and attract more customers. While most are nofollow, they still provide authority and traffic benefits.

16. Google My Business (GMB) Backlinks

Google My Business is essential for local SEO. A properly optimized GMB profile with a website link helps businesses appear in local search results and Google Maps.

How to get Google My Business backlinks:

  • Create a GMB profile and add your website link.
  • Keep your business details consistent and up to date.
  • Encourage customers to leave positive reviews, as they improve local rankings.

17. Yelp & Local Directory Backlinks

Yelp and other local directories help businesses build credibility and get organic traffic. Many users search for services on Yelp, making it a great place to gain exposure.

How to get Yelp & local directory backlinks:

  • Claim your Yelp business listing and add your website link.
  • List your business on industry-specific directories.
  • Keep contact details, descriptions, and categories consistent across all platforms.

18. Bing Places Backlinks

Bing Places is Microsoft’s alternative to Google My Business. While it has a smaller user base, it still helps with search visibility and provides a valuable backlink.

How to get Bing Places backlinks:

  • Sign up for Bing Places for Business and complete your profile.
  • Add your business details and website link.
  • Sync your listing with Google My Business to save time.

19. Trustpilot & Review Site Backlinks

Review sites like Trustpilot allow businesses to collect customer reviews, which helps with brand reputation and SEO. Many review sites provide high-authority backlinks to listed businesses.

How to get Trustpilot & review site backlinks:

  • Create a business profile on Trustpilot and similar review platforms.
  • Ask satisfied customers to leave honest reviews.
  • Share and respond to reviews to build trust and engagement.

20. Crunchbase & Startup Directory Backlinks

Crunchbase is a well-known platform for startups and businesses. Getting listed here helps with brand visibility and SEO, as Crunchbase has a high domain authority.

How to get Crunchbase & startup directory backlinks:

  • Create a Crunchbase profile for your business.
  • Add details like company description, website link, and industry.
  • Update your profile regularly to stay relevant.

E. Guest Posting & Outreach Backlinks

Guest posting and outreach backlinks are some of the most effective ways to earn high-quality backlinks. These backlinks come from building relationships with website owners, bloggers, and influencers in your niche. If done right, they can boost authority, rankings, and referral traffic.

21. Author Bio Backlinks

When you write a guest post for another website, you usually get an author bio section where you can include a backlink to your website. While these links are often placed at the bottom of the article, they still provide value.

How to get author bio backlinks:

  • Contribute guest posts to high-authority blogs in your industry.
  • Write a short but engaging bio that includes a link to your site.
  • Focus on building long-term relationships with site owners for future guest posts.

22. Niche-Relevant Guest Post Backlinks

Not all guest posts are equal. A guest post on a niche-relevant site carries more SEO value than one on a random website. Google values relevance, so links from industry-specific blogs help more than generic ones.

How to get niche-relevant guest post backlinks:

  • Find blogs in your niche that accept guest posts.
  • Pitch unique, high-quality content ideas that provide value.
  • Include a natural backlink within the content, not just in the author bio.

23. Cold Email Outreach Backlinks

Cold email outreach is a strategy where you reach out to website owners, bloggers, or journalists and ask them to link to your content. This works well if you have valuable, link-worthy content.

How to get cold email outreach backlinks:

  • Identify websites that have linked to similar content.
  • Send a personalized email explaining why your content is worth linking to.
  • Offer something valuable in return, like a guest post, collaboration, or expert quote.

24. Expert Roundup Backlinks

Expert roundup posts feature insights from multiple industry experts. If you contribute to these posts, the website usually links back to your site in return.

How to get expert roundup backlinks:

  • Look for blogs that publish expert roundups in your industry.
  • Offer a unique, well-thought-out response to their question.
  • Build relationships with content creators who regularly publish roundups.

25. Podcast Guest Backlinks

Being a guest on a podcast is a powerful way to get backlinks. Most podcast hosts link to their guest’s website in the show notes, providing a high-quality backlink.

How to get podcast guest backlinks:

  • Find podcasts related to your niche.
  • Pitch yourself as a knowledgeable guest with valuable insights.
  • Ask the host to include your website link in the episode description.

F. Web 2.0 & Blog-Based Backlinks

Web 2.0 platforms and blogging sites allow users to create and publish content while including backlinks to their main website. These backlinks help diversify your link profile, increase visibility, and drive traffic.

However, they should be used carefully and combined with high-quality content to avoid looking spammy.

26. Medium & Blogger Backlinks

Medium and Blogger are popular free blogging platforms where you can publish articles and include backlinks. Since both platforms have high domain authority, links from them can help boost SEO.

How to get Medium & Blogger backlinks:

  • Create a Medium or Blogger account and post high-quality articles.
  • Naturally include contextual backlinks to your website within the content.
  • Share your articles on social media and communities to increase engagement.

27. WordPress.com Blog Backlinks

WordPress.com allows users to create free blogs that can be used for link-building. Since WordPress powers a large portion of the web, a well-maintained blog on WordPress.com can drive traffic and SEO benefits.

How to get WordPress.com backlinks:

  • Set up a WordPress.com blog with niche-relevant content.
  • Write useful blog posts that include links back to your main site.
  • Keep the blog updated and active to maintain credibility.

28. Tumblr & Weebly Backlinks

Tumblr and Weebly allow users to create microblogs and websites for free. These platforms can be used to build backlinks that drive traffic and engagement.

How to get Tumblr & Weebly backlinks:

  • Create a Tumblr or Weebly blog related to your niche.
  • Post short-form or visual content with natural backlinks.
  • Engage with other users and share content to get more visibility.

29. Substack & Newsletter Backlinks

Substack is a popular newsletter platform where writers share insights and build an audience. Many newsletter creators link back to their websites in posts and emails, making it a powerful backlink source.

How to get Substack & newsletter backlinks:

  • Start a Substack newsletter and share insightful content.
  • Add links to your blog or website within the newsletter.
  • Collaborate with other newsletter creators to cross-promote content.

30. Ghost Blog Backlinks

Ghost is an alternative blogging platform built for writers and publishers. Since it’s an SEO-friendly platform, backlinks from Ghost blogs can be valuable.

How to get Ghost blog backlinks:

  • Launch a Ghost blog and publish niche-relevant content.
  • Add natural internal links to relevant pages on your main site.
  • Promote your blog posts on social media and industry forums.

G. E-Commerce & Affiliate Backlinks

E-commerce and affiliate backlinks are valuable for online stores, product-based businesses, and affiliate marketers. These backlinks help drive targeted traffic, improve conversions, and strengthen SEO rankings. If you sell products or run an affiliate program, these backlinks should be part of your strategy.

31. Amazon Product Page Backlinks

Amazon is one of the most trusted e-commerce platforms, and getting a backlink from an Amazon product page can help increase credibility and drive sales. While these links are usually nofollow, they still provide referral traffic and brand exposure.

How to get Amazon product page backlinks:

  • List your products on Amazon and optimize the product descriptions.
  • Share your Amazon product links on blogs, social media, and forums.
  • Encourage customers to review and share your product pages.

32. Affiliate Program Backlinks

If you run an affiliate program, your affiliates will promote your products and services by linking to your site. These backlinks come from blogs, YouTube channels, and social media posts, helping drive traffic and boost SEO.

How to get affiliate program backlinks:

  • Create an affiliate program and invite influencers, bloggers, and content creators.
  • Provide affiliates with trackable links and promotional materials.
  • Partner with high-authority affiliate sites to gain better backlinks.

33. Etsy & Shopify Store Backlinks

If you have an Etsy or Shopify store, backlinks from these platforms can increase your store’s visibility and drive more organic traffic. These links also help build brand recognition.

How to get Etsy & Shopify store backlinks:

  • Optimize your Etsy and Shopify store pages with links to your website.
  • List your store in business directories and niche blogs.
  • Reach out to influencers and bloggers for collaborations and backlinks.

34. eBay & Online Marketplace Backlinks

Selling on eBay or other online marketplaces can bring in valuable backlinks and referral traffic. These platforms have high domain authority, making their links useful for SEO.

How to get eBay & online marketplace backlinks:

  • Add your website link in your eBay profile and product descriptions.
  • List your products on multiple marketplaces for more exposure.
  • Encourage customers to share and link to your listings.

35. Product Review Backlinks

Product review backlinks come from bloggers, influencers, and review websites that feature your product and link back to your store. These backlinks help build trust, improve search rankings, and increase sales.

How to get product review backlinks:

  • Reach out to bloggers and YouTubers who review products in your niche.
  • Offer a free sample or an exclusive discount in exchange for a review.
  • Get listed on trusted review sites that allow product submissions.

H. High-Trust Backlinks

High-trust backlinks come from authoritative and well-respected websites. These links boost your site’s credibility, rankings, and trustworthiness in Google’s eyes. While they can be challenging to get, they offer long-term SEO benefits.

36. Wikipedia Backlinks

Wikipedia is one of the most trusted websites on the internet. While Wikipedia backlinks are nofollow, they still drive traffic and increase credibility. Getting a backlink from Wikipedia shows that your content is valuable and informative.

How to get Wikipedia backlinks:

  • Find broken or outdated links on Wikipedia related to your niche.
  • Update or add useful and well-cited information with a link to your content.
  • Make sure your content is high-quality and non-promotional to avoid removal.

37. News Website Backlinks (Forbes, TechCrunch, etc.)

Backlinks from major news websites like Forbes, TechCrunch, and Business Insider are extremely valuable. These sites have high authority, and a backlink from them can boost rankings and brand recognition.

How to get news website backlinks:

  • Pitch unique and newsworthy stories to journalists.
  • Use HARO (Help a Reporter Out) to provide expert insights for articles.
  • Get featured in press releases, interviews, or expert roundups.

38. PR (Press Release) Backlinks

Press release backlinks come from news distribution platforms and help websites gain visibility and brand mentions. While not all press release links pass SEO value, they can still attract organic backlinks from journalists.

How to get PR backlinks:

  • Publish a press release on platforms like PRWeb, Business Wire, or EIN Presswire.
  • Focus on newsworthy announcements that attract media attention.
  • Distribute your press release to industry-related news sites.

39. Sponsorship & Donation Backlinks

Many nonprofits, events, and organizations link to their sponsors and donors. These backlinks often come from high-authority, well-trusted websites.

How to get sponsorship & donation backlinks:

  • Sponsor local events, charities, or industry conferences.
  • Donate to nonprofits or educational institutions that list their donors.
  • Look for scholarship opportunities where businesses can contribute.

40. Scholarship Backlinks

Many universities and educational websites offer scholarship programs and list sponsors with backlinks. Since .EDU domains have high authority, these backlinks can significantly improve SEO.

How to get scholarship backlinks:

  • Create a scholarship program for students in your industry.
  • Reach out to universities and colleges to get listed on their scholarship pages.
  • Promote the scholarship through press releases and social media.

I. Miscellaneous & Advanced Backlinks

These backlink strategies go beyond traditional link-building methods. Some require outreach and research, while others need technical expertise. If used correctly, they can boost rankings and authority. However, some tactics should be used carefully to avoid penalties.

41. Broken Link Building Backlinks

Broken link building involves finding broken links on other websites and offering your content as a replacement. Since website owners don’t want dead links on their pages, they’re more likely to accept your link.

How to get broken link building backlinks:

  • Use tools like Ahrefs or Check My Links to find broken links in your niche.
  • Reach out to the website owner and suggest your content as a replacement.
  • Make sure your content is relevant and better than the original.

42. Competitor Backlink Replication

This strategy involves analyzing your competitors’ backlinks and getting links from the same sources. If a site linked to your competitor, there’s a chance they’ll link to you as well.

How to get competitor backlinks:

  • Use Ahrefs, Moz, or SEMrush to find competitor backlinks.
  • Reach out to the linking site and offer your content as an alternative.
  • Focus on high-quality, relevant backlinks rather than quantity.

43. Skyscraper Technique Backlinks

The Skyscraper Technique is a strategy where you find top-performing content, create something even better, and reach out to sites linking to the original content.

How to get Skyscraper Technique backlinks:

  • Identify popular content with many backlinks in your niche.
  • Create a more detailed, updated, and engaging version.
  • Contact sites linking to the old content and suggest your article instead.

44. Resource Page Backlinks

Resource pages list valuable links and references for a specific topic. If your content is high-quality, websites may include your link on their resource page.

How to get resource page backlinks:

Find resource pages in your industry using Google searches like:

  • “best resources for [your topic]”
  • “helpful links for [your industry]”

Contact the site owner and request to be included.

Ensure your content is informative and valuable.

45. PBN (Private Blog Network) Backlinks – Use with Caution

PBNs are networks of interlinked websites used to boost rankings artificially. While they can provide fast results, they violate Google’s guidelines and can lead to penalties.

How to use PBN backlinks (with caution):

  • If using PBNs, make sure they are high-quality and well-maintained.
  • Avoid using spammy, low-quality blog networks.
  • Focus on natural link-building instead for long-term results.

46. Expired Domain Backlinks

Expired domains with existing backlinks can be repurposed for SEO. Some marketers buy these domains to rebuild or redirect them for backlinks.

How to use expired domain backlinks:

  • Find expired domains with strong backlinks using tools like ExpiredDomains.net.
  • Redirect the domain to your website (301 redirect).
  • Use the domain to create new content and regain authority.

47. RSS Feed Backlinks

RSS feeds help syndicate your content across different websites. While RSS backlinks don’t always pass link juice, they can increase visibility and referral traffic.

How to get RSS feed backlinks:

  • Submit your RSS feed to RSS directories and aggregators.
  • Use RSS to distribute your content across multiple platforms.
  • Ensure your feed updates automatically when you publish new content.

48. Website Footer & Sidebar Backlinks

Some websites include backlinks in their footer or sidebar. While these links can help SEO, Google doesn’t value them as much as contextual backlinks.

How to get footer & sidebar backlinks:

  • Get featured in site-wide partnerships or collaborations.
  • Offer sponsorships where your link is placed in the footer.
  • Use these links sparingly, as Google may see them as unnatural.

49. Image Credit Backlinks

If someone uses your original images or infographics, you can request a credit backlink in return.

How to get image credit backlinks:

  • Upload original images and track them using Google Reverse Image Search.
  • Contact sites using your images and ask for a proper credit link.
  • Submit your images to stock photo sites with attribution requirements.

50. Testimonial & Case Study Backlinks

Companies often publish testimonials and case studies on their websites. If you provide a testimonial for a product or service, they may include a backlink to your website.

How to get testimonial & case study backlinks:

  • Write genuine testimonials for products you use.
  • Offer to share a case study about how a service benefited your business.
  • Reach out to companies actively looking for testimonials.

51. Guestbook & Comment Backlinks (Low-Value)

Guestbook and comment backlinks come from blog comments or guestbooks on websites. While these links were effective in the past, Google no longer gives them much SEO value.

How to get guestbook & comment backlinks:

  • Leave meaningful, insightful comments on relevant blogs.
  • Avoid spammy, low-quality blogs, as they can hurt your SEO.
  • Use this tactic for engagement rather than ranking improvement.

Best Practices for Earning High-Quality Backlinks

Not all backlinks are equal. To get the best SEO results, you need to focus on earning backlinks that are relevant, high-authority, and natural. Here are some best practices to follow.

Focus on relevant and high-authority sites.

Getting backlinks from trusted websites in your industry is more valuable than random links from unrelated sites. A backlink from a well-known blog or news site carries more weight than multiple links from low-quality sources. Always prioritize quality over quantity.

Avoid spammy and low-quality backlinks.

Spammy backlinks from link farms, irrelevant directories, and automated sites can hurt your rankings. Google penalizes websites that engage in unnatural link-building. Stay away from buying backlinks, as they often come from poor-quality sources that can lead to penalties.

Use a mix of different backlink types for a natural profile.

A healthy backlink profile includes different types of links, such as editorial links, guest post links, social media mentions, and business listings. Relying on just one type of backlink can look unnatural to search engines. Diversifying your backlinks makes your SEO strategy more effective.

Monitor backlinks using Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Search Console.

Keeping track of your backlinks helps you understand which links are helping your SEO and which ones could be harmful. Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Search Console to check for broken links, spammy backlinks, and new backlink opportunities. Regular monitoring ensures your link-building efforts stay on track.

Common Backlink Mistakes to Avoid

Backlinks can help improve your rankings, but only if they come from the right sources. Many website owners make mistakes that can hurt their SEO instead of helping it. Here are some common backlink mistakes you should avoid.

Buying backlinks from low-quality sites.

Paying for backlinks might seem like a shortcut to higher rankings, but it often does more harm than good. Many paid backlinks come from spammy websites, link farms, or private blog networks, which Google considers manipulative. If Google detects unnatural links, your site could face a ranking drop or even a manual penalty. Instead of buying backlinks, focus on earning them through high-quality content and outreach.

Over-optimizing anchor text.

Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink. If you use the same exact-match keyword for every backlink, Google may see it as unnatural and penalize your site. A healthy backlink profile includes a mix of branded, generic, and keyword-rich anchor texts. For example, instead of always using “best SEO services,” vary it with “click here,” “learn more,” or your brand name.

Getting too many backlinks from the same source.

If most of your backlinks come from a single website, it looks unnatural to search engines. Google values diversity in backlinks, meaning your links should come from different websites across various industries. Instead of relying on one source, focus on building links from multiple high-quality domains to keep your backlink profile balanced.

Conclusion

Backlinks will continue to play a major role in SEO in 2025, but the focus is shifting toward quality, relevance, and natural link-building. Earning backlinks from trusted, high-authority websites will be more important than ever, while spammy or manipulative tactics will only lead to penalties.

Building a strong backlink profile takes time. There are no shortcuts that guarantee lasting results. Instead of chasing quick wins, focus on creating valuable content, building relationships, and earning backlinks naturally. A steady, long-term link-building strategy will always outperform risky tactics.

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