How to build backlinks
In one line
Building backlinks means creating link-worthy content and earning links through digital PR, guest posts, resource and directory listings, broken-link building, and converting mentions.
The steps
- 1Create genuinely link-worthy assets (data, tools, guides)
- 2Do digital PR, pitch data/stories to journalists
- 3Guest post on relevant, quality sites
- 4Get listed on resource pages and reputable directories
- 5Replace competitors' broken links with yours
- 6Turn unlinked brand mentions into links
What to avoid
Buying links, low-quality link farms, and mass exact-match anchor placements, all risk penalties. Prioritise relevance and authority; a few great links beat hundreds of weak ones.
Frequently asked
How long does link building take?
Ongoing, quality links accrue steadily. Focus on relevance and authority, not speed or volume.
Are backlinks still important?
Yes, they remain a core authority signal for Google and a trust signal AI engines rely on too.
Put this into practice
Grade your site against our 250-point AEO/GEO checklist and see exactly what to fix, free, no signup.