How I Create Content that Attracts Backlinks Naturally (Without any baiting)
“Naturally-earned backlinks provide proof to search engines that your website has high-quality content written by experts.”
Google’s Search team says that “backlinks are no longer a significant ranking factor and their impact over rankings has reduced.”
But we all know the reality!
Backlinks are still a critical ranking factor, and their importance will only shoot up with the advent of AI content generators that produce mass content at scale.
While it’s easy to buy backlinks these days, I suggest most of my clients to target natural links through content (Google also prefers links from diverse sources).
Here’s a rundown of how I write content that attracts links organically (manual outreach is a part of natural link generation).
Step 1: Content Quality Fundamentals: The Pillars of Linkable Content
Let me bust the biggest myth of all times, “quality content doesn’t mean more words, or use of exceptional vocabulary within a blog/article”.
Quality content is about relevance, clarity, engagement, and quickly providing value to the audience. That’s the reason Google introduced the E-E-A-T concept, featured snippets, and SGE.
Wondering what’s SGE, and how it’ll impact blogging? Read this detailed article “Is Goole SGE the Final Chapter for Long-form Blogging?”
Getting back to the point! Here are the traits of quality content that help my clients get backlinks from multiple sources.
Intent and Relevance
The first step of writing a quality piece of content begins with a thorough research. I meticulously analyze audience desires to understand the reason behind the search (through granular keyword research and search intent analysis).
Remember, relevance is the cornerstone of linkability, as it ensures the content resonates with the intended audience.
High-Value Content
The biggest reason someone would want to link to your website is the “value your content” provides. For example, if your content covers exclusive insights about a trending hot topic, you can expect some natural backlinks (via manual outreach).
I never suggest churning out generic blog posts- but leverage high-impact content like case studies brimming with insights, research packed with data-driven bombshells, or infographics that tell stories with stunning visuals.
Your content should be the Swiss Army knife of your niche, solving problems and cutting through the noise
Step 2: Linkable Content Strategies: Proven Methods to Get Backlinks
Mere content, however, well-crafted, won’t bring results, and that’s why you need quality links. Here are some tested strategies that have helped my clients earn backlinks.
Influencer Outreach
“Humanity thrives on recognition,” and I leverage this fundamental truth by strategically identifying and quoting industry experts within the content. A well-placed mention, followed by courteous outreach (done by the client), can spark reciprocal links.
(Make sure to craft personalized emails highlighting the value your content brings to the recipient’s audience, and watch quality links gradually coming in.)
Data-Driven Content and Research (Requires Efforts and Resources)
If manual outreach is not your thing, or you don’t want to rely on it solely, make your content the “hero.”
Some of my SaaS clients conducted extensive research and analyzed data sets with a unique lens to unearth groundbreaking insights.
I then used these insights to create compelling narratives through content that people want to read and link to.
An important note: To tell everyone about our exclusive insights, we promote our research to relevant news outlets and academic communities. It helps showcase our expertise and attracts links from those seeking authoritative sources.
Promote On Social Media and Newsletters
I recommend my clients to have an account on all social media platforms primarily LinkedIn and Medium. Whenever we publish a new blog, I create and publish an excerpt through our social media and newsletter campaign.
This has been really helpful in driving targeted traffic (visitors who are genuinely interested in our offerings).
Promoting content on social networks also drives conversations, which helps in brand building (good for SEO).
That’s a Wrap!
Getting backlinks through mere content is easier said than done, but it’s the best way to generate links from diverse sources (other white-hat link-building methods are still required).
Aside from creating content masterpieces, I also recommend refreshing the existing content to make it better (linkable).
Do you follow any specific guidelines to help your clients earn links through content?
