Why Link Building Still Matters for SEO
Link building remains one of the most critical ranking factors in Google’s algorithm. High-quality backlinks from authoritative sites signal to search engines that your content is valuable and trustworthy. However, traditional methods like guest posting, directory submissions, and broken link building are widely known—and overused.
But what if there were underrated link building strategies that could generate high-quality backlinks with less competition? In this guide, we’ll explore link building hacks that nobody talks about—but should!
1. Reverse Engineer Competitor’s Lost Backlinks
While most SEOs analyze competitors’ existing backlinks, few focus on their lost backlinks—links they once had but lost due to page deletions, site updates, or content restructuring.
How to Find & Reclaim Lost Links:
Use Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz to analyze competitors’ lost backlinks.
Identify the pages that previously linked to them but are now broken.
Reach out to those sites and offer a better, updated resource to replace the lost link.
💡 Why This Works: Websites are more likely to restore a link they previously considered valuable than to add a new link randomly.
(Related: How to Build Quality Backlinks)
2. Steal Unlinked Brand Mentions
Sometimes, websites mention your brand but don’t link back to your site. This is a goldmine for easy backlinks since the mention is already there!
How to Find Unlinked Mentions:
Use Google Search:
"YourBrandName" -site:yourwebsite.comUse Ahrefs Content Explorer or Google Alerts to track new mentions.
Reach out to the site owners and politely request them to turn the mention into a clickable backlink.
💡 Why This Works: Since they’ve already mentioned your brand, they’re likely open to linking as well.
3. Leverage HARO & Journalist Requests
HARO (Help a Reporter Out) is an underrated way to earn backlinks from high-authority media sites like Forbes, Business Insider, and The New York Times.
How to Get Links from HARO:
Sign up at https://www.helpareporter.com/.
Respond quickly to journalists looking for expert quotes in your niche.
If selected, your response will be featured with a backlink to your website.
💡 Why This Works: Journalists need expert insights, and your input can land free backlinks from authority news sites.
(Related: SEO & Content Marketing)
4. Create Ego Bait Content & Expert Roundups
People love recognition—especially industry experts and influencers. When you feature them in an article, they’re more likely to share and link to it.
How to Do Ego Bait Link Building:
Create a post like “Top 10 SEO Experts Share Their Best Ranking Tips”.
Feature influencers and link to their work.
Notify them via email or social media.
Many will share your content with their audience and even link back to your post.
💡 Why This Works: Influencers are more likely to promote content that makes them look good.
5. Broken Link Building… But With a Twist
Traditional broken link building involves finding broken links and offering your content as a replacement. But instead of blindly looking for broken links, target high-authority sites that recently updated their content.
How to Do Advanced Broken Link Building:
Use Wayback Machine to see what content was on a page before it was removed.
Create an even better version of that content.
Reach out to sites that previously linked to the old version and suggest yours instead.
💡 Why This Works: People are more likely to replace a broken link with relevant content that mimics the original.
(Related: SEO-Friendly Website Architecture)
6. Build Relationships Before Asking for Links
Most outreach emails get ignored because they ask for links too soon. Instead, focus on building relationships first.
How to Build Real SEO Relationships:
Share and comment on their content before sending an email.
Engage with their posts on Twitter, LinkedIn, or niche forums.
Offer value first, such as a content collaboration or an exclusive data study.
💡 Why This Works: People are more likely to give backlinks to someone they recognize and trust.
FAQs
1. What’s the best way to build backlinks in 2025?
The best strategy is to focus on quality over quantity. Techniques like HARO, unlinked brand mentions, and expert roundups offer sustainable results.
2. Do backlinks still matter for SEO?
Yes! Google still considers backlinks as a top-ranking factor when assessing a website’s authority.
3. Can I rank without backlinks?
It’s possible to rank for low-competition keywords with great content and technical SEO, but competitive niches still require strong backlinks.
4. What’s the fastest way to get backlinks?
Methods like HARO, unlinked mentions, and niche edits can generate backlinks faster than traditional guest posting.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Link Building
Link building is evolving. While guest posts and outreach still work, creative link building strategies like unlinked mentions, HARO, and ego baiting are faster, easier, and more effective.
Want to improve your backlink profile and SEO rankings? Get a Free SEO Audit from CG Marketing today!