Backlinks are a huge part of off-page SEO. They act as endorsements from one website to another, signalling that your content is valuable to search engines.
So understanding the different types of backlinks is pretty much essential for any website owner looking to improve their search engine rankings.
This guide explores the various backlinks types, explaining what they are and why they matter.
What Makes A Backlink Valuable?
So, what actually gives a backlink its power? It’s not just about having lots of links; it’s about having the right kind of links.
Relevance: A link from a website that talks about the same things as yours is far more valuable. If your site is about gardening, a link from a gardening blog is a much better vote of confidence than one from a car parts website.
Authority: Websites with a strong reputation and a good track record are considered more authoritative. A link from a well-known, respected website shows search engines that your site is reliable and worth checking out to users.
Placement: Where the link ranks on the page matters, more than you think. A link placed front and centre of the main content of a page is seen as more valuable than one tucked away in a footer or sidebar. It’s like a direct endorsement within the conversation.
Anchor Text: The words used in the link itself, known as anchor text, should be relevant to the page it links to. Natural-sounding anchor text is always preferred.
“Dofollow” Status: A dofollow link passes link equity, directly helping your rankings, while a nofollow link does not.
4 Main Types Of Backlinks
1. Dofollow Backlinks
These links are considered the most powerful for search engine optimisation. They allow search engines to follow the link and transfer “link equity,” which is a form of ranking power, to the linked website. This direct transfer of authority can lead to a noticeable improvement in your website’s position within search results.
2. Nofollow Backlinks
While these links do not directly pass link equity, they still offer a valuable contribution to your online presence. The inclusion of the rel=”nofollow” attribute instructs search engines crawlers not to consider the link for ranking purposes. However, they can generate traffic from the site they are placed on and contribute to brand recognition.
3. Sponsored Backlinks
These are used when a link is part of a paid promotion or advertisement. To maintain transparency and comply with search engine guidelines, these links must be marked with the rel=”sponsored” attribute. This tag may seem trivial, but it helps inform search engines that the link is part of a paid arrangement, and avoids any confusion regarding the link’s origin.
4. UGC Backlinks
These links appear within user-generated content, such as blog comments or forum posts. Due to the nature of this content, which may not always be editorially vetted, they should be tagged with the rel=”UGC” attribute. This helps search engines to understand that the link originates from user-generated material and to process it accordingly.
Content-Based Backlinks
5. Editorial Backlinks
These are earned links from respected websites, often due to your content’s high quality and value. When a website editor naturally links to your page, it signals a strong endorsement of your expertise. These links tend to carry considerable weight with search engines as they demonstrate a genuine appreciation for your content.
6. Guest Blogging Backlinks
A well-known backlink tactic, guest blogging involves writing blog articles for other websites within your niche and including links back to your own. By contributing valuable content to another platform, you get to expand your reach to a new audience and establish yourself as an authority. It’s a method to secure relevant backlinks while also driving targeted traffic to your site.
7. Infographic Backlinks
Infographics, with their visually appealing presentation of data, can attract a good number of backlinks. When other websites find your infographic informative and shareable, they may embed it on their own pages with a link back to your site. This type of backlink is particularly effective when the infographic presents unique or compelling information.
8. Video Backlinks
As short-form content is getting more popular, sharing video content on YouTube or Tiktok can lead to backlinks. When other websites or blogs feature your videos, they often include a link back to your original source. Additionally, embedding your videos on your own website and related pages can improve overall engagement and SEO.
9. Podcast Backlinks
If you host or participate in podcasts, you can gain backlinks through show notes or related website pages. When a podcast episode features your expertise, the show’s website will generally include a link to your website. This is a good way to gain links from an audience that is already interested in the topic.
10. Resource Page Backlinks
Many websites curate lists of helpful resources for their audience. If your content is genuinely useful, it may be included on these resource pages with a link to your site. This type of backlink demonstrates that your content is considered a valuable tool within your industry.
11. Webinar Backlinks
Hosting or participating in webinars provides opportunities to gain backlinks. Webinar promotion pages and follow-up resources often include links to the presenters’ websites. This method helps to position you as an expert and build connections with a relevant audience.
Business And Community Backlinks
12. Business Directory Backlinks
Listing your business in online directories like Yellow Pages Singapore or similar industry-specific sites helps establish your online presence. These directories often provide a link back to your website, aiding in local SEO and increasing visibility. It is important to maintain consistent business information across all directories, to build trust.
13. Forum Backlinks
Participating in relevant online forums allows you to share your expertise and forge connections with industry peers. When you contribute valuable insights to discussions, you can often include a link back to your website in your profile or within the conversation. This method should be used carefully, as spamming forums with links is counterproductive.
14. Comment Backlinks
Leaving thoughtful or industry tips comments on relevant blog posts can provide an opportunity to include a link back to your website. While these links may often be “nofollow,” they can still drive traffic and establish your presence within your industry. It’s important to focus on adding value to the conversation rather than simply dropping links.
15. Press Release Backlinks
Distributing press releases online can generate backlinks from news websites and media outlets. When your company has newsworthy announcements, a well-written press release can attract attention and lead to links from reputable sources. This method can also increase brand awareness and drive traffic to your website.
16. Local Citations
For businesses with a physical location such as brick and mortar stores, local citations are vital. These citations mention your business name, address, and contact details (NAP) on local business directories and websites. Maintaining consistent NAP information across all platforms is key to improving local SEO.
17. Association Backlinks
Joining industry associations and professional organisations can provide opportunities to gain backlinks. Many associations include member directories or resource pages that link back to their members’ websites. This type of backlink demonstrates your credibility and connection to your industry.
18. Testimonial Backlinks
Providing testimonials for other businesses or services can lead to backlinks. When your testimonial is published on their website, it will often include a link back to your own. This mutual beneficial practice can strengthen relationships within your industry.
19. Product Review Backlinks
Encouraging customers to leave reviews can generate backlinks if your business offers products or services. Online review platforms often include links to the business’s website. Positive reviews can also improve your online reputation and attract new customers.
Strategic And Technical Backlinks
20. Social Media Profile Backlinks
Your social media profiles offer a basic yet useful source of backlinks. Linking your website in your profile’s “about” section provides a direct route for users to find your main site. While these links may often be “nofollow,” they contribute to your overall online presence and help drive traffic.
21. Social Media Post Backlinks
Sharing content links on social media posts can generate traffic and potentially lead to backlinks from other websites. When your content is shared and engaged with, it increases visibility and can attract attention from other content creators.
22. Competitor Backlinks (Analysis)
Analysing your competitors’ backlink profiles can reveal valuable opportunities. By finding out where your competitors are acquiring their links, you can explore similar avenues for your own website. This method is not about copying but understanding what strategies are working within your niche and adapting them.
23. Broken Backlink Recovery
You can strategically gain backlinks by locating broken links on industry websites and proposing your relevant content as a replacement.This technique involves identifying 404 errors on external sites and contacting the website owner and suggesting a link to your content as a replacement.
24. Internal Backlinks
Linking your website’s pages together internally is important for site layout and visitor flow. This also helps to share ranking potential throughout your site, and helps Google to crawl your site. A good internal linking plan will help users and search engines to understand how your content is connected.
25. Scholarship Backlinks
Offering scholarships and promoting them on university websites can generate high-authority backlinks. Many universities maintain lists of available scholarships, which often include links to the scholarship provider’s website. This approach can increase your website’s authority and reach a relevant student audience.
Conclusion On The Types Of Backlinks
We’ve seen how different types of backlinks serve a purpose, from ranking-boosting dofollow to traffic-driving nofollow links. Additionally, various acquisition methods, like guest posting and directory listings, all contribute to a balanced and relevant link profile.
Yet, getting all this right can be a bit tricky, and it takes time. So, if you want to make sure you’re getting the best links, you might want to get some help.
At Best SEO, we understand the nuances of effective link building. We focus on quality and relevance to drive meaningful results. What sets us apart is our confidence in delivering tangible outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Types Of Backlinks
Are All Editorial Backlinks Equally Valuable?
No. The value depends on the linking site’s authority, relevance, and the link’s placement within the content.
How Do I Identify Which Backlinks Are Hurting My Website?
Use backlink analysis tools to find low-quality, spammy, or irrelevant links, and then disavow them through Google Search Console.
When Should I Use the rel=”sponsored” Attribute?
Use it when a link is part of a paid advertisement or sponsored content to comply with search engine guidelines.
Contextual links are embedded within the relevant content, indicating a natural endorsement, whereas footer links are often seen as less valuable and less relevant.
How Can I Get Backlinks From Resource Pages?
Create high-quality, informative content that fits the resource page’s theme, and then reach out to the page’s owner with your suggestion.
What Is Broken Link Building, And How Does It Work?
To use this method, locate dead links on relevant websites, develop your own content to fill the gap, and then reach out to the website administrators to offer your link
