Backlink Building: Comprehensive step-by-step instructions

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What are backlinks? (Definition)

Backlinks are simply links from one website to another. When one website links to another, it is called a backlink. These links serve to give readers access to further relevant information and are also an important factor for search engine optimization (SEO).

Search engines like Google view backlinks as an indication of the quality and relevance of a website. Websites with lots of quality backlinks are often ranked higher in search results because they are viewed as more trustworthy and authoritative.

This is what building links is all about

Backlink building is about making connections and strengthening your website's foundation on the vast web of the Internet. A good backlink is like a recommendation from another website that says: “Look here, this is interesting!”

At its core, it's not just about SEO (Search Engine Optimization), but about real relationships and quality.

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to gain links effectively.

1. Create good content worth sharing

Everything starts with your content. If your content isn't compelling, helpful, or unique, why should anyone link to your site? So before you even think about chasing backlinks, make sure your website offers content that meets the following criteria:

• Valuable for your target group: Solve problems, answer questions, entertain.
• Unique: Offer perspectives, data or solutions that are otherwise difficult to find.
• Divisible: Design your content so that it can be easily shared on social media or blogs.

Click here for Google's "Helpful Content" guide

Short summary of the guide: The guide highlights the importance of creating content that is helpful, trustworthy and user-centric, according to Google's guidelines. Creation should focus on quality, including EAT (experience, authority, trustworthiness), and not on manipulating search rankings. SEO should enhance the user experience, not detract from it. Content must be transparent, especially in automated posts, and always have the goal of serving the user.

2. Use the principle of give and take

Relationships on the internet work no differently than in real life. You can't expect to get something without also giving. Get involved in the community:

• Comment on forums and other blogs: But be authentic and helpful instead of just leaving your link.
• Guest posts: A classic win-win situation. You provide valuable content for another site and get a backlink in return.
• Be socially active: Share and comment on content from others that is relevant to your audience. Networking is key.

3. Build relationships

Asking for links directly can work, but it's better to build long-term relationships. How?

• Reach bloggers and website owners personally: But with a personal touch. Show that you really value their work.
• Offer them value: Can you help them in any way? Maybe through a guest post, a study they could cite, or even sharing their content.

4. Use existing resources and tools

There are numerous tools and platforms that can help you identify potential backlink sources:

• SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz: These tools can show you where your competitors are getting their links.
• Broken link building: Look for broken links on relevant websites and offer your content as a replacement.
• HARO (Help a Reporter Out): A platform where journalists submit requests for expert opinions. A great way to get quality backlinks from news sites.

Tools that I use myself (and therefore recommend):

• Ahrefs,
• SemRush,
• Google Search Console

Things you should definitely avoid

When building backlinks, there are some pitfalls that you should definitely avoid.
Here is a checklist of things to avoid:

• Buying backlinks (in bulk).: Such links are often of low quality and can be viewed by search engines as an attempt at manipulation.
• Link exchange programs: Although it may be tempting, such practices violate the policies of many search engines.
• Irrelevant links: Make sure that the pages from which you receive links match the topic of your site.
• Over-optimizing anchor text: Too much keyword-rich anchor text can be viewed as unnatural.
• Link to low-quality or spammy content:Don't link to sites that are harmful!
• Neglecting internal linking: Internal links improve user experience and help search engines understand your site better.

Tip: Be patient and work sustainably.

Backlink building is not a sprint, but a marathon. Quality takes time. So be patient and stick with it. The best links often come when you least expect them - through the quality of your work and the relationships you've built.

Gaining backlinks is an art and a science at the same time. It's about building real relationships, providing value and being patient. Invest in your content, connect authentically and use the tools and resources available to you. And do not forget: The best link building strategy is to create a website that is worth linking to.

Do you have any further questions or do you need help building backlinks? Then feel free to contact me or comment on this post.