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12 Creative Link Building Strategies You Need in 2025

13 min read

17.01.2025

Yuliia Danilenko
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Written by

Yuliia Danilenko

SEO Specialist

In 2024-2025, link building is still key to SEO. It boosts website authority, visibility, and search rankings. However, the game has changed. Businesses must focus on creative link building strategies that meet modern algorithm demands and audience needs.

An effective link building strategy is crucial for driving organic traffic and beating competitors. The key is to find link building opportunities, act on them, and improve the link building process for lasting results. With smart link building management, businesses can grow sustainably, build strong industry ties, and stay ahead in the fast-changing digital world.

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Creative Link Building Strategies

Creative link building ideas focus on doing something different. Whether it’s creating shareable content, collaborating with others, or engaging in unexpected campaigns, the goal is to make people want to link to your site naturally.

Guest Posting

Guest posting is when you write an article for another website and include a link back to your own. It’s a win-win. The website gets fresh, high-quality content, and you get a backlink to your site.

Why is this good for link building? Backlinks help search engines see your website as trustworthy. When a well-known website links to you, it’s like getting a vote of confidence. It tells Google, "This website is worth visiting." This can help boost your rankings in search results.

What makes guest posting effective? Not all backlinks are the same. There are two main types:

  1. Do-follow backlinks: These pass on "link juice," which helps with your search rankings.
  2. No-follow backlinks: These don’t pass "link juice," but they can still drive traffic and build credibility.

When guest posting, you’ll usually aim for do-follow links, but no-follow links can also be valuable if they bring real traffic or exposure.

How to choose the right website for guest posting:

  1. Relevance: The website should relate to your niche or industry.
  2. Authority: Look for websites with strong reputations. Link building tools like Ahrefs or Moz can help you check this.
  3. Engaged Audience: A site with active readers means your content will actually be seen.
  4. Guest Post Guidelines: Sites that accept guest posts often have clear rules. These can help you tailor your content.
  5. Traffic: Pick websites that already get good visitor numbers.

For example, if you sell gardening tools, writing for a popular home and garden blog would make sense. But posting on a tech site wouldn’t. Remember to focus on the quality of backlink building techniques. A single guest post on a trusted site is more useful than ten posts on low-quality sites. Write something unique that the website's audience will care about. Generic or overly promotional content won’t do well. Finally, don’t stop after publishing. Share your guest post on social media. This can increase its reach and show the website owner that you’re invested in the partnership.

effective link building

Broken Link Building

Broken link building means finding broken links on websites and offering your content as a replacement. Many sites have links that no longer work, frustrating visitors. By helping fix these links, you provide value to the site owner and earn a backlink in return.

This is needed because broken links hurt a site's user experience and search rankings. By offering a solution, you help improve their content while boosting your own visibility. To do this, find websites in your niche and use tools to spot broken links. Check what the original link was about and match it with your content. Reach out politely, explain the issue, and suggest your link as a replacement.

Make sure your content is high quality and relevant. Target reputable sites with engaged audiences for the best results. Broken link building is about being helpful, building relationships, and creating opportunities for both sides.

Resource Page Link Building

Resource page link building means getting your content listed on pages full of helpful links. These pages are created to share useful resources on specific topics. If your content fits, you can ask the site owner to include your link.

This strategy works well for online link building because:

  1. Resource pages often belong to trusted websites with high authority.
  2. They are designed to link out, so adding a new link feels natural.
  3. They attract people actively looking for helpful content, bringing quality traffic.

To use this method, start by finding resource pages in your niche. Search for phrases like “best resources for [topic]” or “[topic] helpful links.” Once you find a good page, check if your content is a good match. For example, if the resource page is about “parenting tips,” a guide on teaching kids time management would fit.

When reaching out, keep your email polite and short. Mention why your content adds value and how it helps its audience. Avoid making it all about you. The goal is to help them make their resource page better. It’s important to only target quality pages. Focus on websites with real traffic and a good reputation. Your link will be more valuable if it comes from a respected source.

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Skyscraper Technique

The skyscraper link building method is about improving on popular content in your niche. First, you find articles, guides, or resources that already have lots of backlinks. Then, you create a better version. This could mean adding more detail, using updated information, or presenting it in a clearer way. Once your improved content is ready, you reach out to websites linking to the original and suggest your version instead.

Why does this work? Websites want to share the best content with their readers. If your article is more helpful or better researched, they might replace the old link with yours. It’s a smart way to build backlinks while offering something valuable.

To do this well, focus on quality. Don’t just copy the original; make yours stand out. Add visuals, deeper insights, or practical tips. When reaching out to site owners, be polite and explain why your content is a better fit for their audience. The skyscraper technique takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. You’ll not only get backlinks but also create content that helps your readers and builds your authority in your field.

Video Content Creation

Did you know videos can help you get backlinks? When you create engaging or informative videos, other websites might link to them. This happens when they embed your video on their site or share it in their content.

If your video is on YouTube, the link might lead to your channel or website. If the video is hosted on your own site, you can add links in the description or comments to guide viewers back to your content. This works best when your videos are worth sharing. Focus on making them useful or entertaining. For example, a how-to video that solves a common problem can attract interest. Or a funny, creative video might get shared just for fun. The more people enjoy or benefit from your video, the more likely they are to share it.

Videos are an easy link building technique. They bring more people to your website, which can encourage others to link to your content. So, put thought into your videos, and you’ll see the results in both traffic and backlinks. It’s a fun and effective way to grow your online presence.

HARO (Help a Reporter Out)

HARO, or Help a Reporter Out, connects journalists with people who can provide expert answers. It’s a free platform where reporters post questions or topics they’re covering. If you have knowledge on the subject, you can reply with helpful information. If they like your answer, they might include it in their article and link back to your website.

Here’s how it helps:

  • You can get backlinks from high-authority websites.
  • It boosts your credibility as an expert in your field.
  • It brings more attention to your business or website.
  • It helps build relationships with reporters for future opportunities.

However, there are some challenges. Reporters receive many replies, so standing out can be hard. You need to respond quickly because deadlines are often tight. Writing clear and useful answers takes time, and there’s no guarantee your response will be chosen. Even with these challenges, HARO is a great way to build backlinks and grow your brand. It’s about being helpful and sharing your expertise, which can open doors to more opportunities.

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Infographic Link Building

Infographic link building means creating a visually appealing infographic and sharing it with others to earn backlinks. It works because people love easy-to-read visuals that explain things quickly. Infographics simplify complex topics, making them perfect for sharing.

How it works? You design an infographic based on a topic your audience cares about. It could be a guide, a list of facts, or a step-by-step process. Once it’s ready, you share it with blogs, websites, and social media platforms. If they like it, they’ll use it in their content and link back to your site as the source.

To make it successful, focus on a relevant and interesting topic. Research your audience to find what they want to know. Use clear visuals and avoid cluttering the design. After creating the infographic, reach out to websites in your niche. Let them know you’ve made something they might want to share. If your infographic is useful and attractive, people will share it. You’ll get backlinks, more traffic, and better visibility. It takes effort, but a good infographic can keep bringing results for a long time.

Content Syndication

Content syndication means republishing your best articles or blog posts on other platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. It’s a simple way to share your content with a larger audience. When you syndicate, you include a link back to your original post, giving credit to your website and bringing in backlinks.

This method works well because platforms like Medium and LinkedIn already have millions of users. By sharing your content there, you can reach people who might not have found your website otherwise. It’s also helpful for building your authority in your niche, as more people get to see your work.

To make it work:

  • Choose your best content: Focus on popular or useful pieces.
  • Add attribution: Clearly state that the original content is on your website.
  • Tailor for the platform: Adjust formatting or tone to fit the audience there.

Don’t expect overnight success, but over time, content syndication can bring steady traffic and backlinks. Plus, it’s a good way to give new life to your older content. Just make sure your original work stays the focus, and the syndication supports it.

Testimonials and Reviews

Providing testimonials or reviews for products and services you’ve used is an easy way to get backlinks. Many businesses showcase customer feedback on their websites. When they post your testimonial, they often include a link to your website as a thank-you. This link building method works well because businesses value honest feedback. Your testimonial helps them build trust with their audience. At the same time, the backlink helps you increase your website’s visibility. It’s a win for both sides.

To start, think about the tools, products, or services you already use and love. Reach out to those businesses and offer a short, genuine testimonial. Be specific about how their product helped you or solved a problem. Companies are more likely to feature your feedback if it feels real and useful. When your testimonial gets published, you’ll get a backlink from their site. It might not bring massive traffic, but backlinks from trustworthy websites can still boost your SEO. Plus, this strategy helps you build positive connections with brands you already support. It’s a straightforward, low-effort way to grow your online presence while helping others.

link building ideas

Link Reclamation: Turn Brand Mentions into Backlinks

Link reclamation is about finding mentions of your brand online where there’s no link to your website. When someone talks about your business or product but doesn’t include a link, you can reach out and ask them to add one. It’s a simple way to get backlinks without creating new content.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Search for mentions: Use tools like Google Alerts or Ahrefs to find pages that mention your brand.
  • Check for links: Visit those pages to see if they already include a link.
  • Reach out: Contact the site owner or author and politely ask them to add a link.

When making your request, keep it short and friendly. Thank them for mentioning your brand, and explain how linking to your site can help their readers. Most people are happy to fix it if you approach them kindly.

This method works best if your brand is already known or mentioned frequently. While not every request will result in a link, the ones that do can improve your SEO and bring in traffic. It’s an easy way to make the most of the opportunities already out there.

Competitor Backlink Analysis

Competitor backlink analysis is the best link building strategy. By finding these backlinks, you can learn where they’re getting their authority and traffic. Once you know, you can use the same approach to get similar links for your own site.

To start, use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush. These tools let you check which websites link to your competitors. You’ll see a list of backlinks, including the type of content they link to. Look for patterns. Are blogs, directories, or news sites linking to them? This helps you understand what works in your industry. After you find good opportunities, reach out to those sites. For example, if a blog links to a competitor’s guide, you can offer your own guide, especially if it’s newer or more detailed. Be polite and show them why linking to you would help their audience.

This strategy works because you’re not starting from scratch. You’re learning from what already works. While not every site will agree to link to you, many will if your content is relevant and helpful. It’s a smart way to build backlinks and grow your online presence.

backlink building techniques

Sponsorships and Events

When you sponsor something, your name and link often appear on their official website. This helps you gain visibility and credibility while supporting a good cause or an important event.

Here’s how linkbuilding in online marketing works:

  • Find opportunities: Look for events, webinars, or charities in your industry or community.
  • Offer sponsorship: Provide financial support, products, or services in exchange for a mention.
  • Check for links: Make sure the sponsorship includes your website link on their site or promotional materials.

For example, if you sponsor a local business conference, their website might list you as a sponsor with a link to your site. Similarly, a charity you support may add your link on their "partners" page.

These backlinks are often high-quality because the event and charity websites are trusted sources. They can also bring more traffic to your site from people who are genuinely interested in your work. Sponsorships are not just about links—they’re about building relationships. You support meaningful causes, connect with others in your industry, and grow your online presence at the same time.

Creative link building is more than just getting backlinks. It’s about building connections and offering value. It’s creating something people want to share. Thinking outside the box helps your website grow and stand out. These easy link building techniques take time, but they are worth it. Keep trying new ideas to see what works best for your audience.

The answers to your questions

What is a link building strategy?

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A link building strategy is a plan to get other websites to link to yours. These links help improve your site’s authority and search engine rankings. Common methods include guest posting, creating shareable content, or reaching out to websites in your niche.

How do you organically build backlinks with Ahrefs?

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Ahrefs helps you find organic backlink opportunities. Use it to research your competitors’ backlinks and find websites linking to them. Then, reach out to those sites with your own high-quality content. You can also use Ahrefs to discover broken links, or unlinked brand mentions to turn into backlinks.

How do you do link building for SEO?

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To build links for SEO, create useful content that others want to share. Reach out to websites in your industry and ask them to link to your content. Focus on building relationships and offering something valuable in return, like a guest post or helpful resource.

How do you build an Ahrefs Rank?

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Ahrefs Rank measures your site’s authority based on backlinks. To improve it, focus on earning links from high-quality websites. Use tools like Ahrefs to find and track link opportunities, and consistently work on building strong, natural backlinks.

What is link building?

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Link building is the process of getting other websites to link to yours. These links act as a "vote of confidence" for search engines, helping improve your rankings and bringing more traffic to your site.

What are link building strategies?

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Some proven strategies include writing guest posts, fixing broken links on other sites, creating content people love to share, sponsoring relevant events or projects, and offering testimonials. You can also take a look at your competitors’ backlinks to see what’s working for them and apply those ideas to your own site. These tactics not only improve visibility but also help establish your credibility online.

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