A natural backlink is key to building trust and authority in SEO. But what does a “natural” link really look like? And how do you ensure your backlinks help rather than harm your rankings? Let’s break it down in a way that’s clear, actionable, and beginner-friendly.
What Makes a Backlinks Natural?
Search engines, especially Google, expect backlinks to develop organically. This means they should come from diverse sources, including dofollow, nofollow, sponsored links, and brand mentions across forums, social media, and community-driven platforms.
An unnatural backlinks, on the other hand, consists of links from unrelated websites, private blog networks (PBNs), link farms, or suspicious patterns of excessive dofollow links without any natural variation. These types of links can trigger penalties and negatively impact rankings.
So, how do you build links the right way? Let’s explore effective and ineffective strategies.
Backlink Strategies That Work
1. Earning Links Through Quality Content
Ever wondered why some websites naturally attract backlinks while others struggle? The answer is simple: they provide valuable, original content.
- Create in-depth guides, research studies, or expert interviews that industry professionals want to cite.
- Develop tools, calculators, or interactive resources that help your audience and get referenced naturally.
- Encourage audience engagement and user-generated content (e.g., surveys, discussions) that attract links from niche communities.
2. Citations & Broken Link Building
A competitor’s broken link can be your opportunity. If a website links to outdated or non-existent resources, reach out and suggest your updated content instead. Similarly, when your brand is mentioned online without a backlink, politely ask for one—it’s a simple yet effective strategy.
3. Public Relations (PR) & News Mentions
Gaining links through PR is one of the most sustainable and Google-friendly strategies.
- Pitch journalists with unique data, insights, or expert opinions.
- Get featured in industry-relevant blogs, niche websites, or mass media.
- Focus on building brand credibility, not just acquiring links.
4. Leveraging Original Data & Studies
Original research, statistics, and case studies are link magnets. When you publish unique insights that journalists and bloggers find valuable, they’re more likely to cite and link back to your content.
Link Strategies to Avoid
Not all backlinks are beneficial. Here’s what you should avoid:
1. Buying Links
If a link can be bought, Google can devalue it. Paid links, especially those promising “high DA” placements, are risky and can lead to penalties.
2. Blog & Forum Comment Spam
Leaving links in blog comments or forums just for SEO purposes is outdated and ineffective. Instead, engage meaningfully in relevant communities, and the links will come naturally over time.
3. Link Exchanges & Reciprocal Linking
Trading links with other websites in a “you link to me, I link to you” format used to work, but Google now flags excessive reciprocal linking as manipulative.
4. Press Release Distribution for Links
Press releases can boost visibility, but distributing them solely for backlinks won’t help your SEO. Instead, focus on creating press releases that genuinely provide newsworthy content.
The Bottom Line: Focus on Being Link-Worthy
Building a natural backlinks isn’t about chasing shortcuts—it’s about being worthy of links. If you consistently create content that adds value, engage with relevant communities, and establish your brand as a trusted resource, backlinks will come naturally.
Rather than asking, “How can I get backlinks?” ask, “What can I do to be worth linking to?” Shift your mindset, and the right links will follow.
