1. Home
  2. /
  3. Blog
  4. /
  5. 10 Proven Link Building Strategies for New Websites in 2024
Link Building for New Websites

Published: Sep 24, 2024

10 Proven Link Building Strategies for New Websites in 2024

by: None

10 Proven Link Building Strategies for New Websites in 2024

I’ve been in your shoes before - trying to build authority for a brand spanking new site. It ain’t easy! But after years as an SEO strategist, I’ve figured out the secret sauce to getting those coveted links. And I’m spilling all the juicy details, so grab a notepad and let’s dive in!

TLDR:What are the most effective ways to build links for a new website? Here's the scoop...

The key is creating linkable assets - stuff that’s so darn useful, people can’t help but share it. Think original research, interactive tools, or ultimate guides. Pair that with strategic outreach to the right folks, and watch those links roll in!

While any link is like a high-five for your site, the cream of the crop are relevant, high-authority links. Aim for links from websites in your niche with solid domain authority. One link from a rockstar site beats a dozen from spammy, irrelevant ones.

I won’t sugarcoat it - link building is a long game. It can take weeks or even months to land those primo links. But consistency is 🔑! Chip away at it daily, and you’ll see your site’s authority steadily climb. SEO is a marathon, not a sprint, my friend.

Table of Contents

Crafting Irresistible Linkable Assets

Creating content that naturally attracts backlinks is key for new websites. Let’s dive into some killer strategies:

Original Research and Data

People love citing fresh data. Consider these ideas:

Ultimate Guides

Comprehensive resources on a topic can be link magnets. Some tips:

  • Go super in-depth. We’re talking 3000+ words here.
  • Break it into clear sections with a table of contents.
  • Update regularly to keep it fresh.

Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO is a prime example with over 30,000 backlinks.

Interactive Tools

People love sharing useful tools. Ideas include:

Infographics

Visual content can spread like wildfire. Tips for success:

  • Choose data-rich topics that tell a story.
  • Invest in professional design.
  • Make embedding easy with an embed code generator.

Expert Roundups

Gather insights from industry leaders. This strategy:

  • Provides valuable content for readers.
  • Encourages experts to share and link back.

Databox’s expert roundups often rack up 100+ backlinks each.

Free Online Courses

Offering free education can attract tons of links. For instance:

  • HubSpot Academy offers free marketing courses, earning thousands of backlinks.

Glossaries and Wikis

Become the go-to resource for definitions in your industry:

Case Studies

Detailed breakdowns of real-world examples are link gold. They should:

  • Include specific data and results.
  • Tell a compelling story.
  • Offer actionable takeaways.

Buffer’s Instagram Stories case study earned over 300 backlinks.

Remember, the key is creating something truly valuable that people in your industry will want to reference. It takes time and effort, but the payoff in links and authority is huge.

Broken link building is a win-win strategy that helps you build links while providing value to other site owners. Here’s how to make it work for your new website:

  1. Find Broken LinksLink rot

  2. Create Replacement Content

    • Develop high-quality content similar to the broken link’s topic.
    • Make it even better than the original page.

  3. Reach Out to Site Owners

    • Send a friendly email pointing out the broken link.
    • Suggest your content as a replacement.

Effective Outreach Tips

  • Keep emails short and to the point.
  • Personalize each message.
  • Offer additional value, like spotting other broken links on their site.

Case Study: The Skyscraper Technique

Brian Dean coined this term. It combines broken link building with creating superior content:

  1. Find a popular page with lots of backlinks
  2. Create something even better
  3. Reach out to sites linking to the original

Brian’s case study showed a 110% traffic increase in 14 days using this method.

  • Screaming FrogScreaming Frog

    • Crawls websites to find broken links
    • Offers a free version for small sites

  • PitchboxPitchbox

    • Automates outreach campaigns
    • Tracks responses and follow-ups

Niche-Specific Opportunities

  • Educational ResourcesEducational resource

    • .edu sites often have extensive resource lists
    • These links carry high authority

  • Industry AssociationsProfessional association

    • Look for member directories or resource pages
    • Often have less competition for link placement

Metrics to Track

  • Number of broken links found
  • Outreach email open and response rates
  • New backlinks acquired
  • Referral traffic from new links

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Don’t be pushy in your outreach
  • Avoid using exact-match anchor text in your replacement content
  • Don’t waste time on low-quality or irrelevant sites

Remember, broken link building is about providing value first. By helping site owners improve their user experience, you’re more likely to earn that valuable backlink to your new website.

Getting Creative with Infographics and Visuals

Visual content can be a powerful link magnet for new websites. Let’s explore how to create and promote eye-catching infographics and other visuals that people can’t help but share.

Types of Visual Content That Attract Links

  • InfographicsInfographic

    • Combine data, design, and storytelling
    • Great for simplifying complex topics

  • Data Visualizations

    • Turn dry statistics into compelling visuals
    • Interactive versions can boost engagement

  • Memes and GIFs

    • Add humor to your content
    • Can go viral quickly on social media

  • InstructographicsInstructographics

    • Step-by-step visual guides
    • Perfect for how-to content

  1. Choose a Compelling Topic

    • Research trending subjects in your niche
    • Look for data-rich topics with emotional appeal

  2. Keep It Simple

    • Don’t overwhelm with too much information
    • Use a clear hierarchy of information

  3. Use Eye-Catching Colors

    • Pick a color scheme that pops
    • Ensure good contrast for readability

  4. Incorporate Your Branding

    • Add your logo and website URL
    • Use consistent fonts and colors

  5. Cite Your Sources

    • Always credit data sources
    • Adds credibility to your visual

Tools for Creating Visuals

  • Canva

    • User-friendly with tons of templates
    • Free and paid options available

  • PiktochartPiktochart

    • Specializes in infographics and presentations
    • Offers a library of icons and images

  • Venngage

    • Great for data visualizations
    • Includes collaboration features for teams

Promotion Strategies

  1. Outreach to Relevant Blogs

    • Find sites that have shared similar content
    • Personalize your pitch to each site

  2. Submit to Infographic Directories

    • Sites like Visual.ly can boost exposure
    • Some require a fee, so choose wisely

  3. Leverage Social Media

    • Use hashtags to increase visibility
    • Pin your infographic on Pinterest for long-term exposure

  4. Create an Embed Code

    • Make it easy for others to share on their sites
    • Include a backlink in the code

  5. Repurpose Your Visual Content

    • Break infographics into smaller images for social media
    • Turn key points into video content

Case Study: Copyblogger’s 22 Ways to Create Compelling Content

  • Simple design with actionable tips
  • Earned hundreds of backlinks
  • Widely shared on social media platforms

Measuring Success

  • Track backlinks using tools like Ahrefs or Moz
  • Monitor social shares and engagement
  • Analyze referral traffic from sites featuring your visual

Remember, the key to success with visual content is creating something truly valuable and shareable. Don’t just make pretty pictures - focus on providing real insights that your audience will want to reference and share with others.

Mastering the Art of Outreach

Effective outreach is crucial for building quality backlinks to your new website. Let’s dive into some proven strategies:

Personalized Email Techniques

  • Research Your Prospects: Spend time understanding the site and person you’re reaching out to.

  • Craft Compelling Subject Lines: Keep it short, specific, and intriguing. For example: “Quick question about your latest [TOPIC] post”

  • Lead with Value: Explain how your content can benefit their audience.

Finding the Right Contacts

  • Hunter.ioHunter.io Find email addresses associated with a domain.

  • LinkedInLinkedIn Connect with decision-makers directly.

  • TwitterTwitter Many editors and site owners are active here.

Outreach Templates That Work

  1. The Broken Link Approach:

    Subject: Found a broken link on [Their Site Name]

Hi [Name],

I was reading your great article on [Topic] and noticed a broken link to [describe].

I actually have a comprehensive resource on this topic that might make a good replacement: [Your URL]

Either way, love your content and keep up the great work!

Cheers,
[Your Name]

  2. The Relevant Resource Pitch:

    Subject: New [Topic] Resource for [Their Site Name]

Hey [Name],

I'm a big fan of [Their Site Name], especially your content on [Topic].

I just published an in-depth guide on [Related Topic] that I think your readers would find super helpful: [Your URL]

Would love your thoughts on it! 

Thanks for your time,
[Your Name]

Follow-Up Strategies

  • Wait 5-7 days before following up.
  • Keep it short and friendly.
  • Provide additional value if possible.
  • Engage with their content on social media.
  • Share their articles (genuinely useful ones).
  • Offer to collaborate on future projects.

Tools to Streamline Outreach

  • BuzzStream Manage outreach campaigns and track relationships.

  • PitchboxPitchbox Automate parts of your outreach process.

  • Ninja OutreachNinja Outreach Find influencers and manage outreach in one tool.

Measuring Outreach Success

  • Track email open rates and response rates.
  • Monitor new backlinks acquired.
  • Analyze referral traffic from outreach efforts.

Remember, successful outreach is about building genuine relationships. Focus on how you can provide value to others, and the links will often follow naturally.

Analyzing your competitors’ backlink profiles can uncover a goldmine of link opportunities for your new website. Let’s dive into some effective strategies:

Using Competitor Analysis Tools

  • Semrush

    • Enter a competitor’s domain in the Backlink Analytics tool
    • Identify their top-performing pages and linking domains

  • AhrefsAhrefs

    • Use the Site Explorer to see a competitor’s best backlinks
    • Filter by Domain Rating to find high-quality link sources

Analyzing Top-Performing Content

  1. Skyscraper TechniqueSkyscraper Technique

    • Find your competitor’s most-linked content
    • Create an even better, more comprehensive version
    • Reach out to sites linking to the original

  2. Content Gap Analysis

    • Look for topics your competitors cover that you don’t
    • Create content to fill these gaps, potentially attracting similar links

Uncovering Guest Post Opportunities

  • Search for author bios of your competitors on other sites
  • Look for phrases like “guest post by” or “contributing writer”
  • Reach out to these sites for your own guest posting opportunities

Leveraging Competitor Mentions

  1. Set Up Google Alerts

    • Create alerts for your competitors’ brand names
    • When they’re mentioned without a link, reach out and suggest your site as an additional resource

  2. HARO (Help a Reporter Out)HARO (Help a Reporter Out)

    • Sign up and look for queries in your niche
    • Provide expert quotes to potentially replace or complement your competitors’ mentions

Industry-Specific Directories

  • Find niche directories where your competitors are listed
  • Submit your site to these relevant, industry-specific platforms

Analyzing Anchor Text

  • Look at the anchor text used in competitors’ backlinks
  • Identify common themes and topics that attract links in your niche
  • Use tools like Majestic to find sites linking to multiple competitors
  • These sites are more likely to link to you as well
  • Airbnb analyzed competitors like HomeAway and VRBO
  • They replicated successful content strategies, like city guides and travel tips
  • This approach helped them build a strong backlink profile in the travel niche

Ethical Considerations

  • Don’t directly copy your competitors’ strategies
  • Focus on providing unique value and building genuine relationships
  • Always prioritize creating high-quality, original content

Remember, the goal isn’t just to replicate your competitors’ backlinks, but to understand what’s working in your niche and find ways to do it even better. Use these insights to inform your own unique link building strategy.

Tapping into the Power of Testimonials and Reviews

Testimonials and reviews can be powerful link building tools for new websites. Let’s explore some effective strategies:

Leveraging Product Reviews

Writing Software Reviews

  • CapterraCapterra

    • Review B2B software you use in your business
    • Many listings allow a website link in your profile

  • G2G2

    • Share detailed experiences with various software tools
    • Earn “Top Contributor” status for more visibility

Crafting Compelling Testimonials

  1. Be specific about results
  2. Include before/after scenarios
  3. Mention your website name naturally

Example template:

"[Your Name] from [Your Website] here. [Product/Service] helped us [specific result]. Before, we struggled with [problem]. Now, [positive outcome]. I highly recommend it for [target audience]."

Outreach Strategies

  • Follow-up Emails: After purchasing, offer to provide a testimonial
  • Social Media Engagement: Tag companies in positive posts about their products
  • Case Study Collaboration: Propose a detailed case study of your experience

Local Business Reviews

  • Google My BusinessGoogle My Business

    • Leave detailed, helpful reviews for local businesses
    • Some may reciprocate by mentioning you on their site

  • YelpYelp

    • Become an active Yelp reviewer
    • Build relationships with local business owners

Measuring Success

  • Track referral traffic from review sites
  • Monitor new backlinks using tools like Ahrefs
  • Analyze engagement on testimonials (likes, comments, shares)

Ethical Considerations

  • Always disclose any compensation or affiliate relationships
  • Provide honest, balanced feedback - avoid overly promotional language
  • Respect guidelines of review platforms to avoid removal

Remember, the goal is to provide genuine value through your reviews and testimonials. Focus on building relationships and offering helpful insights to your audience. This approach will naturally lead to more organic link opportunities over time.

Getting Interviewed on Podcasts and Blogs

Landing interviews on relevant podcasts and blogs can be a powerful way to build authority and earn valuable backlinks for your new website. Let’s dive into some strategies to make this happen:

Finding Interview Opportunities

  • HARO (Help a Reporter Out)

    • Sign up for daily emails with interview requests
    • Respond quickly to relevant queries

  • PodcastGuests.comPodcastGuests.com

    • Create a profile highlighting your expertise
    • Get matched with podcasts looking for guests

  • RadioGuestList.comRadioGuestList.com

    • Free service connecting experts with media opportunities
    • Covers podcasts, radio shows, and online interviews

Crafting a Compelling Pitch

  1. Research Your Target

    • Listen to past episodes or read previous interviews
    • Tailor your pitch to their specific audience

  2. Highlight Your Unique Angle

    • What fresh perspective can you offer on your topic?
    • Share a teaser of an interesting story or case study

  3. Demonstrate Your Expertise

    • Mention any books, notable clients, or media appearances
    • Link to samples of your work or past interviews

Preparing for the Interview

  • Create a One-SheetOne sheet

    • Single-page document summarizing your expertise
    • Include suggested talking points and questions

  • Set Up a Professional Recording Space

    • Invest in a quality microphone like the Blue Yeti
    • Use a quiet room with good acoustics

  • Practice Common Questions

    • Prepare concise, engaging answers to likely topics
    • Have 2-3 key points you want to convey

During the Interview

  • Speak clearly and with enthusiasm
  • Share specific examples and stories
  • Mention your website naturally (don’t force it)

Following Up Post-Interview

  1. Thank the Host

    • Send a personalized thank you note
    • Offer to promote the episode to your network

  2. Share on Social Media

    • Create custom graphics with pull quotes
    • Tag the host and use relevant hashtags

  3. Add to Your Website

    • Create a “Media” or “As Seen On” section
    • Embed or link to the interview

Case Study: Tim FerrissTim Ferriss

  • Built a massive audience through podcast appearances
  • Leveraged interviews to promote his books and website
  • Now hosts one of the most popular podcasts in the world

Measuring Success

  • Track referral traffic from interview links
  • Monitor new email subscribers or leads
  • Analyze social media engagement when sharing interviews

Remember, the key to success with podcast and blog interviews is providing genuine value to the audience. Focus on sharing your best insights and building relationships with hosts. The backlinks and exposure will follow naturally.

Local SEO can be a goldmine for new websites looking to build quality backlinks. Let’s explore some effective strategies:

Local Business Directories

  • Google Business Profile

    • Claim and optimize your listing
    • Include photos, business hours, and a link to your website

  • YelpYelp

    • Create a detailed business profile
    • Encourage customer reviews (but don’t incentivize them)

Industry-Specific Directories

Local Sponsorships

  1. Community Events

    • Sponsor local festivals or charity runs
    • Get your logo and link on event websites

  2. Youth Sports Teams

    • Provide jerseys or equipment
    • Earn mentions on league websites

Local Content Creation

  • Write neighborhood guides
  • Create “Best of” lists for your city
  • Develop local resource pages

Leveraging Local Partnerships

  • Cross-Promotions

    • Partner with complementary businesses
    • Exchange links on “Our Partners” pages

  • Local Influencer Collaborations

    • Work with area bloggers or social media personalities
    • Offer expertise or products in exchange for mentions

Local Media Outreach

  • HARO (Help a Reporter Out)

    • Respond to queries from local journalists
    • Provide expert quotes for news stories

  • Press Releases

    • Announce new services or community initiatives
    • Distribute through services like PR Web

  • BrightLocalBrightLocal

    • Find and monitor local citations
    • Track local search rankings

  • WhitesparkWhitespark

    • Discover local citation opportunities
    • Build and clean up citations

NAP Consistency

Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) are identical across all platforms:

  • Website
  • Google Business Profile
  • Social media profiles
  • Directory listings

Local Scholarship Program

  • Create a scholarship for local students
  • Reach out to high school and college websites for links

Case Study: Raven Tools’ Local SEO Success

  • Focused on optimizing Google Business Profile
  • Created location-specific landing pages
  • Resulted in a 140% increase in organic traffic
  • Track local keyword rankings
  • Monitor Google Business Profile insights
  • Analyze referral traffic from local sources

Remember, the key to local link building is becoming an active, valuable member of your community. Focus on creating genuine relationships and providing real value to local customers and partners. This approach will naturally lead to high-quality, relevant backlinks that boost your local SEO efforts.

Tracking the right metrics is crucial to understanding the effectiveness of your link building efforts. Here’s how to measure your success:

Key Metrics to Monitor

Domain Authority (DA)

  • Developed by Moz
  • Predicts how well a site will rank on search engines
  • Ranges from 1 to 100, with higher scores being better

Page Authority (PA)Page Authority (PA)

  • Similar to DA, but for individual pages
  • Useful for tracking the impact of links to specific content

Referring DomainsBacklink

  • The number of unique websites linking to you
  • Quality over quantity is key here

Organic TrafficWeb traffic

  • Use Google Analytics to track changes in organic search traffic
  • Look for correlations between new links and traffic spikes

  • AhrefsAhrefs

    • Comprehensive backlink database
    • Offers detailed link quality metrics

  • Semrush

    • Great for competitive analysis
    • Provides toxicity scores for backlinks

  • MajesticMajestic

    • Focuses on link trust and citation flow
    • Useful for historical link data

Tracking New Opportunities

  1. Google AlertsGoogle Alerts

    • Set up alerts for your brand name and key topics
    • Quickly spot new mentions that could become links

  2. MentionMention

    • Monitors social media and web mentions
    • Helps identify potential link prospects
  • Relevance: Are the linking sites in your niche?
  • Authority: Check the DA/PA of linking domains
  • Traffic: Use tools like Ahrefs to estimate referral traffic potential
  • Focused on quality over quantity
  • Saw a 110% increase in organic traffic in 14 days
  • Key takeaway: A few high-quality links can outperform many low-quality ones

Reporting and Visualization

  • Google Data StudioGoogle Data Studio

    • Create custom dashboards to visualize link building progress
    • Integrate data from multiple sources

  • DataboxDatabox

    • Offers pre-built templates for link building metrics
    • Easy to share reports with clients or team members

Evaluating ROI

  1. Track time and resources spent on link building
  2. Compare costs to increases in organic traffic and conversions
  3. Calculate the value of increased organic visibility

Remember, link building is a long-term strategy. While some metrics might show quick wins, the real value often comes from consistent effort over time. Keep refining your approach based on the data you gather, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new tactics.

Guest posting remains a powerful link building strategy for new websites when done right. Let’s explore how to make the most of this tactic:

Finding Quality Guest Post Opportunities

  • Google Search OperatorsGoogle hacking Use queries like “your niche + write for us” or “your topic + guest post guidelines”

  • TwitterTwitter Search for tweets mentioning “guest post opportunities” in your industry

  • MyBlogGuest A platform connecting bloggers with guest posting opportunities

Crafting an Irresistible Pitch

  1. Research the Target Blog Read several posts to understand their style and audience

  2. Propose Unique Topics Offer 2-3 ideas that fill gaps in their existing content

  3. Highlight Your Expertise Briefly mention relevant experience or previous guest posts

Writing High-Quality Guest Posts

  • Focus on providing actionable value to the reader
  • Include relevant stats and case studies to back up points
  • Naturally weave in 1-2 links to your site where appropriate

  • Anchor Text OptimizationAnchor text Use varied, natural anchor text - avoid exact match keywords

  • Deep Linking Link to relevant internal pages, not just your homepage

Following Up Post-Publication

  • Share the post on your social media channels
  • Respond to comments to boost engagement
  • Consider updating the post with fresh info after 6-12 months

Case Study: Buffer’s Guest Blogging StrategyBuffer's Guest Blogging Strategy

  • Landed 150 guest posts in 9 months
  • Focused on top-tier publications like Fast Company and Inc.
  • Resulted in over 100,000 new signups

Measuring Guest Post Success

  • Track referral traffic from each guest post
  • Monitor new backlinks acquired
  • Analyze social shares and engagement on the posts

Remember, the key to successful guest posting is providing genuine value to the host blog’s audience. Focus on building relationships with editors and bloggers in your niche, and always prioritize quality over quantity in your guest posting efforts.