Link acquisition is challenging due to the unique difficulties associated with it and the limited budget allocated to link building in many SEO programs.
Even with high-quality, engaging content, links aren’t guaranteed. A BuzzSumo and Moz study highlighted that more than 50% of over 750,000 well-shared posts had no external links, indicating that while posts may receive shares, acquiring links is significantly harder.
Intentional, strategic link acquisition is crucial. It’s often possible to find valuable link opportunities worth pursuing. Below are 13 potential link opportunities illustrated with real-life examples.
Mentions
Opportunity #1: Brand mentions
Example: Loot Crate
Loot Crate’s brand was mentioned in a blog post on Sticker Giant, presenting two options for securing a link:
- Request Sticker Giant change the link pointing to Loot Crate’s Facebook page to their website for greater relevance.
- Request a link to Loot Crate’s site for the second mention of the brand.
Opportunity #2: Product/Service mention
Example: Starbucks
Product mentions are also potential link opportunities. For example, if Starbucks’ S’mores Frappuccino is mentioned in an article, it would be beneficial to reach out to the site’s reporter or editor to request a link to the S’mores Frappuccino page on Starbucks’ website.
Opportunity #3: High-level employees/brand representatives
Example: Bodybuilding.com
Mentions of important employees, such as Bodybuilding.com athlete Alex Silver-Fagan, offer link opportunities. If Alex is mentioned in an article, linking her name to her profile page on Bodybuilding.com would be beneficial and relevant.
Opportunity #4: Images
Example: PetSmart
Proprietary images (e.g., logos, product photos) are visual mentions that create link opportunities. For instance, if PetSmart’s logo appears in a case study, there might be room to request a link to their site associated with the image.
Opportunity #5: Marketing/PR campaigns
Example: Starbucks
Marketing and PR campaigns can generate link opportunities. For example, Starbucks’s College Achievement Plan could potentially earn .edu links by reaching out to universities or educational websites.
Community Involvement
Opportunity #6: Testimonials
Example: CoreCommerce
Testimonials offer mutual benefits and link opportunities. Providing a testimonial for a service or product can secure a backlink. For example, CoreCommerce could provide a testimonial for NoChex, which features client testimonials on their site.
Opportunity #7: Local Chamber of Commerce
Example: Bodybuilding.com
Listings in local Chambers of Commerce are valuable. For instance, Bodybuilding.com’s listing in the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce includes a backlink to their site.
Opportunity #8: Charities
Example: Loot Crate
Charity partnerships, such as Loot Crate’s contribution to Operation Supply Drop, present link opportunities. Reaching out to ensure a mention is accompanied by a link can help secure valuable backlinks.
Opportunity #9: Partnerships
Example: QASymphony
Real partnerships can translate into digital relationships. For example, QASymphony is listed on Praecipio Consulting’s partners page but without a link. Ensuring this partnership is represented digitally would be beneficial.
Opportunity #10: Sponsorships
Example: PetSmart
Sponsoring events offers link opportunities. For instance, PetSmart sponsored a pet adoption event but wasn’t linked properly. A link to their charities page would be beneficial for both parties.
Loyalty and Advocates
Opportunity #11: Loyal customers/brand advocates
Example: Starbucks
Engaging with loyal customers who mention your brand can create link opportunities. For example, a personal recipe inspired by Starbucks’ S’mores Frappuccino could link back to the Starbucks page.
Directories
Quality directories are valuable for securing links. Ensure the directory is relevant, human-curated, and visible to your target audience.
Opportunity #12: Directories
Example: Loot Crate
Submitting Loot Crate to relevant directories like The Science of Happy’s subscription box listings can generate valuable links. Such directories provide powerful marketing opportunities.
Resource Link Building
Finding relevant resource pages that can link to your content or resources is crucial.
Opportunity #13: Resource promotion
Example: QASymphony
Promoting QASymphony’s Resource Library to relevant sites dedicated to software testing resources can secure beneficial links. Searching for “software testing resources” can reveal ideal sites for outreach.
Final Thoughts
Have you found success with these tactics? Share your experiences!
