4 Effective Ways to Get Backlinks as a Business

If you’re a business owner diving into SEO, you’ve likely come across the term “backlinks.” But how exactly do backlinks influence your website’s visibility, and more importantly, how can you acquire them in a practical and futureproof way?

In this guide, we’ll break down what backlinks are, how they impact your business, and four key methods to help you build them the right way.

Why Are Backlinks Important for SEO?

Backlinks, which are links to your site from other websites, play a significant role in SEO performance. Search engines like Google use backlinks to assess your website’s credibility and the value of its content. A site that is regularly referenced by others is viewed as more trustworthy and relevant.

But not all backlinks are created equal. Search engines prioritize quality over quantity, emphasizing links from reputable, relevant sources. High-quality backlinks are also harder to fake or artificially inflate, making them a reliable metric of a site’s authority.

So, how can your business start building these all-important backlinks? Let’s explore four practical methods.

Method 1: Audit Your Media Presence

The first step in acquiring backlinks is to take stock of your current media presence. Ask yourself:

• Have you been featured in the news?
• Have you won any awards or been part of any events covered by the media?
• Has your business been mentioned in articles, interviews, or any other forms of media?

If the answer to any of these is yes, check those mentions to see if they’ve linked back to your site. Often, businesses miss out on valuable backlinks because their brand is only mentioned in plain text without a hyperlink. Reach out to the authors or media outlets and kindly request a link to your website.

Building and maintaining relationships with your media contacts can also set the stage for future opportunities to be featured and linked again.

If you haven’t been featured anywhere yet, now’s the time to start thinking about how to engage with media outlets and earn that exposure.

In all cases, make sure that the links you receive are “do-follow” links, which pass on SEO value, rather than “no-follow” links, which do not.

Method 2: Directories and Listings

Directories and business listings are an easy way to build backlinks, especially in local SEO. Follow these steps to boost your presence:

• Sign up for major directories like Yelp, YellowPages, and local or industry-specific directories.
• Complete your profiles with consistent information (“NAP” – name, address, phone number) and ensure they link back to your website.
• Encourage customer reviews on platforms like Google My Business (GMB).

Be cautious, though, and avoid low-quality or spammy directories. Focus on reputable directories that will enhance your business’s online footprint.

Regarding GMB, it’s worth noting that having a GMB profile doesn’t count as a backlink in the same way as links from other directories. That being said, having a well-maintained profile with strong reviews is a big help for your SEO overall (and in many cases, a necessity).

Method 3: Leverage Your Business Connections

Think of building backlinks as a form of online networking. Consider your real-world business relationships and how they can translate into digital opportunities. Ask yourself:

• Who in your network owns a website?
• What business partners, suppliers, or local organizations are you affiliated with?
• Are you part of any industry groups or local communities that have a website?

Compile a list of these contacts and explore ways they might link to your website. Could they mention you as a partner? Link to a resource or article you’ve written? Perhaps feature you in an interview or guest post?

Keep in mind that having an existing relationship is key. Cold outreach is far less effective than leveraging trusted connections. If you don’t have these relationships yet, prioritize building them through networking and industry involvement.

Method 4: Attract Links Naturally

Finally, one of the most sustainable ways to earn backlinks is by creating content that attracts them naturally. Websites with strong, valuable content often get linked to without having to ask.

Here’s how you can ensure your content stands out:

• Publish well-researched, original content that offers something unique.
• Make sure your articles are well-written and thoroughly edited.
• Provide valuable insights or resources that others in your industry would want to reference or share.
• Create content that people would bookmark or recommend to others.

While natural backlinks take time to accumulate, they are a powerful long-term strategy for building your site’s authority and reputation. Make this approach a core part of your SEO and content planning, as it will help futureproof your site’s growth.

You should also read: How Brand Presence Affects SEO and Why

Conclusion

Getting backlinks is not an easy task, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable. By auditing your media presence, leveraging directories, tapping into business relationships, and creating link-worthy content, you can build a robust backlink profile that strengthens your site’s SEO.

Remember, backlinks should always be viewed in the broader context of brand presence and trust. Build real relationships, nurture your business’s online footprint, and always prioritize quality over quantity.

Need help with your backlinks? Contact NVISION now