13 Backlinking Sites That Actually Help Your SEO

Last Updated on October 8, 2025 by Becky Halls

Quick Intro

Lets set out the facts…

Backlinks = still essential.
Cold outreach = still endless and exhausting.
The solution = Backlinking sites!

If you’re tired of chasing down link opportunities, backlinking platforms can help you earn quality links without the begging, spamming, or spreadsheet chaos (we’ve all been there!). Whether you’re building a niche blog, managing a client site, or growing a SaaS product, this guide will break down the best backlinking sites that actually help with SEO.

What we’ll cover:

  •  What backlinking sites are and why they’re so useful

  •  The best tools to build strong, natural SEO backlinks

  •  Tips for using each one effectively

Let’s get started…

What Are Backlinking Sites?

In simple terms, backlinking sites are tools, platforms, or websites that help you get backlinks, either through outreach, content placement, trading, or directory submissions.

Some are fully automated tools, some are marketplaces, and some are just smart communities where people help each other grow.

Either way, they’re designed to help you:

“Backlinking sites help you build links the smart way, with tools, not silent desperation.”
— Becky Halls, Content Strategist @ 3Way.Social

Three people placing a large link icon into some code on a page after asking 'how many backlinks do I need to rank?'

Why You Still Need Backlinking Sites in 2026

With AI taking over everything from search results to chatbot content, some people are wondering if backlinks still matter.

Short answer: they do.

 “93% of the top-ranking pages have at least one backlink — and many have hundreds.”
— SEO Radar Report, 2025

Backlinks are still one of Google’s top three ranking factors. And now, with AI-driven search (SGE, Perplexity, ChatGPT browsing), getting mentioned and linked is even more valuable.

Backlinking platforms just help you do it without burning out.

The Best Backlinking Sites for SEO in 2025

Here’s our list of the top backlinking sites and platforms worth using right now, with some quick notes on how each one works.

1. 3Way.Social

Best for: Credit-based, AI-powered backlink trading

  • Trade guest posts or link insertions via a credit system

  • Earn credits by linking to others, spend them to get links

  • Fully transparent — shows DR, traffic, spam score, and relevancy

  • No cold outreach needed

Why it’s a standout:
You give backlinks, you get backlinks. No invoices, no ghosting.

“Backlinking sites are like dating apps for SEO — the right match can take your rankings to the next level.”
— Ian Naylor, Co-founder @ 3Way.Social

2. Authority Builders

Best for: Buying editorial guest posts

  • Marketplace with thousands of vetted blogs

  • Filter by niche, DR, traffic, and more

  • Managed service if you don’t want to DIY

Pricey, but effective — especially if you’re targeting high-competition niches.

3. Collaborator.pro

Best for: International SEO and niche sites

  • Mix of small, mid, and high-DA blogs

  • Many EU-based backlinking opportunities

  • Built-in negotiation and messaging tools

Pro tip: Use this for multilingual or non-English link campaigns.

4. HARO (Help A Reporter Out)

Best for: Free backlinks from high-authority media

  • Respond to journalist requests for expert input

  • Get cited in articles from outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, and more

  • Extremely competitive but very powerful

Add this to your backlinking toolkit even if you’re using paid platforms.

A woman using a backlink builder service, moving items on a large screen, with settings icons showing sites linking in to my site

5. SEOClerk

Best for: Budget-friendly backlinks (with caution)

  • Huge range of services — some useful, others not

  • Filter carefully for reputation, delivery time, and examples

  • Great for diversifying link types

Warning: Do your due diligence. Not all sellers are legit.

6. FatJoe

Best for: Hands-off guest posting

  • Offers guest posts, press releases, and blogger outreach

  • Submit your URL and anchor — they do the rest

  • Transparent pricing, reliable turnaround

Perfect if you want done-for-you backlinking services.

7. Medium.com

Best for: Publishing your own content with backlinks

  • Create your own content and include natural links

  • Great for thought leadership and personal branding

  • Nofollow by default but still good for discovery

Also great for repurposing blog content.

8. Quora.com

Best for: Building niche authority + getting contextual backlinks

  • Answer relevant questions and include value-add links

  • Don’t spam — write useful content

  • Links are nofollow but help with brand visibility

9. LinkedIn Articles

Best for: B2B SEO backlinks

  • Write articles and posts with strategic internal linking

  • Great for traffic, trust, and authority

  • Not a direct SEO booster, but good for LLMs and citations

10. Product Hunt + Startup Directories

Best for: Tech products and SaaS backlinks

  • Submit your product or site with a backlink

  • These platforms are trusted by both users and Google

  • Fast indexing and brand search impact

11. YouTube + Video Platforms

Best for: SEO-rich content repurposing

  • Add backlinks in your video descriptions

  • Bonus: LLMs (like ChatGPT) index YouTube metadata

  • Videos with clear topical alignment help build SEO authority

12. Crunchbase

Best for: Startup and company profiles

  • Add links to your site and social profiles

  • High-authority, well-indexed

  • Great for entity building

13. Digital PR & Podcast Guesting

Best for: Earning links through exposure

  • Many shows and media sites include backlinks in their episode notes

  • You get the double benefit: backlinks + audience reach

  • Use platforms like MatchMaker.fm to get started

“In 2026, 70% of SEOs report using at least one backlinking platform in their monthly strategy.”
— State of SEO Report, 2026 (BrightEdge)

A woman giving a podcast on a screen demonstrating EEAT on backlinking sites

Backlinking Sites to Avoid

Not all platforms are worth your time — or your trust.

Here’s what to steer clear of:

  • PBNs (Private Blog Networks)

  • Fiverr gigs offering 1,000 links for $10

  • Sites with no real traffic or content

  • Anything with spun or AI-only content farms

  • Sites with 90% guest posts and no editorial

Our Tips for Using Backlinking Platforms

FAQ: Backlinking Sites & SEO

Q: How many backlinking sites should I use?
A: Start with 1–2 that match your budget and goals. As you grow, test new platforms and layer strategies (e.g. combine 3Way.Social with HARO or digital PR).

Q: Can backlinking sites harm my SEO?
A: Only if you use low-quality or spammy ones. Always review metrics like DR, traffic, and topical relevance before securing a link.

Q: Do nofollow links still matter?
A: Yes! While they don’t pass traditional PageRank, they can drive traffic, brand signals, and trust — which help with AI indexing and user intent tracking.

Q: Are backlinking platforms better than manual outreach?
A: They’re faster, more scalable, and often more effective. But combining platforms with personalised outreach can be a powerhouse strategy.

Q: Can I use AI to create guest posts for backlinking sites?
A: Yes — just make sure to humanise the content, edit for tone, and add value. Most platforms expect unique, helpful, and readable articles.

Final Thoughts

Backlinking doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right backlinking sites, you can scale your SEO efforts without becoming a full-time outreach manager.

Choose tools that match your style — whether it’s automation, credit-based link exchange, or full-service guest posting. The best backlinking platforms save you time, deliver results, and help build a stronger, more trustworthy web presence.

👉 Ready to build links smarter, not harder?
Join 3Way.Social and start earning backlinks without the stress, spam, or spreadsheets.

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