Last Updated on March 9, 2025 by Becky Halls
When it comes to SEO, backlinks are like gold stars that signal to search engines, “Hey, this site is valuable!” But not all backlinks are created equal. In this listicle, we’ll explore the best SEO backlinks you can build to improve your website’s search rankings, drive traffic, and make Google smile.
Diversifying your backlink profile is key to maintaining a strong SEO strategy. Search engines favor websites with varied backlink types, seeing them as more natural and credible.
Relying on only one type of backlink can pose a risk if search algorithm changes devalue them. By including different backlink sources, you create a balanced approach that can adapt to ranking updates and changes.
Here’s your guide to the best SEO backlinks, ranked from the most powerful to the most practical…
1. Editorial Backlinks: The Gold Standard ?
When it comes to the best SEO backlinks, editorial links are the crème de la crème. These are natural backlinks that occur when other websites link to your content because it’s just that good. No begging, no asking—just organic recognition.
Why They Rock:
- They come from authoritative, relevant websites.
- They’re hard to come by, which makes them even more valuable.
How to Get Them:
Create killer content that answers questions, provides valuable insights, or simply makes the internet a better place. Think in-depth guides, unique research, and content that people want to share.
2. Guest Blogging Backlinks: The Mutual Exchange ?
Guest blogging is like a win-win trade deal—you get a backlink, and the host website gets quality content. When done right, it’s a solid way to build best SEO backlinks while also boosting your authority in your niche.
Why They’re Awesome:
- They’re relatively easy to secure.
- You get to showcase your expertise on someone else’s platform.
Tip:
Focus on high-quality blogs relevant to your industry. And remember, content value first—don’t just stuff keywords!
Common Mistakes in Guest Blogging
A common mistake in guest blogging is selecting sites with low authority or relevance. These might seem easy wins, but they can dilute your backlink profile.
Over-optimizing anchor text is another trap. Always ensure your content flows naturally to avoid penalties. Instead, focus on crafting high-value articles for reputable sites in your industry and use varied, contextually-relevant anchor text.
3. Backlinks from Resource Pages: The Unsung Heroes ?♂️
Resource pages are the unsung heroes of the SEO world. These are pages on websites that compile useful links around a specific topic. If you have a valuable resource, like a guide or tool, getting it featured on a relevant resource page is a fantastic way to score some of the best SEO backlinks.
Why They Work:
- Resource pages are typically high-authority and focused.
- They offer “forever backlinks” since they rarely get updated.
Pro Tip:
Use Google search operators like “[your keyword] + inurl
” to find resource pages that could include your content.
How to Get Them:
When reaching out to resource page owners, personalization is your friend. Craft emails that mention specific articles or tools you appreciate on their site.
Highlight how your content complements their page. Keep communication concise and respectful, and follow up if you don’t hear back. Simple but thoughtful outreach can significantly increase your chances of getting featured.
4. Backlinks from .edu and .gov Sites: The Heavy Hitters ?️♀️
Backlinks from .edu and .gov sites carry serious weight. These domains are trusted by Google, and getting a backlink from one of these means you’re basically riding the SEO high-speed train. The best SEO backlinks from these domains can give your rankings a substantial boost.
Why They’re Powerhouses:
- .edu and .gov sites are considered highly authoritative and trustworthy.
- They’re difficult to get, which increases their value.
How to Get Them:
Look for opportunities to contribute to university or government-sponsored projects, reports, or research. Many .edu sites also offer directories or resource pages.
To gauge the impact of .edu and .gov backlinks, monitor your site’s domain authority and search visibility using tools like Moz or Ahrefs. These platforms help track changes over time, revealing traffic growth from these trusted sites.
Such backlinks often improve your site’s trust and ranking, key indicators of SEO success.
5. Broken Link Building: The SEO Handyman ?️
Broken link building is like fixing someone’s leaky faucet and getting a thank-you note in return—in the form of a backlink! By finding broken links on relevant sites and offering your content as a replacement, you can score some of the best SEO backlinks with minimal effort.
Why It’s a Smart Move:
- You’re helping the website fix a problem (broken links hurt SEO).
- It’s a relatively low-competition backlink strategy.
Pro Tip:
Use tools like Ahrefs or Check My Links to find broken links in your industry, then politely reach out with your content.
6. Social Media Backlinks: The Awareness Boost ?
Okay, social media backlinks may not have the direct SEO impact of some other links, but they’re great for driving traffic and increasing brand awareness. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter can send users to your site, helping you build buzz and increase engagement. These indirect benefits can lead to more natural backlinks.
Why They Matter:
- They generate traffic and engagement, which indirectly helps SEO.
- Social shares can lead to more backlinks from other sites.
Tip:
Make sure your content is shareable and encourage your audience to spread the word.
7. Backlinks from Niche Directories: The Steady Earners ?
Backlinks from niche directories don’t get as much love as they used to, but they can still be effective if the directory is well-regarded in your industry. They provide best SEO backlinks that are relevant and targeted, especially when it comes to local SEO or specific industries.
Why They’re Still Relevant:
- They provide a steady stream of traffic if the directory is popular.
- Great for local businesses or niche industries.
Pro Tip:
Don’t go for general, spammy directories. Stick with niche-specific directories that are well-maintained and trusted by search engines.
Calculating ROI for Backlink Building
Calculating the ROI of your backlink efforts involves tracking increases in search ranking positions and organic traffic. Tools like Google Analytics can show referral traffic spikes, while Ahrefs can measure ranking improvements.
By comparing these metrics with your investment in link building activities, you can assess the overall effectiveness and value of your strategies.
Conclusion: The Best SEO Backlinks for Your Strategy
When it comes to building the best SEO backlinks, quality always beats quantity. Focus on securing backlinks from high-authority, relevant sites, and be strategic in your approach. Editorial links, guest blogs, .edu and .gov backlinks, and broken link building are just some of the top methods you can use to elevate your SEO game.
With these tactics, you’re on your way to building a backlink profile that will help your website rise to the top of search engine rankings—while having a little fun along the way! ?
