Top 7 Link Acquisition Strategies For 2024

We are writing this article at a time when the entire SEO community is anxious. Because they have just experienced the aftermath of the March 2024 Spam Update. And numerous websites have seen a severe drop in their metrics.

They became frustrated due to their fear of uncertainty and the unknown.

Not only regarding content but also related to link acquisition strategies.

We have received a flurry of texts from people asking us about the top link acquisition strategies apt for the post-update scenario.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 link acquisition strategies relevant for 2024 and beyond.

However, it’s crucial to adopt the right MINDSET before applying any of these strategies. 

Link Acquisition – The Right Mindset

First thing first, what is link acquisition? Link Acquisition is getting links to your websites from popular websites. These inbound links are called backlinks.

Listen, Google is against the mindset ‘you link to me, and I will link to you’.

So, shift the focus from just acquiring links to cultivating a link-worthy brand. Develop strategies for building authority and trust and creating content that naturally attracts links. 

It doesn’t matter if you are a smaller business owner or a large enterprise – this mindset is equally important for you.

So, always evaluate a link based on its value and long-term impact (Even if you are buying links from a service provider).

This approach not only helps you gain SEO benefits but also helps you build meaningful relationships.

Link Acquisition – Key Considerations

Lastly, before we start talking about link acquisition strategies, here are a few approaches you can consider: 

 (i) Niche Down: Gone are the days of multicategory blogs. Now, you must acquire links that work best for your industry or niche. This allows you to build your authority in the eyes of Google.

(ii) Ethical link acquisition in the age of algorithms: Consider the importance of building high-quality, natural links – ignore black-hat SEO tactics. Focus on strategies that prioritize creating valuable content and building relationships with other websites. 

(iii) The future of link acquisition: Stay informed about advancements in search engine algorithms. Anticipate how it might impact link acquisition strategies.

Anatomy of a High-Authority Backlink: A good link is topically relevant, authoritative, provides value and looks natural.

Relevance:

Irrelevant links are not your friend. Even if you struggle to get relevant links, stick to it. Irrelevant links may look cool in the short run. But in the long run, they can ultimately cause confusion for Google and hinder the development of your website’s authority.

Authoritative: 

Obtain links from well-known (established websites). The search engine considers it as an endorsement. In turn, your website’s authority also gets a boost.

Valuable:

Links should be valuable enough to add optimum user experience. If you are publishing content on fellow sites, aim for long-form content (Because they tend to rank higher).

Natural: 

If the link looks unnatural it would NOT have an impact the way you are expecting. Now, when we say unnatural links, we mean:

• The link should not disrupt the flow of the content.
• The link should not look forceful.
• Instead, place it so that it appears as a necessity. It’s like the search engine saying, “The link placement is correct. It was needed here to add more context”.
• A natural anchor text.

Top 7 Link Acquisition Strategies For 2024

Here, we will talk about the following strategies:

• Guest posting 
• E-E-A-T-compliant linkable assets
• Partnering with a link-building agency
• Spy on Your Competitor’s Backlink Profile + Skyscraper Technique
• Unlinked Mentions 
• Resource page link-building
• Link Insertions

1. Guest Posting

According to AuthorityHacker, guest posting is the most popular link acquisition tactic.

And there is no denial of this fact. In fact, it is a link-building strategy involving less risk or even zero risk (if done correctly).

Basically, guest posting is when you write and post your content on popular websites and get a link back to your website.

Why it matters?

When the algorithm sees that you are getting featured on popular websites and getting links from them, they also consider you an authority. This improved authority results in boosted brand awareness, higher ranking for targeted keywords, and more traffic = more leads and sales.

Process

Firstly, the process starts with link prospecting… 

Create a list of websites from which you want to obtain links. Finding authoritative (high DA, DR, and traffic) and relevant websites is the key here.

After you find those websites, it’s time to add them to an Excel sheet. Then, start strategic outreach. Here, the art is to tactfully convince them to accept your guest posts. Thus, the outreach email is super important. Remember, generic emails won’t suffice here – plan for emails that offer a solution and entice the publisher.

Key Considerations 

• First, don’t approach irrelevant websites (We have already mentioned this; it’s just a gentle reminder).
• Secondly, before you send the outreach email, thoroughly evaluate the website. Look for the scope of improvements and think about how you can benefit their audience.
• Thirdly, read the guest posting guidelines (of the publisher’s website) carefully.
• On top of everything, focus on creating original content that will actually rank. When you write, keep the tone and style of the publisher’s website in mind. This is why the previous point is so important.

DISCLAIMER: It is difficult to discuss guest posting under a single point. We have a 3200+ word article on this. If you REALLY want to know the ins and outs of guest posting, we suggest you read our complete guide to guest posting.

2. Create E-E-A-T Compliant Linkable Assets That Naturally Attract Links 

Simply put, linkable assets are such high-quality content that people find really helpful and worth linking to.

Remember, we have shared a graph in the guest posting section. WHY? The data helped us to substantiate our content. Interestingly, that was a linkable asset.

Types of Linkable Assets 

We have already mentioned one of the types. Yes, the above was an example of a statistical roundup post. 

Another type can be resources and guides. This is where you share an in-depth analysis of a topic. Here is an example of the same:

In this guide, Ahrefs broke down the topic into seven subtopics and shared a thorough coverage of each subject:

Next comes free tools. Through this linkable asset, people solve a problem and garner backlinks. For instance, you can consider the free keyword generator by Ahref:

Result? This tool has attracted around 7.7K backlinks because people refer to it while discussing free keyword research tools:

Additionally, the next type of linkable asset is listicles. As the name suggests, a listicle is a compilation of lists related to a specific topic. Below is an example of a listicle on “100 Ways To Make Money Without a 9-to-5”. This article is ranked at the top spot. Consequently, it has garnered an ample amount of backlinks.

Understood? Maybe you are wondering how to make linkable assets E-E-A-T compliant.

No worries! We have the solution: craft your linkable assets around questions people ask. Because creating such content requires first-hand knowledge. Also, infuse your personal touch into the content. Make it unique and original.

3. Choose A Reputable (and Trustable) Link Building Agencies

Paid links are very common link acquisition channels. In fact, 46% of marketers spend $10,000+ years on link building (source).

And when it comes to paid link building, they prefer to work with agencies:

(Source) 

It is important to note that one reason for the over-reliance on agencies is that they have experienced professionals. Precisely, 59.49% of agency professionals have professionals who hold 5+ years of experience.

(Source) 

Now, let’s shed light on the most important question: How do you choose the right link-building agency?

• Ask for their portfolio and case studies. Check their past work.
• Are they experienced and industry-recognized?
• Clear communication is another green flag.
• Avoid agencies that promise guaranteed results.
• Check their turnaround time. The faster, the better.
• Link building is not cheap. So, look for service providers who offer competitive prices. 
• Ultimately, It’s important to select agencies that use ethical (white hat) practices and are skilled in making paid links appear organic.

4. Spy Your Competitor’s Backlink Profile + Skyscraper Technique

To analyze your competitor’s backlinks, you need to leverage tools. If you want to do it for free, use Ahref’s free backlink checker tool. But it is limited to 100 backlinks.

On the other hand, if you want to monitor unlimited backlinks, simply switch to the paid plan. 

Now, we are assuming that you have the list with you. So, how can you get links from similar sources? 

Enter the skyscraper technique:

• Identify the content that has received the highest number of backlinks.
• Then, research and ideate to create an even better version of it.
• Finally, reach out to the websites from where your competitor received the links. Clearly tell them why your content is better, and why should they link to your content.

5. Unlinked Mentions

Consider them as missed chances. Unlinked mentions are scenarios where people mention you without linking to you. Yes, that happens sometimes.

But if that mention is from a reputable source, you can’t afford to miss that. Right? Now the question is how could you grab those missed opportunities? 

Well, before that, knowing the types of unlinked mentions is important for ensuring creativity. 

Generally, unlinked mentions are divided into: 

Brand mentions, product mentions, personal mentions, content mentions, event mentions, industry mentions, social media mentions, and location mentions. 

Does Google love unlinked mentions? How to find those unlinked mentions and utilize them? Is there any tool that can help you with this?

Probably, you have a lot of questions like this. Fear not. Check out our guide:

Simplest Way to Find and Turn Unlinked Mentions Into a Backlink

6. Resource Page Link Building

Resource page link building is easier and grows with you, unlike other strategies. It’s perfect for snagging top-notch backlinks in your area. Just remember, knowing why these links matter and using them right is the trick. 

Understanding Resource Page Value 

Resource pages are collections of valuable tools, articles, or content picked for a site’s audience. It matters not just that your content is included, but how it fits with essential resources valued by visitors and search engines. That’s why creators welcome content suggestions. Engaging through forms, emails, or direct channels shows you want to add value, not spam, making you credible to the curator. 

Crafting Your Link Acquisition Strategy 

Link building via resource pages can be conceptualized into three main phases: 

Step 1: Scouting For Opportunities 

Leverage Google’s advanced search operators — such as “keyword + resources” — to uncover potential resource pages in your niche. For more thorough searches, consider utilizing scraping tools such as Scrapebox or Citation Labs Link Prospector. These tools can scrape the web for relevant leads, providing you with bulk prospects. 

Step 2: Filtering And Vetting 

With a list of potential resource pages at hand, it’s time to start screening. Employ a mix of metrics-based filtering and manual review to ensure that the remaining candidates align with your niche and maintain a certain quality standard. Remember, the goal here isn’t to amass as many links as possible but to cultivate a selection of high-value, relevant links that enhance your site’s authority. 

Step 3: Reaching Out 

The final step involves contacting the site’s owner or content curator and adding a personal touch to your message. Explain the benefits of your resource and why it’s valuable to their audience. Also, mention any broken links on their page to help out. Always be respectful and professional, aiming for a win-win linking opportunity. 

Crafting The Perfect Outreach Pitch 

Crafting an effective outreach email is truly an art. Personalization is crucial. Always address the recipient by name, if possible, and draw them in with a relevant and attention-grabbing subject line. Moreover, clearly and concisely communicate the value your resource adds.

This means you should chat about how it adds to what’s already there on the page, and spill all the details needed to include it, like a short description, a snappy title, and the link to the resource you’re thinking of.

Super important: make sure your email is friendly, polished, and shows you value the recipient’s time and focus. 

For more, read Resource Page Link Building: The Ultimate Guide In 2024 

7. Link Insertions (niche edits) 

In the huge, often puzzling world of SEO, there’s a handy technique that doesn’t get enough spotlight – niche edits, or simply adding links to existing content. This approach, which involves smartly placing backlinks in relevant places, needs a bit of skill and a good grasp of your online world. 

Niche edits are great because they fit into an article smoothly, without sticking out or disrupting the flow. When done right, they add value to the content while also giving your stuff a quiet shout-out. 

Picking the right articles to add your links to is key. When you insert your backlink into a piece that’s both relevant and respected, it’s like getting a credibility boost from the article’s good reputation, making both search engines and readers see you in a better light. 

Exploring The Careful Steps Of Making Niche Edits. 

Getting good at niche edits is all about being smart and respectful.

First things first, let’s talk about the anchor text – the words you’re turning into a link. They’ve got to fit smoothly into the host’s article, like they were always meant to be there, while also gently nudging readers towards your site. It’s a bit of an art form, finding the right words that blend in yet stand out just enough. 

Now, onto tweaking the content. Sometimes, the best way to secure your spot is by contributing something of your own. If you can add a couple of your insights that beef up the host’s work, it’s a win-win. The article gets better, and you get your link in a way that feels organic. 

And let’s not forget about reaching out. That first message you send is crucial. It’s your chance to make a good impression. You’ve got to show you genuinely like what they’re doing, explain why your link deserves to be there, and highlight what’s in it for them. It’s all about striking that perfect balance of politeness, persuasion, and partnership. 

So, there you have it. Master these steps, and you’ll be all set to ace those niche edits. 

Remember, when we’re exploring niche edits, it’s important to remember that relevance, balance, and coherence are incredibly important. Remember, these elements are like your best buddies in this process. 

Niche Edits (aka. Link Insertion): Expert Tips, And Industry Insights Revealed)

Bottom Line

Consider each aspect of link acquisition with care, starting from link acquisition mindset to strategies.

Remember, mindset is the foundation.

If you have anything to ask, feel free to contact us.

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