{"id":2083,"date":"2023-02-28T05:06:57","date_gmt":"2023-02-28T05:06:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ewebtoolz.com\/blog\/get-these-6-types-of-backlinks-4-types-to-avoid\/"},"modified":"2023-02-28T05:06:57","modified_gmt":"2023-02-28T05:06:57","slug":"get-these-6-types-of-backlinks-4-types-to-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ewebtoolz.com\/blog\/get-these-6-types-of-backlinks-4-types-to-avoid\/","title":{"rendered":"Get These 6 Types of Backlinks (+ 4 Types to Avoid)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<p>We all know that building links is crucial to any SEO strategy. The problem is that with so many link vendors and outreach specialists offering different types of backlinks, it can be challenging to know which links provide value and which you should avoid at all\u00a0costs.<\/p>\n<p>Because when it comes to building the wrong links, this can be a costly error that can seriously damage your site or, worse, a client\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p>This article will help you start your link building journey the right way. I will walk you through the six types of backlinks that will boost your SEO efforts and, more importantly, four types to\u00a0avoid.<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 14\" style=\"\"><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\"\/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style=\"\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><\/p>\n<p><h2>Six best types of backlinks for\u00a0SEO<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Although there are many types of backlinks in SEO, only some of those are worth taking the time and effort to acquire. Let\u2019s take a look at some of the most popular types of backlinks and how you can land\u00a0them.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Editorial backlinks<\/h3>\n<p>As someone who loves using <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/digital-pr\/\">digital PR<\/a> for SEO, I guess it\u2019s probably no surprise that editorial backlinks are at the top of the\u00a0list.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Being cited within content as an authoritative source is one of the best links you can acquire. These can often come from high-authority sites and also drive tons of referral traffic.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"974\" height=\"410\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image12-12.png\" alt=\"Editorial link example\" class=\"wp-image-153916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image12-12.png 974w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image12-12-680x286.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image12-12-768x323.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 974px) 100vw, 974px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"974\" height=\"410\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image12-12.png\" alt=\"Editorial link example\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image12-12.png 974w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image12-12-680x286.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image12-12-768x323.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 974px) 100vw, 974px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An example of an editorial link I landed on The Writing Cooperative.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4>How it\u00a0works\u00a0<\/h4>\n<p>Create high-quality content that other sites will want to cite as a source and include linkable assets like infographics within your content that other sites will be keen to\u00a0share.<\/p>\n<p>Also, use <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/pr-tactics-examples\/\">PR techniques<\/a> (e.g., newsjacking) or reactive PR with platforms (e.g., <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/haro-link-building\/\">Help a Reporter Out, aka HARO<\/a>), which allows you to be quoted as an expert source on a topic and achieve editorial links to your website.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Guest blogging backlinks<\/h3>\n<p>Most SEOs will build guest blogging links for every site they work on; in fact, it\u2019s the most used tactic,<strong> <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.authorityhacker.com\/link-building-survey\/\"><strong>according to Authority Hacker\u2019s link building survey<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"838\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image16-7.png\" alt=\"Most popular link building tactics\" class=\"wp-image-153918\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image16-7.png 990w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image16-7-502x425.png 502w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image16-7-768x650.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"838\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image16-7.png\" alt=\"Most popular link building tactics\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153918\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image16-7.png 990w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image16-7-502x425.png 502w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image16-7-768x650.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>The only problem with these types of links is that most people don\u2019t take the time to build them themselves. Most SEOs (unless working for an agency with an in-house link building team) outsource to others and, as a result, the links are often on low-quality sites.<\/p>\n<p>These links are relatively easy to acquire, as it\u2019s a win-win for both sites. Not only do you get an excellent backlink from an authority site, but they also get a quality piece of content that will drive traffic to their\u00a0blog.<\/p>\n<p>With these links, you must do your due diligence before reaching out to sites. <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/blogger-outreach\/\">Doing your own outreach<\/a> also means building lasting relationships with web administrators and site owners that you can utilize repeatedly.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h4>How it\u00a0works<\/h4>\n<p>Find the perfect authority site to reach out to. You can easily do this by using Ahrefs\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/content-explorer\">Content Explorer<\/a>, entering a keyword or phrase in the title, and filtering the results by <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/domain-rating\/\">Domain Rating (DR)<\/a>. This will help you find appropriate blogs already publishing related content.<\/p>\n<p>In the example below, I have searched for the keyword \u201clink building,\u201d filtering results by DR 30\u201365. For new sites looking to build links, this DR range works well because it is high enough to move the needle, but not too high that getting a link from the site will be unrealistic.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1245\" height=\"541\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image10-7.png\" alt=\"Content Explorer use example\" class=\"wp-image-153920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image10-7.png 1245w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image10-7-680x295.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image10-7-768x334.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1245px) 100vw, 1245px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1245\" height=\"541\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image10-7.png\" alt=\"Content Explorer use example\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image10-7.png 1245w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image10-7-680x295.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image10-7-768x334.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1245px) 100vw, 1245px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve found relevant sites to reach out to, spend a little time doing some digging. Check a site to see what topics it has covered most recently. Also, be sure to <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/site-explorer\">check the quality of links in its backlink profile<\/a>. I\u2019ll expand on what to look for in a great backlink later\u00a0on.<\/p>\n<p>Use a tool like <a href=\"https:\/\/hunter.io\/\">Hunter.io<\/a> to find appropriate contacts for your chosen sites to start putting your outreach emails together.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"812\" height=\"366\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image13-7.png\" alt=\"Example of finding email addresses\" class=\"wp-image-153922\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image13-7.png 812w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image13-7-680x307.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image13-7-768x346.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 812px) 100vw, 812px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"812\" height=\"366\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image13-7.png\" alt=\"Example of finding email addresses\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153922\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image13-7.png 812w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image13-7-680x307.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image13-7-768x346.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 812px) 100vw, 812px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>Now you can reach out and pitch them your topic ideas. Either pitch new topics relevant to their existing content and audience or<strong> <\/strong>check their sites for underperforming content and offer to produce an updated version.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In my experience, what works best is to put together a detailed content brief on two to three topics and send that over. This allows a site\u2019s content team to get an idea of the article you are looking to provide and how much value it can\u00a0add.<\/p>\n<p>A detailed content brief should include the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Title ideas<\/li>\n<li>Similar posts on the\u00a0SERP<\/li>\n<li>The goal of the\u00a0post<\/li>\n<li>Post format based on SERP intent (commercial, informational, listicle, etc)<\/li>\n<li>Target audience<\/li>\n<li>Three to five keywords, their search volume, and keyword difficulty<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/people-also-ask\/\"><span class=\"dquo\">\u201c<\/span>People also asked\u201d questions<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Optimal word\u00a0count<\/li>\n<li>Suggested outline and key points (including suggested headings for H2s, H3s, and\u00a0H4s)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you have an existing portfolio and following, include links in your email and inform them that you will be happy to share the content with your audience once it is published.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Relationship-based backlinks<\/h3>\n<p>Relationship-based backlinks could technically fall under editorial links. However, editorial links, as mentioned in the context above, are more organic and take less work to achieve.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Relationship-based links take time and effort to nurture, but they are worth it in the long\u00a0run.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h4>How it\u00a0works\u00a0<\/h4>\n<p>Reach out to journalists or web administrators who have already linked to you. Take time to thank them and state you are willing for them to contact you if they need any further input. This can be the first step in building ongoing relationships.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This works exceptionally well in digital PR. Once a journalist knows you are a trusted source of information open to being contacted directly, they are likely to reach out whenever they are working on something they feel you have insights on.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s an example of a nice email I got from the team at ScaleMath after reaching out to them in regards to some expert commentary I provided for the\u00a0blog:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"722\" height=\"321\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image1-13.png\" alt=\"An example of an email from relationship-based link building\" class=\"wp-image-153924\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image1-13.png 722w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image1-13-680x302.png 680w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 722px) 100vw, 722px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"722\" height=\"321\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image1-13.png\" alt=\"An example of an email from relationship-based link building\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153924\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image1-13.png 722w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image1-13-680x302.png 680w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 722px) 100vw, 722px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>Another way to build relationships is by using three-way link exchanges. These types of links are working successfully across the globe, as shown in our recent article on <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/international-link-building\/#building-relationships-in-your-niche-is-a-big-leverage\">international link building<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>However, if these are done excessively and without proper due diligence on the sites you\u2019re exchanging links with, they can be labeled as a <a href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/search\/docs\/essentials\/spam-policies#link-spam\">link scheme<\/a>. So take extra care when using this tactic.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1526\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image9-11.png\" alt=\"Three-way link exchange\" class=\"wp-image-153926\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image9-11.png 1600w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image9-11-446x425.png 446w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image9-11-768x732.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image9-11-1536x1465.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1526\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image9-11.png\" alt=\"Three-way link exchange\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153926\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image9-11.png 1600w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image9-11-446x425.png 446w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image9-11-768x732.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image9-11-1536x1465.png 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h3>4. Backlinks in business profiles<\/h3>\n<p>Building a digital footprint for your business will help search engines consider your website to be well established within your industry. A popular way of doing this is by creating business profiles.<\/p>\n<h4>How it\u00a0works<\/h4>\n<p>You can create profiles on business listing websites like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crunchbase.com\">Crunchbase<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insiderpages.com\">InsiderPages<\/a> that will include a link to your site. Most of these sites have a landing page that will allow you to go ahead and create a profile, each only taking a few minutes.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image7-13.png\" alt=\"Example of a business listing website\" class=\"wp-image-153928\" width=\"494\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image7-13.png 658w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image7-13-536x425.png 536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 494px) 100vw, 494px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image7-13.png\" alt=\"Example of a business listing website\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153928\" width=\"494\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image7-13.png 658w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image7-13-536x425.png 536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 494px) 100vw, 494px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>A word of warning, though: Be careful\u2014too much of this is considered spammy and may not work for you. Using the biggest established listings as benchmarks, along with common sense, should be enough to separate the wheat from the\u00a0chaff.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Backlinks from public speaking<\/h3>\n<p>Granted, these types of backlinks are not for everyone. But if you\u2019re confident in front of an audience or even behind a microphone, participating in public speaking opportunities can be a fantastic way to earn quality backlinks.<\/p>\n<p>These types of links are also a fantastic way to demonstrate the double \u201cE\u201d in experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness, or <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/eat-seo\/\">E-E-A-T<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>How?<\/p>\n<p>Because you\u2019re building a digital footprint showing you\u2019re experienced in speaking as a subject matter expert,<em> <\/em>which promotes you as a<em> <\/em>trusted authority<em> <\/em>in your industry.<\/p>\n<h4>How it\u00a0works\u00a0<\/h4>\n<p>You can earn these links through multiple events, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Live seminars<\/li>\n<li>Webinars<\/li>\n<li>Podcasts<\/li>\n<li>Conferences<\/li>\n<li>Online courses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Being a guest speaker or instructor means your bit is often posted on the official website with a link so interested users can find out more about you and your experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"555\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image14-8.png\" alt=\"Example of public speaking link from a podcast\" class=\"wp-image-153930\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"555\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image14-8.png\" alt=\"Example of public speaking link from a podcast\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153930\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An example of me being a guest in the \u201cSearch with Candour\u201d podcast.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>6. Embedded asset\u00a0links<\/h3>\n<p>This is one of my favorite lesser-known types of backlinks that not only works a treat when it comes to landing tons of placements but also serves as excellent brand exposure.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Embedded asset links can be broken into two categories:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Tools and widgets<\/li>\n<li>Awards and badges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Tools and widgets<\/h4>\n<p>It\u2019s important to note that the first of these will only work in specific niches. However, if you work in a niche where this is possible, it\u2019s a great way to score ongoing links with minimal effort.<\/p>\n<h5>How it\u00a0works\u00a0<\/h5>\n<p>You create a tool or widget on your site and make the code accessible for other website owners in your niche to embed the widget on their\u00a0sites.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This works well with calculators, but do make sure your brand (and that all-important link to your site) shows as part of the tool. This numerology calculator from Affinity Numerology is a great example:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"686\" height=\"753\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image8-9.png\" alt=\"Example of embedded asset links\" class=\"wp-image-153932\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image8-9.png 686w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image8-9-387x425.png 387w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 686px) 100vw, 686px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"686\" height=\"753\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image8-9.png\" alt=\"Example of embedded asset links\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153932\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image8-9.png 686w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image8-9-387x425.png 387w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 686px) 100vw, 686px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h4>Awards and badges<\/h4>\n<p>The second embedded asset link is far more universal if you are creative. I\u2019ve worked with everything from SEO agencies to niche affiliate websites where this technique was used successfully.<\/p>\n<p>The fact is that most people love accolades. Being named the best at something, especially if it is by a reputable company within your industry, is something worth displaying to potential customers. This helps build trust, which is why this type of backlink is so easy to acquire.<\/p>\n<h5>How it\u00a0works\u00a0<\/h5>\n<p>You create a \u201cbest of\u201d style roundup post on your site. You can do this yourself based on your own opinions. Alternatively, if you want to be authentic, you can run a poll on social media or via a tool like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pollfish.com\/\">Pollfish<\/a> to get public opinion on your chosen topic.<\/p>\n<p>Then you reach out to the sites you have highlighted in your post and inform them they have been voted the best (at whatever the topic may be). You give them a badge (with your brand and a link to your site) that they can proudly display.<\/p>\n<p>For example, here is a roundup of the \u201cBest Business Blogs\u201d from a U.K.-based SEO agency, Session Media:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1873\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image19-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"Example of a roundup for best blogs\" class=\"wp-image-153934\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image19-2-1.jpg 1873w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image19-2-1-680x245.jpg 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image19-2-1-768x277.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image19-2-1-1536x554.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1873px) 100vw, 1873px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1873\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image19-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"Example of a roundup for best blogs\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153934\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image19-2-1.jpg 1873w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image19-2-1-680x245.jpg 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image19-2-1-768x277.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image19-2-1-1536x554.jpg 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1873px) 100vw, 1873px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>The agency lists its top choices, including \u201cThe Dad Blog UK,\u201d which then proudly creates its own post to show off the shiny winner\u2019s badge.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1552\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image4-15.jpg\" alt=\"Example of a website displaying a winner badge\" class=\"wp-image-153935\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image4-15.jpg 1552w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image4-15-680x358.jpg 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image4-15-768x404.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image4-15-1536x808.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1552px) 100vw, 1552px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1552\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image4-15.jpg\" alt=\"Example of a website displaying a winner badge\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153935\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image4-15.jpg 1552w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image4-15-680x358.jpg 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image4-15-768x404.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image4-15-1536x808.jpg 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1552px) 100vw, 1552px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>And here, you can see the link in the <strong>Backlinks<\/strong> report in Ahrefs\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/site-explorer\">Site Explorer<\/a>:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image17-7.png\" alt=\"Example of embedded badge link in the Backlinks report, via Ahrefs' Site Explorer\" class=\"wp-image-153937\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image17-7.png 1999w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image17-7-680x167.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image17-7-768x188.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image17-7-1536x377.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image17-7.png\" alt=\"Example of embedded badge link in the Backlinks report, via Ahrefs' Site Explorer\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153937\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image17-7.png 1999w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image17-7-680x167.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image17-7-768x188.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image17-7-1536x377.png 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\"\/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 14\" style=\"\"><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\"\/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style=\"\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><\/p>\n<p><h2>Types of backlinks to\u00a0avoid<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Now that we\u2019ve covered some of the best kinds of backlinks you can build for your site, we need to look at the types of backlinks you should avoid.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Granted, some of these types of links may give some sites short-term gains. But more often than not, these links can do significantly more harm than good. Plus, the truth of the matter is most do nothing for your site and are simply a waste of time and\u00a0money.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>7. Link schemes\u00a0<\/h3>\n<p>The use of unnatural links to affect rankings in Google Search results is known as \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/search\/docs\/essentials\/spam-policies?hl=en&amp;visit_id=637679922664600429-2234606969&amp;rd=1#link-spam\">link spam<\/a>\u201d or \u201clink schemes.\u201d Link schemes include both inbound links to and outbound links from your website.<\/p>\n<p>Some examples of link schemes include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Buying and selling links.<\/li>\n<li>Excessive link exchanges.<\/li>\n<li>Requiring links as part of a Terms of Service or other agreement.<\/li>\n<li>Footers or templates with links that are distributed in mass. For example, hard-coding a link to your website into the WP Theme that you sell or give away for\u00a0free.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"dquo\">\u201c<\/span>Followed\u201d links on\u00a0ads.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Over-optimized, keyword-rich links in guest posts and comments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Private blog network (PBN)<\/h4>\n<p>The most popular type of link scheme is the use of private blog networks (PBNs). They\u2019re a collection of websites made purely to link to one another and raise the website\u2019s organic search exposure.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>PBNs give the impression that a website has \u201cearned\u201d backlinks from other sites. You create trust signals artificially by linking to your \u201cmoney\u201d site from all the other sites in your PBN in the hopes that Google will see them as real sites and rank you better in response.<\/p>\n<p>Link building with PBNs (or any link scheme) is risky and can even trigger a Google penalty.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h4>Automated links<\/h4>\n<p>Using automated link building software to send links at scale to one site is not new, especially within the <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/black-hat-seo-tactics\/\">black hat SEO<\/a> community.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>However, there is an increasing trend of people packaging these links as link building services, like \u201cfoundation links,\u201d at incredibly low prices for those with less experience looking to outsource their link building efforts.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1697\" height=\"482\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image15-5.jpg\" alt=\"Example of automated links used as a service\" class=\"wp-image-153939\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image15-5.jpg 1697w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image15-5-680x193.jpg 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image15-5-768x218.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image15-5-1536x436.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1697px) 100vw, 1697px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1697\" height=\"482\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image15-5.jpg\" alt=\"Example of automated links used as a service\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153939\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image15-5.jpg 1697w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image15-5-680x193.jpg 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image15-5-768x218.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image15-5-1536x436.jpg 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1697px) 100vw, 1697px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>This can be dangerous, especially if you are not in control of the automation process and don\u2019t understand what you are getting.<\/p>\n<p>These tools build a massive network of links from blogs, social bookmarks, wiki pages, etc., all pointing back to one central site. They often include layers of complex, tiered links designed to increase the amount of link equity going back to the main\u00a0site.<\/p>\n<p>Similar to PBNs, these links are designed to manipulate your rankings on the SERPs and are, needless to say, against <a href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/search\/docs\/advanced\/guidelines\/webmaster-guidelines?hl=en\">Google\u2019s webmaster guidelines<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>8. Low-quality or irrelevant directory links<\/h3>\n<p>As mentioned above, creating business profiles on high-quality listing sites can be a great way to secure quality exposure.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>However, making these at scale on any directory, regardless of the quality,<strong> <\/strong>is considered yet another spammy practice.<\/p>\n<h3>9. Low-quality forum backlinks<\/h3>\n<p>Spamming forums with links to your site is a pretty old-school link building technique that, in honesty, doesn\u2019t do anything for your\u00a0site.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If links are ever placed in forums,<strong> <\/strong>they should appear naturally as part of a genuine discussion.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This example from Hacker News shows someone advising different flight simulators as part of a discussion. This is the only way any links should be placed in forums\u2014when used to give genuine advice or offer resources to other forum\u00a0users.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"787\" height=\"133\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image2-7.png\" alt=\"Example of forum links\" class=\"wp-image-153941\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image2-7.png 787w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image2-7-680x115.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image2-7-768x130.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 787px) 100vw, 787px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"787\" height=\"133\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image2-7.png\" alt=\"Example of forum links\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153941\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image2-7.png 787w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image2-7-680x115.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image2-7-768x130.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 787px) 100vw, 787px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h3>10. Non-newsworthy press release links<\/h3>\n<p>An official statement issued to the media is known as a <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/how-to-write-a-press-release\/\">press release<\/a>. It\u2019s frequently used to announce anything noteworthy a business has done to get media attention. Press releases are often used to cover the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Launch of a product, service, or business<\/li>\n<li>Major updates to a company, such as its rebranding, restructuring, or acquisitions<\/li>\n<li>Information about a significant crisis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Although press releases serve a great purpose when done correctly, they don\u2019t work so well when the story you are pushing out to the press is not newsworthy. Creating press releases solely to build links is considered a spammy practice.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, if your company has achieved something of merit, experienced a significant change like an acquisition, or released a new product, that\u2019s worth sharing with the press. However, don\u2019t send out a press release about \u201cbring your dog to work Tuesdays\u201d in hopes of building lots of\u00a0links.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"862\" height=\"692\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image18-5.png\" alt=\"Example of a good press release by Ahrefs\" class=\"wp-image-153943\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image18-5.png 862w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image18-5-529x425.png 529w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image18-5-768x617.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 862px) 100vw, 862px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"862\" height=\"692\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image18-5.png\" alt=\"Example of a good press release by Ahrefs\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153943\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image18-5.png 862w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image18-5-529x425.png 529w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image18-5-768x617.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 862px) 100vw, 862px\"\/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 14\" style=\"\"><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\"\/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style=\"\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><\/p>\n<p><h2>What to look for in a great backlink<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>So now that we have looked at the different types of backlinks you should build and avoid, let\u2019s look at what kinds of backlinks are valuable for your overall SEO strategy.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>Backlinks coming from trusted, authoritative websites<\/h3>\n<p>If a website has a strong backlink profile, it is also likely perceived as an authority in its industry.<\/p>\n<p>Links from high-authority sites also promote trust with search engines, sending a signal that basically says, \u201cHey, Forbes thinks this site is worth mentioning; check it\u00a0out.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1253\" height=\"812\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image20-4.png\" alt=\"Example of authoritative referring domains\" class=\"wp-image-153945\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image20-4.png 1253w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image20-4-656x425.png 656w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image20-4-768x498.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1253px) 100vw, 1253px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1253\" height=\"812\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image20-4.png\" alt=\"Example of authoritative referring domains\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153945\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image20-4.png 1253w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image20-4-656x425.png 656w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image20-4-768x498.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1253px) 100vw, 1253px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Example of authoritative referring domains from the <strong>Referring domains<\/strong> report in Ahrefs\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/site-explorer\">Site Explorer<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Links with anchor text including your target keywords<\/h3>\n<p>We wrote about the correlation between the importance of <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/anchor-text\/\">anchor texts<\/a> with appropriate keywords for better rankings. To comprehend your page\u2019s content and the keywords it should rank for, Google uses anchor text.<\/p>\n<p>Here are three examples of different anchor texts pointing to the same page sourced from the <strong>Backlinks<\/strong> report in Ahrefs\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/site-explorer\">Site Explorer<\/a>. The first two mention the target keyword \u201canchor text\u201d within their anchor texts, while the third one mentions \u201canchor text\u201d in the surrounding text:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"873\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image3-8.png\" alt=\"Example of various anchor texts\" class=\"wp-image-153947\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image3-8.png 1999w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image3-8-680x297.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image3-8-768x335.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image3-8-1536x671.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"873\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image3-8.png\" alt=\"Example of various anchor texts\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153947\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image3-8.png 1999w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image3-8-680x297.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image3-8-768x335.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image3-8-1536x671.png 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>However, it is essential to remember that overuse of keywords within anchor text can be seen as manipulative by Google.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>A niche-relevant page that links to\u00a0yours<\/h3>\n<p>Links that are topically relevant to your site are essential and help Google understand your site. However, this is even more true when the page is niche-relevant.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>For example, if I have a site about hiking, getting a link from a general news site\u2019s article on hiking is good. But getting a link from another hiking site pointing to mine as an authority on hiking is better.<\/p>\n<p>The more focused the website is on your niche, the better. But what ultimately matters here is the context of the link within the page and its\u00a0topic.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image5-10.png\" alt=\"Example of a backlink from a niche-relevant page\" class=\"wp-image-153949\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image5-10.png 1999w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image5-10-680x136.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image5-10-768x153.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image5-10-1536x307.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image5-10.png\" alt=\"Example of a backlink from a niche-relevant page\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153949\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image5-10.png 1999w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image5-10-680x136.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image5-10-768x153.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image5-10-1536x307.png 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h3>Followed links<\/h3>\n<p>Followed links are the gold standard of backlinks. Everyone wants one because they can distribute link equity to your site and promote trust signals with search engines.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Any link can be considered \u201cfollowed\u201d if it doesn\u2019t have link attributes like nofollow, sponsored, or\u00a0ugc.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Each link attribute has a set purpose and provides context to search engines about the link and the page you are linking to. Unfortunately, many people misuse link attributes, sometimes purposefully.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1279\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image11-7.png\" alt=\"Followed vs. nofollow link example\" class=\"wp-image-153951\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image11-7.png 1279w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image11-7-680x204.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image11-7-768x231.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1279px) 100vw, 1279px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1279\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image11-7.png\" alt=\"Followed vs. nofollow link example\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153951\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image11-7.png 1279w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image11-7-680x204.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image11-7-768x231.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1279px) 100vw, 1279px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>Followed links are often used to cite sources with editorial links. For example, writing an article and quoting the results of a relevant study will link to the website where that information was\u00a0found.<\/p>\n<p>A current trend is for sites to use the incorrect link attribute only to reach out to you and inform you they will be happy to change the link to \u201cfollowed\u201d for a fee. This should be avoided, as it can be considered a paid\u00a0link.<\/p>\n<h3>Backlinks from pages with strong backlink profiles<\/h3>\n<p>When acquiring links, we want to ensure they pass as much link equity as possible to our page. A page with a strong backlink profile of its own is generally going to provide more link equity.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"880\" height=\"645\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image6-11.png\" alt=\"Page with strong backlink profile\" class=\"wp-image-153953\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image6-11.png 880w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image6-11-580x425.png 580w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image6-11-768x563.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 880px) 100vw, 880px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"880\" height=\"645\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image6-11.png\" alt=\"Page with strong backlink profile\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-153953\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image6-11.png 880w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image6-11-580x425.png 580w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image6-11-768x563.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 880px) 100vw, 880px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>Link equity is significant because it is linked to <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/google-pagerank\/\">PageRank<\/a>, which is what Google has been using since forever. In other words, the more link equity a page has, the better the probability of it ranking highly.<\/p>\n<h2>Final thoughts<\/h2>\n<p>Building high-quality backlinks will always be a crucial part of SEO, and the important thing is to build the right links that will positively impact your website. Ideally, backlinks that not only move the needle but also <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/increase-brand-awareness\/\">increase brand awareness<\/a> and drive referral traffic.<\/p>\n<p>Have you got questions? Ping me <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/seowithjenny\/\">on Twitter<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/types-of-backlinks\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We all know that building links is crucial to any SEO strategy. The problem is that with so many link vendors and outreach specialists offering different types of backlinks, it can be challenging to know which links provide value and which you should avoid at all\u00a0costs. Because when it comes to building the wrong links, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2084,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2083","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-seo"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ewebtoolz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2083","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ewebtoolz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ewebtoolz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ewebtoolz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ewebtoolz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2083"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ewebtoolz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2083\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ewebtoolz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2084"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ewebtoolz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2083"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ewebtoolz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2083"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ewebtoolz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2083"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}