When people talk about the hardest industries to build backlinks in, they often point to gambling or healthcare. But if you ask me, crypto is right up there with them. Trust issues (we all know there are tons of shady crypto sites) and fierce competition make websites hesitant to link to you. And without strong backlinks, your growth, rankings, and credibility take a hit.
The good news? It’s definitely not impossible. With the right approach, you can earn backlinks that genuinely help your site grow.
In this guide, I’ll share 16 practical ways to build quality crypto backlinks. These are realistic, tested ideas that can make a real difference in your rankings.
1. Guest Posting
Guest posting is when you write articles for other websites as a guest author, and in return, you get a valuable backlink to your crypto website.
When you’re hunting for guest posting opportunities, don’t just jump at any site that accepts posts. Take a step back and ask yourself: Does this site align with my audience? Does it have real traffic, or is it just a content farm?
Dig into their authority, niche relevance, and audience engagement—because it’s no secret that the crypto space is full of shady websites. The last thing you want is a backlink from one of them damaging your backlink portfolio.
Tools like Linkee help you vet prospects in seconds by checking their contextual relevance, spam score, website security, and more.
You can also check out our hand-picked lists of crypto guest posting websites to help you in your first steps.
Pro Tip: If you are unsure of the quality of the crypto website you are considering for guest posting, it’s better to focus on trusted websites from broader niches like finance and tech.
Real-World Example
Here’s an example you can take inspiration from. Stoic.ai secured a backlink from Coinspeaker in their article. What stands out is how seamlessly the link fits—it highlights Stoic.ai’s expertise in automated trading while adding real value for readers exploring the topic. This is exactly the kind of strategic, relevant link that builds credibility.
2. Backlinks from Crypto SAAS Websites
This strategy focuses on earning backlinks from reputable financial sites because they signal search engines that your site is deeply integrated within the crypto industry.
However, as I mentioned above, not all crypto websites are worth the link-building effort.
As a rule of thumb, the more trustworthy crypto websites tend to be crypto SaaS platforms, such as trading platforms, wallet solutions, analytics tools, and similar services.
The challenge with these websites is that they rarely offer backlinks, as their primary focus is prioritizing functionality and innovation over external partnerships, making it harder to secure backlinks from them.
This means more traditional link-building strategies won’t work.
What could potentially work is a more creative strategy. For example, you could collaborate with high-authority financial websites, where the SAAS crypto platform can be enthusiastic to be mentioned. By writing a guest post for a third-party website, you can include a link to a SaaS crypto platform within the content. In return, the SaaS crypto platform can link back to your site.
Real-World Example
Here’s how this strategy could work for you in the crypto space:
You (Crypto Agency A) reach out to a reputable financial platform (Platform B), like Bloomberg, to feature your insights in an article about blockchain technology or cryptocurrency trends, providing a backlink to your target Crypto SAAS platform.
Who wouldn’t want a link from Bloomberg, right?
In return, you ask the crypto SAAS platform to publish an article on the future of digital currencies with a backlink to your website. It’s a clever way to get both sides to rip the benefits of the campaign.
3. Linkable Assets
Linkable assets are high-quality content that you create on your crypto website with the specific purpose of attracting backlinks. These can be anything from comprehensive guides, infographics, tools, or original research. The goal is to provide something so valuable that other websites naturally want to link to it.
To maximize the effectiveness of your linkable assets, focus on creating content that solves a common problem or addresses a specific need within the crypto community.
Here are examples of linkable assets for a crypto website:
- Market analysis – Data-driven insights on crypto trends
- Case studies – Real-world examples of crypto success stories
- Industry reports – Research findings on market movements
- Tools/calculators – Interactive resources like tax calculators
- Glossaries – Definitions of important crypto terms, etc
Real-World Example
The Crypto Profit Calculator on CoinStats is a great example of a successful linkable asset. This tool offers a simple way for users to calculate potential profits from crypto investments, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced investors. Its utility has attracted around 150 backlinks, as crypto-focused websites and blogs frequently link to it.
4. Niche Edit/Link Insertion
Niche edits, also known as link insertions, involve adding your link to existing content on other websites. Instead of creating new content or exchanging links, you enhance an already published article by including your link where it naturally fits.
Similar to guest posting, the main challenge here is finding high-quality prospects that are spam-free and relevant.
Here are some websites you could consider:
- Personal Finance (e.g. Nerd Wallet)
- Fintech (e.g. Stripe)
- Cybersecurity ( e.g. Dark Reading)
- Technology blogs (e.g. Mashable)
Real-World Example
Here’s a real-world example that could be a niche edit. The crypto exchange ATAIX got a backlink in an IntelligentHQ article about investment opportunities. The link was added naturally in a section about choosing safe crypto platforms, giving readers a helpful resource without feeling out of place. While we can’t know for sure this was a niche edit, it’s a great example of how adding value with a link can work for crypto businesses.
5. Digital PR for Link Building
Digital PR for link building involves creating and distributing trendy content that grabs the attention of journalists, bloggers, and influencers within the crypto industry. The goal is to get your crypto website featured in articles or news stories, earning high-quality crypto backlinks in the process.
The main benefits of Digital PR are the following:
- You get backlinks from huge news outlets you otherwise wouldn’t be able to get
- You naturally earn hundreds of backlinks per campaign
Real-World Example
The Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index is a great example of a data-driven Digital PR campaign. They shared original research ranking countries by crypto adoption (how widely and effectively their populations use cryptocurrency) - insights journalists couldn’t find anywhere else. This unique resource earned them backlinks from top news outlets as reporters picked up the story. Simple, valuable, and effective!
6. Unlinked Brand Mentions
Unlinked brand mentions are when your crypto website or brand is mentioned on other sites, but without a link back to your site. If a website has already mentioned your brand, you can reach out and ask them to turn it into a link. Most website owners are open to this when the link fits naturally, making it a simple and effective addition to your link-building strategy.
Real-World Example
To demonstrate this strategy in action, I used Ahrefs and found unlinked brand mentions in the crypto industry, with Cryptoradar being mentioned on 4,971 pages without a backlink. By reaching out to the site owners and requesting a link, Cryptoradar could convert these mentions into valuable backlinks.
7. Podcast Link Building
Podcast link building involves appearing as a guest on relevant crypto podcasts, where you can share your expertise and insights. During the episode, the host usually provides a link to your website or resources in the show notes, which helps you gain valuable backlinks.
In my experience, podcasts are a popular medium in the crypto world, and when you appear as a guest, you position yourself as a thought leader in the industry.
I’ve found some popular crypto podcasts for you:
Real-World Example
Lloyd Lobo’s appearance on the Aaron Zakowski podcast is a great example of using podcast link-building. In the episode, he shared insights on community-driven growth strategies and earned backlinks to his projects, including Boast.AI, all while providing valuable content for listeners.
8. Broken Link Building
Broken link building is a strategy where you find broken links on other websites, reach out to the site owner, and suggest replacing the broken link with a link to your relevant content. This is especially useful in the crypto space, where things move quickly and websites or resources often don’t stay current for long.
Real-World Example
If you notice a broken link, such as the one on Gfinity Esports' page that previously directed users to Kraken's fee schedule, now resulting in a 404 error, this presents a prime opportunity. As a brand in the same niche, you could reach out to the Gfinity Esports team, offering them a link to your relevant content—perhaps a detailed guide on cryptocurrency exchange fees or a comparison of top exchanges. Offering your content as a valuable replacement helps improve Gfinity Esports' user experience and allows you to secure a backlink from a high-authority site.
9. Infographics
Infographics are a great way to simplify complicated ideas, making them especially useful for explaining things like blockchain, cryptocurrency trends, or market analysis in the crypto space. The goal is to create high-quality, engaging visuals and share them with other websites as a helpful resource in exchange for a backlink.
It’s like creating a visual cheat sheet that’s so helpful to others in your industry that they want to share it with their audience.
Real-World Example
Infographics can be a powerful tool for link building in the crypto world, especially when they make complicated topics like blockchain easy to understand. Finadium showed how effective this can be with their infographic, "Crypto in 2018: What Happened?" It broke down the key events and trends of the year in a way that appealed to both beginners and experts, making it highly shareable across financial and tech blogs.
10. Press Release for Link Building
Press release link building is a way to share big news about your crypto business—like a new product launch, partnership, or milestone—with media outlets, news sites, and industry blogs. For example, launching a new Web3 wallet with standout features—like seamless cross-chain swaps or one-click NFT management—or announcing a key partnership with a major blockchain network can really get people talking.
Real-World Example
Ledger, a well-known hardware wallet provider, has a great way of using press releases to keep people informed and engaged. When they launch a new product or address important issues like crypto security, they focus on making the information clear and accessible. This approach has earned them features in major publications—Forbes, for instance, featured their insights on hardware wallets, making a technical topic easy for anyone to grasp. TechCrunch also covered their response to a supply chain attack, showing how they prioritize transparency and user safety.
11. Blogger Outreach
Blogger outreach in the crypto space is about finding the right people to collaborate with—bloggers or influencers who align with the topics you specialize in, like DeFi, blockchain, or crypto security. For example, if you find a blog that frequently writes about hardware wallets, you could offer them unique insights, such as data on wallet adoption trends or a detailed comparison of popular wallet features. You could also collaborate on creating a beginner-friendly guide on a complex topic, like layer-2 scaling solutions. The goal is to provide genuine value to their audience while also securing that relevant backlink.
Real-World Example
Let’s say Bitfinex, a cryptocurrency trading platform, comes across a review like this one on Finder. They could reach out to the author and say something like:
“Hey [Author Name], I came across your article about Bitfinex—it’s a great review! Since you already have an interest in our platform, we’d love to explore potential opportunities to collaborate, whether it’s co-creating content or supporting your future cryptocurrency-related projects. Let us know if that sounds interesting!”
It’s a simple, polite request that provides value to the audience by improving the user experience, and it gives Bitfinex a natural, high-quality backlink. Win-win!
12. Founder Interviews
As a crypto company founder, you can reach out to reputable websites seeking expert insights for in-depth interviews. Share how your company is tackling blockchain scalability or navigating evolving crypto regulations. Be meticulous in choosing the platforms you agree to interview with—ensure your values align, and evaluate their authority, audience, and key SEO metrics such as DR to maximize the impact of this strategy.
Real-World Example
Alexander Leishman, founder of the Bitcoin brokerage River, put this strategy to work by sharing his story and insights in an article featured on Nasdaq’s website. In the interview, he talks about River’s core values, its focus on providing excellent services, and its commitment to the “not your keys, not your coins” philosophy, showing how much the company prioritizes trust and asset security for its clients. It also included a link back to River’s website.
13. Link Roundups
Link roundup involves getting your content featured in curated lists that compile the best articles, tools, or resources in the crypto industry.
To do this effectively, start by identifying websites or blogs that regularly publish roundups related to your niche, such as “Top Blockchain Resources of the Week” or “Best Guides on Crypto Security.”
Reach out to the site owner or editor with a personalized pitch, explaining why your content—like a detailed guide on cryptocurrency security or a tool for tracking blockchain transactions—adds value to their list. For example, if your guide includes actionable tips and up-to-date statistics, it’s more likely to stand out and earn a place in a high-traffic roundup, securing valuable backlinks for your site.
Real-World Example
The Fast Company roundup of innovative crypto and blockchain companies in 2023 demonstrates how link roundups can work. Businesses like Milk Road or others featured may have secured their spot by actively reaching out to curators, pitching their relevance and value. While it’s not confirmed, this highlights how strategic outreach combined with strong positioning can lead to valuable placements in high-authority lists.
14. Whitepapers and Research Reports
Whitepapers and research reports are detailed documents that dive into specific topics, offering in-depth insights and practical value. Imagine putting together a report that breaks down how Ethereum Layer-2 solutions are performing—things like speed benchmarks, adoption trends, and real-world examples of how people are actually using them. Content like this is packed with solid info, so it naturally gets shared and linked to by blogs, forums, and even big institutional websites that need trustworthy sources.
Now, if you pick a topic that’s niche but really useful—like how crypto trading taxes work in certain regions—it makes your work even more likely to get noticed. Think about it: when someone’s searching for answers to those specific questions, they’ll find your research super handy. It’s like being the friend who always knows the answer when others are stuck!
Real-World Example
Have you seen KuCoin's Campus Survey? It’s such a cool example of a whitepaper that gained exposure and attracted dozens of backlinks. They talked to almost 2,000 students, and guess what? 88% of them said they’re excited about starting a career in blockchain. A lot of them are into roles like data analysis and marketing—which totally makes sense given how much the industry is growing.
But here’s the part that really stood out: they dug into what skills actually matter, like analytics, finance, and tech, and even pointed out how flexible work options make blockchain jobs even more appealing. It’s one of those reports that just gets it—spot-on insights and super relevant info for anyone interested in this space.
15. Crypto News Sites
Getting featured on crypto news sites is when you share something exciting that grabs attention and gets people talking. The key is to focus on newsworthy updates—like launching a groundbreaking feature, announcing a big partnership, or celebrating an important milestone. These are the kinds of stories that naturally earn you backlinks.
For example, if your project introduces a unique staking mechanism or reaches $1 billion in transaction volume, pitch the story directly to editors at sites like CoinDesk, Decrypt, or The Block. Include compelling stats or visuals to make your story stand out.
Real-World Example
Take Binance, for example—they’ve nailed the Crypto News Sites strategy. When they announced the delisting of tokens like OMG, WAVES, WNXM, and XEM, the news was picked up by Blockchain News. Why? Because they made sure their update was relevant and newsworthy for the crypto community. And that’s exactly the kind of strategic move you could aim for too.
16. Crypto Directories
Crypto directories are websites where crypto projects and services can list themselves to get noticed. Being featured on popular directories like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko can really help your project stand out. It adds to your credibility and gives your website quality backlinks that make it easier for people to find you.
Easy Tip: To maximize the benefits of this strategy, make sure your listing is complete and regularly updated. Include a detailed project description, website link, social media profiles, and any recent milestones.
Here are the most popular crypto directories you might consider:
Real-World Example
Here’s how TON nailed it with crypto directories: They got their TONCoin listed on CoinMarketCap, one of the most trusted names in the crypto world. While most directories might provide a nofollow backlink, it’s still a great way to gain exposure.
What Websites Are More Likely to Give Backlinks to Your Crypto Startup?
When building backlinks for your crypto startup, focusing on websites closely related to your niche is essential. Targeting relevant sites ensures higher-quality backlinks. Here are some categories and examples of websites to consider:
- Crypto News Sites: These platforms focus on the latest developments, news, and innovations in the cryptocurrency world. Examples include CoinDesk, CoinTelegraph, and CryptoSlate. These sites often feature news stories, expert opinions, and market analyses that are relevant to the crypto community.
- Blockchain and Technology Blogs: Blogs that cover blockchain technology, decentralized finance (DeFi), and related topics are highly relevant. Sites like The Block and Hackernoon frequently publish content related to blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
- Fintech Publications: Fintech blogs and news sites often cover developments in financial technology, including blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
- Educational Platforms: Websites that offer courses, tutorials, or resources on blockchain and cryptocurrency are excellent sources of backlinks.
- Startup-Focused Publications: Websites that specifically target startup news and advice are great for securing backlinks, especially if your crypto startup is gaining traction or has a unique innovation.
Wrapping Up Your Link Building Strategy for Crypto
When I started working on building backlinks for a crypto project, I quickly realized how important it is to focus on quality over quantity. It’s not just about getting links—it’s about finding the right ones that actually make sense for your niche.
One thing that saved me a ton of time was using a tool like Linkee. It helped me find link opportunities that fit perfectly with our project without spending hours researching. Combining tools like this with a thoughtful approach made a huge difference—not just in search rankings but in how people saw our brand. If you’re in the crypto space, building links this way is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Maria Harutyunyan is the co-founder at Loopex Digital, one of the fast-growing SEO agencies in the world. She grew the agency to a 7-figure from the ground up in 3 years. Outside of Loopex Digital, Harutyunyan is a keynote speaker and SEO coach. She is the founder of the first SEO academy, an off-line training program in Yerevan, Armenia.
