Building niche-relevant backlinks isn’t the same for every industry—each one comes with its own challenges. Finding truly relevant opportunities is tough, especially in competitive markets.
Many businesses face endless outreach, low response rates, and rankings that fail to reflect their hard work. We get it—it’s frustrating to invest so much and see no results. Three major challenges often stand in the way:
- Competing with Industry Giants: In nearly every niche, dominant players like Amazon in e-commerce, Healthline in content, or TripAdvisor in travel—and their equivalents—tend to dominate search results. To stand a chance against them, strategic link building is essential.
- Limited Number of Relevant Websites: The small pool of high-quality niche sites makes finding backlinks time-consuming and difficult.
- High Costs for Backlink Placements & Limited Budget: Premium prices for links require creative strategies to avoid overpaying and ensure value.
In this guide, we’ve put together 17 link-building strategies with real-world examples to help you tackle these challenges and get strong, niche-relevant backlinks—let’s dive in!
1. Guest Posting
Guest posting is when you write articles for other websites as a guest author. You share your expertise while getting a backlink to your site. But it’s not just about the credibility of the linking website—relevance is key.
Niche-related backlinks are more valuable because they come from sites that focus on similar topics, helping search engines see your site as a trusted source in your field.
To get the most out of guest posting opportunities, you can leverage search operators to quickly locate niche-relevant sites accepting guest posts or content.
Here’s what you can do:
- Search for intitle: "write for us" + (your niche keyword) to discover sites in your industry looking for guest contributors.
- Check the site’s authority by using tools like Ahrefs or Moz to look at its domain rating (DR) or domain authority (DA).
- Reach out with a personalized pitch offering your expertise in exchange for a backlink.
We’ve gathered a list of relevant websites offering guest posting opportunities—take a look at our blog post to find guest post websites and start building your backlink profile.
Real-World Example
To show how well this strategy works, let me share a real-world example. I recently wrote an article for Mangools, a well-known SEO tool provider. In the post, I shared practical strategies for optimizing category pages, covering key topics like keyword research, internal linking, and metadata improvements. Since Mangools operates in the same niche as my SEO agency, it was a perfect fit and resulted in a valuable backlink to my website.
2. Backlinks from Niche Websites
Backlinks from websites in your niche are links from sites with similar content or topics that point to your website, helping search engines see your site as relevant and authoritative within your industry. For example, if you run a food blog, a link from a recipe website or a health food store would be worth getting. These types of links help your site get noticed by search engines as relevant and trustworthy.
Here’s one way you can get industry-specific backlinks:
For example, you (Brand A) reach out to a relevant brand (Brand B) to feature your product in a blog post, including a backlink to your website. In return, you offer them a backlink from a highly reputable third-party website (Brand C) that they can’t resist. Then, you collaborate with Brand C to publish an article on a related topic, with a backlink to Brand A’s site. And just like that, you receive super relevant and valuable backlinks from different domains.
Real-World Example
Here’s how getting backlinks from tech websites could work:
Your brand (Brand A) reaches out to a software company (Brand B) and asks them to feature your app in their blog post about tools for remote work, including a backlink to your site.
To make the offer irresistible, you promise them a backlink from a highly reputable site (Brand C) that they wouldn’t want to turn down. You then collaborate with Tech Blog C to create an article on productivity trends, which includes a backlink to Brand B’s site. A win-win collaboration!
3. Linkable Assets
A linkable asset is content created to attract niche-relevant backlinks. It could be anything from detailed guides and infographics to useful tools or original research. The goal is to offer something so valuable that other websites naturally want to link to it.
Linkable assets can take many forms, depending on the niche. To show how this works, here are some creative examples for different industries:
- Fashion: Infographic: Create an infographic titled “Fashion Trends Through the Decades” – a visual timeline showcasing the evolution of fashion over the years.
- Health & Fitness: Tool: “Personalized Workout Plan Generator” – Custom fitness plans based on user input.
- Travel: Map: “Hidden Travel Spots in Europe” – A clickable map of off-the-beaten-path destinations.
- Food & Drink: Recipe Collection: “Healthy Weeknight Dinners” – A collection of quick and healthy dinner ideas.
- Education: Quiz: “What’s Your Ideal Study Method?” – A quiz to help students find their best study style.
Real-World Example
Atlassian's "15 Ways to Master Trello for Slack" infographic is a perfect example of a linkable asset. It breaks down the Trello-Slack integration in a simple, visual way, making it easy for productivity and project management blogs to share.
4. Niche Edit / Link Insertion
Niche edits (or link insertions) are when you add your link to relevant, already-published content on other websites. This involves identifying articles closely related to your niche and inserting your link in a way that adds value, such as providing additional context, updated statistics, or a useful resource for readers.
To make this strategy work, the first step is to find the right opportunities. Start by finding websites that are relevant to your niche and have a strong online presence. You can use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or simply Google to search for content in your industry.
Once you've identified these websites, look for pages with outdated stats or information. For example, if their article is from 2022, offer updated statistics addition. This adds value to their content and makes it more likely they'll accept your offer.
Real-World Example
To see niche edits in action, let’s look at how an eyelash extension brand secured a valuable backlink by having their link inserted into an article about achieving a natural lash look. It’s a smart way to promote the brand in a relevant context while adding value to the article and keeping the original content intact.
5. Digital PR for Link Building
Digital PR for link building is valuable because it focuses on creating compelling content—like news stories or data-driven insights—that journalists want to cover. The goal is to get your brand featured in respected publications, earning quality backlinks in the process. What makes this strategy so powerful is that it allows you to secure backlinks from major outlets like Business Insider or Forbes—something that would be nearly impossible with traditional link-building techniques.
As an example, I will use the real estate niche to demonstrate the point:
- Spot Market Shifts: Focus on trends specific to your niche—like rising home prices, popular neighborhoods, or new regulations. For example, if a city’s market is booming or a particular area is gaining popularity, you can turn this into a compelling story or research piece that attracts the attention of real estate journalists, offering them fresh insights to share with their audience.
- Target the Right Journalists: Use tools like Cision or Muck Rack to find journalists who cover real estate trends or local property news.
- Personalize Your Pitch: Tailor your pitch to what the journalist is already writing about, like offering insights on the latest mortgage rate hikes or where investors should look next.
Real-World Example
A great example of this approach in action is when a startup in the beauty industry tapped into the TikTok Barbie Botox trend. They promoted their Botox treatments as a way to achieve a longer, more sculpted neck—just like the look of a Barbie doll. This campaign quickly went viral, attracting journalists worldwide. This led to significant media coverage, with mentions in top publications.
The screenshot below shows one of the publications that picked up on the PR story and linked to the target website. With a DR of 83 and 596K organic traffic, it’s easy to see the massive impact a link from a site like this can have. And the best part? A well-executed Digital PR campaign can secure you dozens—or even hundreds—of similar links.
6. Unlinked Brand Mentions
Unlinked brand mentions are when your brand is mentioned on other websites but without a link to your site. Since these mentions already show that your brand is relevant to the content, reaching out to the website owner and requesting a link can be an effective way to turn them into valuable backlinks.
Easy Tip: Use tools like Mention, Google Alerts, or Ahrefs Content Explorer to track brand mentions and reach out to the site owner, requesting a link to your website.
Real-World Example.
You can easily find unlinked brand mentions using Ahrefs’ Content Explorer. Just enter your brand name to get a list of pages that mention you. Then, apply the "Highlight unlinked domains" filter to spot mentions without backlinks. Once you’ve identified these, reach out to the site owners or authors and ask them to add a link. This is a quick and effective way to turn mentions into valuable backlinks.
7. Product Reviews
Product reviews involve offering your product to bloggers, influencers, or review sites in exchange for an honest write-up. The goal is to earn a backlink to your website when they share their experience. It’s like having someone try your product and recommend it to others—but with the bonus of boosting your SEO through their review.
To find potential prospects for product reviews, start with these search queries:
- "(your niche) blog" + "product review"
- "top (your niche) + bloggers"
- "(your niche) + influencers"
These searches help you discover bloggers and influencers who’ve already reviewed products like yours. Since they’re familiar with writing reviews in your industry, they’re more likely to be open to reviewing your product and linking back to your site.
Real-World Example
Grace Smith, a writer at The Quality Edit, recently shared their thoughts on Lilac St. Lashes in a detailed product review. They covered everything from the lashes’ design to their performance, giving readers a clear idea of what makes the product stand out. The review also links directly to the Lilac St. Lashes website.
8. Podcast Link Building
Podcast link building is when you appear as a guest on relevant podcasts within your industry, sharing your knowledge and expertise with the audience. In exchange, the host typically includes a link to your website or resources in the episode's show notes.
Here are some reputable podcast examples across various industries:
- eCommerce: The Shopify Masters Podcast
A leading podcast for eCommerce entrepreneurs, focusing on success stories, growth strategies, and practical advice for online store owners. - Tech & SaaS: SaaStr Podcast
This podcast is valuable for anyone in the SaaS industry, featuring expert advice on scaling, fundraising, and building a successful SaaS business. - Health & Wellness: The Model Health Show
Hosted by Shawn Stevenson, this podcast offers valuable insights into health, fitness, and wellness, making it a go-to resource for wellness professionals. - Fashion: The Business of Fashion Podcast
Hosted by Imran Amed, this podcast provides in-depth discussions on the latest trends, business strategies, and key issues shaping the global fashion industry. It’s a top resource for fashion professionals looking to stay informed on the evolving landscape of fashion.
Real-World Example
A great example of leveraging a podcast for link building is the Blamo! Podcast with Graham Ebner. In the episode, Graham talks about his unique path in the fashion industry, sharing personal stories and insights that resonate with listeners. Additionally, the show notes include links to his work.
9. Broken Link Building
Broken link building is a strategy where you find broken links on websites related to your niche. After identifying these dead links through SEO tools like Ahrefs Broken Link Checker, you contact the website owner to let them know about the issue and suggest your content as a replacement. It’s a helpful approach for both sides: the website gets a fixed link, and you earn a valuable backlink.
Tip: You can prepare a library of “fix-ready” links to resources in your niche, then contact the site owner with the offer of an immediate replacement.
Real-World Example
Let’s say Fundera, a popular financial resource site, has a broken link. If you're yourself in the finance niche, you could find sites that link to Fundera’s broken page and reach out, suggesting they replace it with a link to your relevant content. This way, the website owner fixes a broken link, and you earn a valuable backlink.
10. Resource Page Link Building
Resource page link building can be approached in two ways: creating your own resource hub to attract backlinks or getting your content added to existing resource lists. Both strategies are effective, but building your own resource hub has a more lasting impact and positions you as an authority in your niche.
For instance, in the crypto industry, you could create a comprehensive resource hub featuring tools like a cryptocurrency price comparison chart, a crypto tax calculator, or a detailed guide on blockchain technology. These resources provide value to your audience and make your site a go-to reference.
If you prefer to focus on existing resource pages, the process is straightforward. To do this, you identify relevant resource pages in your niche by using these queries:
- "keyword + resources"
- "keyword + links"
- "keyword + recommended tools"
- "keyword + useful websites"
- "keyword + resource list"
Then, you reach out to the site owner and suggest your content as a valuable addition. Done!
Real-World Example
BigCommerce has created a comprehensive resource hub for eCommerce professionals, featuring accessible guides, case studies, and growth strategies for online stores. This page has become a trusted resource for marketers, bloggers, and business owners, attracting over 3,500 backlinks (as seen in the screenshot).
11. Infographics
Infographics are a great way to present complex information in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format. By creating engaging and shareable infographics, you make it simple for others to link to your content. Whether it’s showcasing data, processes, or key insights, infographics are designed to grab attention and encourage sharing.
Here are some more unique infographic topic ideas for the different niches:
- Fashion: “What’s Your Outfit’s Footprint? The Environmental Impact of Popular Fabrics”
- Tech: “Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
- Health & Wellness: “Move Better, Live Better: The Ultimate Breakdown of Exercise Types”
- Food: “From Bean to Brew: The Global Journey of Your Morning Coffee”
- Finance: "How to Set Up a Budget in 5 Simple Steps"
Real-World Example
Course Hero's use of infographics is a prime example of effective infographic link-building. Their visuals simplify complex literature by breaking down characters, themes, and key elements into easy-to-digest graphics. This makes the material more accessible to students and useful for educators. As a result, these infographics attract backlinks from educational sites, blogs, and academic resources.
12. Press Release for Link Building
Press release for link building is a way to get your news or brand updates in front of the media. By putting together a strong announcement, you encourage journalists and bloggers to pick up the story, giving your brand exposure and linking back to your site.
To get backlinks through press coverage, start by creating a press release that highlights your latest news. Then, follow these steps to get it in front of the right people and attract quality links.
- Find the right news sites: Use Google to search for sites in your niche by combining your keywords with terms like "news," "updates," or "press."
- Write a compelling press release: Highlight what makes your new product/service stand out and why it matters.
- Reach out to editors: Contact the right people directly, explaining why your product/service would interest their readers.
- Follow-up: If you don’t hear back, a quick follow-up keeps your story fresh in their mind.
Real-World Example
A perfect example of this strategy is USA Today’s article on "Squid Game" Season 2, linking directly to Netflix. Here, Netflix’s announcement was picked up by the media, creating buzz and securing a quality backlink from a trusted source.
13. Blogger Outreach
Blogger outreach is about working with bloggers to gain authentic mentions, features, or reviews that link back to your site. By connecting with bloggers in your industry, you’re building connections that enhance visibility and support SEO through credible, niche-specific voices.
To find niche bloggers, try targeted searches like:
- “Top (your niche) + bloggers”
- “Best (your niche) + blogs”
- “(Your niche) + product reviews”
Another approach is to analyze competitors’ backlinks using tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush. This shows which bloggers have linked to similar brands, helping you target those likely to engage with your content.
Real-World Example
Thomas Frank, a productivity expert, created a crash course on the Notion API, breaking it down for beginners and sharing his notion-helper package to simplify the process even more. The guide includes a link to Notion’s website, helping readers dive straight into using the platform.
14. Founder Interviews
Founder interviews are a great way to share your brand’s story and insights on relevant sites. By talking about your journey and what makes your brand unique, you can build credibility and often gain valuable backlinks, as many sites link to your website for more details.
Real-World Example
An example of strategic link-building through founder interviews is SafePal CEO Veronica Wong’s feature on CryptoSlate. In the interview, Wong dives into the evolution of Web3, sharing insights that resonate with crypto and tech professionals.
15. Case Studies
Case studies are all about sharing detailed stories of your work with clients—covering the challenges, solutions, and outcomes. These examples showcase your expertise and often attract backlinks, as other sites and potential clients tend to reference credible, real-world results.
Real-World Example
Crazy Egg’s case study on Miller & Smith shows how its tools helped increase the real estate company’s conversion rate. By sharing this success, Crazy Egg not only demonstrates its product’s value but also attracts backlinks as other sites reference the case study as a trusted resource.
16. Link Roundups
Link roundups involve getting your product/service featured in curated lists that highlight valuable resources on a specific topic. These roundups, often published by industry blogs, can drive targeted traffic and earn quality backlinks, as they connect your content with readers specifically looking for insights in your niche.
Real-World Example
An ideal example of this strategy is The Independent's "Best False Eyelashes for Every Occasion." This roundup lists top eyelash brands, with each product linking directly to its brand or retailer.
17. Whitepapers and Research Reports
Whitepapers and research reports involve publishing original studies or in-depth analyses that attract citations from other websites. These well-researched documents establish authority in your field and naturally draw backlinks, as other sites reference your findings as credible sources.
Here are some ideas for startups to create whitepapers:
- Industry Trends Report
- Consumer Behavior Insights
- Market Gap Analysis
- Product Performance Report
Real-World Example
A strong example of this strategy is Handshake's whitepaper, "The Complete Guide to B2B eCommerce." This in-depth guide offers valuable insights into B2B eCommerce strategies, making it a go-to resource for industry professionals. It has been cited by numerous blogs and industry publications, earning high-quality backlinks.
What Websites Are More Likely to Link to Your Brand?
- Industry Blogs and Niche Publications: Target sites that cover industry-specific content relevant to your niche.
- Lifestyle and Interest-Based Sites: Sites covering lifestyle and interest-based topics offer backlink potential for brands across fashion, travel, wellness, and more.
- Educational Platforms and Resource Hubs: These sites are valuable for linking to informative or instructional content, such as guides, tutorials, and case studies.
- Review Sites and Comparison Platforms: Sites that compare or review products are ideal for showcasing product features and value propositions.
- Industry-Specific Directories: Niche directories list top services, products, or brands, providing quality relevant backlink opportunities.
- Influencer and Community Sites: Influencer blogs and forums allow links from highly engaged, niche-focused audiences.
Finding Prospects to Link to Your Brand
Building niche-relevant backlinks can be a game-changer for boosting search rankings and attracting the right audience. In my experience, strategic moves like guest posts on industry blogs, tapping into unlinked brand mentions, and crafting niche-specific infographics work wonders for pulling in quality links.
With tools like Linkee, you can easily find valuable link opportunities specific to your niche, streamlining the process. A targeted backlink strategy doesn’t just bring traffic—it helps establish your brand as a trusted authority in your field.
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.
