As a SaaS owner, you understand the challenge of growing your business in a competitive market. With the global SaaS market valued at US$117.1 billion in 2023 and projected to reach US$372.1 billion by 2030, the industry is experiencing significant growth. With so many options available to customers, it’s crucial to find ways to stand out and increase your visibility. One of the most effective methods is building strong backlinks to improve your search engine rankings and attract targeted traffic.
But link building can feel complicated, especially when dealing with complex SaaS products and the ever-changing SEO landscape. So, how do you do it effectively?
In this guide, I’ll break down 16 proven link-building strategies tailored for SaaS businesses, providing real-world examples and practical advice to help you build a solid backlink profile and grow your brand.
1. Guest Posting for SaaS
Guest posting is a proven strategy where you write articles for other websites as a guest author to get a backlink. For SaaS companies, this provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your expertise, share insights on relevant topics, and reach new audiences. In exchange, you typically receive a valuable backlink to your SaaS website, boosting both visibility and SEO.
However, it’s crucial to carefully vet guest posting prospects. Many low-quality or spammy sites may offer guest posting opportunities, but a backlink from them can do more harm than good.
Focus on high-authority, niche-relevant websites to ensure your guest post brings both value and credibility. Tools like Linkee can help you vet prospects by assessing domain authority, relevance, spam score and more.
Real-World Example
A great example of a guest posting strategy in the SaaS niche is the backlink from Startup Bonsai to SpyFu, as demonstrated in the article "17 Best SEO Software Tools For 2024". The article seamlessly integrates SpyFu's expertise in SEO, making the link highly relevant and valuable for readers seeking effective SEO software solutions.
2. Backlinks from SaaS Websites
Getting backlinks from other SaaS websites is incredibly valuable for boosting your site’s authority, but in my experience, this can be quite difficult. Most SaaS companies are focused heavily on product development and improving user experience, so they rarely prioritize external link-building efforts. This makes the traditional link-building methods less effective with these types of websites.
What I’ve found to work, though, is taking a more creative approach. Instead of targeting the SaaS websites directly, collaborating with high-authority industry websites, like tech blogs or business publications, can be a game-changer. You can secure a backlink for the SaaS site by writing a guest post on the third-party site, that is very attractive for the SaaS website, mentioning and linking to the SaaS platform within your content. As a result, the SaaS website may return the favor by linking back to your own site.
This strategy builds valuable partnerships and gives both you and the SaaS website more credibility and visibility, even when direct outreach to the SaaS company might not work.
Real-World Example
Imagine a scenario where your website publishes an article about different Saas websites/tools in ContentStudio, a high authority website, and includes a link to Frase.io's website as one of the top tools. After this, you can reach out to Frase.io and mention how your site has linked to them, and request a reciprocal backlink.
3. Linkable Assets
Linkable assets are high-quality resources you create intending to attract backlinks to your SaaS website. These can include in-depth guides, free tools, templates, or original research that solves a pressing problem for your target audience. The key is to offer something so valuable that other websites naturally want to link to it.
Think of creating a resource that becomes indispensable to your industry. For instance, a tool that simplifies a complex process, a guide that provides expert insights, or research that addresses industry challenges. The more useful and relevant your asset is, the more likely others will reference it in their own content, securing you valuable backlinks.
Examples of effective linkable assets for SaaS websites include:
- Product comparison tools – Helping users make informed decisions
- Industry benchmarks – Offering unique data or insights
- Workflow templates – Streamlining processes for SaaS users
- Case studies – Showcasing successful applications of your SaaS product
- Guides – Offering expert advice on optimizing SaaS performance
Real-World Example
A great example of a linkable asset from Atlassian is their "15 ways to Master Trello App for Slack" infographic, found on their blog. This visual guide provides a concise and engaging breakdown of how users can integrate Trello with Slack to streamline workflows and improve team communication. The infographic not only simplifies a technical process but also serves as an attractive resource for blogs and websites focused on productivity, project management, and SaaS tools. By offering a clear, visual representation of the integration, Atlassian attracts backlinks from related industries and boosts its authority in the project management and collaboration space.
4. Niche Edits/Link Insertions
Niche edits (or link insertions) involve adding your link to existing content on other websites. By finding opportunities where your link can naturally fit within the content, you can increase your visibility and authority while providing value to the host site.
Real-World Example
A good example of the Niche Edit/Link insertion strategy for SaaS is in Atlassian’s blog post, "How to help your team stop worrying and love transformative tech" where Compt.io is mentioned. The link to Compt.io fits seamlessly into the discussion around the article topic.
5. Digital PR for Link Building
This strategy involves creating and distributing newsworthy content that catches the attention of journalists, bloggers, and influencers in the SaaS industry. The goal is to have your SaaS business featured in high-authority articles, interviews, or industry news stories, which helps you secure valuable backlinks to your website. This strategy not only boosts your SEO but also increases your brand's credibility and visibility across the industry.
The main benefits of Digital PR are the following:
- You can secure backlinks from major industry publications that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.
- You have the potential to earn numerous backlinks per campaign, amplifying your site’s visibility and authority.
Real-World Example
An excellent example of Digital PR in the tech space is demonstrated by Loopex Digital’s experience with Google’s Bard. After Bard was newly launched, Loopex Digital conducted a series of experiments to test Bard’s responses about the language model it was based on. Initially, Bard claimed to be based on OpenAI’s GPT-3, and later corrected itself to Google’s LaMDA. These intriguing inconsistencies were shared with tech journalists, leading to widespread media coverage. The story was picked up by notable publications like Business Insider, MSN, and Android Authority, positioning Loopex Digital at the forefront of AI discussions and gaining valuable backlinks from high-authority domains.
6. Unlinked Brand Mentions
SaaS tools are often mentioned in content without a link back to the site. When your product is referenced but not linked, it presents an easy opportunity for link building. You can use tools like Ahrefs to find these unlinked mentions, and by reaching out to the site owner and requesting a link, you can quickly turn them into valuable backlinks.
Real-World Example
Using Ahrefs’ Content Explorer is an excellent way to uncover instances where your SaaS brand has been mentioned without a backlink.
For example, if you search for unlinked brand mentions for "Trello" using Ahrefs’ Content Explorer, you may find articles where Trello is discussed, but no link has been provided to their website. A specific example could be TechCrunch, where Trello is mentioned in an article, but a direct link to Trello's site is missing.
Once you identify these opportunities, a polite outreach email requesting the addition of a link can often result in a successful outcome, improving your backlink profile and enhancing your site's SEO.
7. Product Reviews
Having your SaaS product reviewed by bloggers, influencers, or industry websites can generate high-quality backlinks. Offering your software for free in exchange for an honest review not only helps improve SEO but also builds trust among potential users.
Real-World Example
A great example of a product review strategy for SaaS is seen in the Monday.com project management software review on Tech.co. The detailed review provides insights into Monday.com's features, pricing, and usability, offering readers a comprehensive look at the software's benefits for teams. The review includes a backlink to Monday.com's website, helping drive referral traffic while enhancing Monday’s SEO profile.
8. Podcast Link Building
Appearing on podcasts is another excellent way to share your expertise and earn backlinks. Many SaaS-focused podcasts include links to the guest’s website in the show notes, providing a valuable backlink. Here are a few SaaS podcasts you can consider:
These platforms are great opportunities to showcase your insights while also earning backlinks to your site.
Real-World Example
A great example of the Podcast Link Building strategy for SaaS is Krish Ramineni's appearance on the Aaron Zakowski podcast, where he discussed product-led growth and how Fireflies.ai leverages this strategy. The episode "Product-Led Growth with Krish Ramineni of Fireflies.ai", provided in-depth insights into scaling SaaS products through user-driven adoption. During the episode, backlinks to Fireflies.ai were included in the podcast's description and show notes, driving targeted traffic to the platform. This approach not only enhances Fireflies.ai's visibility but also boosts its SEO by securing valuable, industry-relevant backlinks.
9. Broken Link Building
Broken link building is a strategy where you identify broken links on other websites and suggest replacing them with a link to your SaaS website. This is a win-win situation, as it helps the site owner fix an issue while providing you with a backlink.
Real-World Example
If you're a SaaS website like Automate.io, you can use tools like Ahrefs to check your competitor's broken backlinks, such as those on Zapier's website. By identifying websites that previously linked to Zapier but now have broken links, you can reach out to these sites and suggest your corresponding content or service link as a replacement. This benefits the website by removing a broken outgoing link, and in return, you gain a high-quality backlink.
For example, if a blog once linked to a Zapier guide that no longer exists, you can offer your equivalent guide on automation. The website would likely be open to replacing the broken link with yours, as it enhances its user experience and content quality.
10. Resource Page Link Building
Creating a resource page that curates valuable industry content can naturally attract backlinks. Resource pages become a go-to hub for professionals in your industry, increasing the likelihood that others will link to it. From my experience, this is especially effective when you include tools, guides, video tutorials and articles that are highly relevant to your SaaS niche.
Real-World Example
BigCommerce has built a strong resource hub for eCommerce professionals. It offers easy-to-read guides, case studies, and tips on growing online stores. This page is a popular go-to for marketers, bloggers, and businesses, earning it 3,500 backlinks (shown in the screenshot). The hub’s helpful content makes other websites link to it, which boosts organic traffic and improves its SEO rankings.
11. Infographics
Infographics are visual representations of data or concepts designed to simplify complex ideas, making them easier to understand and share. In the SaaS industry, infographics can be particularly effective for breaking down complicated product features, explaining industry trends, or illustrating the benefits of software solutions.
The strategy involves creating high-quality, visually appealing infographics and sharing them with relevant websites in your niche. By offering these infographics as valuable resources, you can secure backlinks from blogs, tech publications, and industry sites.
Think of it like crafting a visual tool that other SaaS professionals or websites find so valuable they can’t resist sharing it with their audience, naturally earning you backlinks in the process.
Real-World Example
An excellent example of infographic marketing can be seen on Course Hero's infographics. These visuals break down complex works of literature, detailing characters, themes, and more in an easy-to-understand format. This approach not only helps learners comprehend material more effectively but also serves as a resource for educators and students, attracting backlinks from educational blogs and websites. By offering value through simplification, Course Hero's infographics naturally gain attention and backlinks.
12. Press Release for Link Building
Press releases are a traditional yet effective method for SaaS link building. By distributing press releases about significant updates, new features, or company milestones, you can earn backlinks from media outlets and industry news sites and improve your SEO and brand awareness.
Real-World Example
An example of a press release link-building strategy in the SaaS industry is Zoho's announcement of surpassing 100 million global users featured on Wire19. This milestone was highlighted in a press release, generating valuable backlinks from a high-authority tech news site. The article not only increases Zoho’s visibility but also enhances its SEO by linking back to their website, improving domain authority. This strategy is a classic way to leverage newsworthy achievements for building backlinks and boosting online presence.
13. Blogger Outreach
Blogger outreach involves reaching out to influencers and bloggers in your niche to collaborate on content or reviews. By offering value, such as insights or access to your SaaS product, you can secure backlinks from articles written by these influencers.
Real-World Example
Let's say that Thomas Frank, a famous YouTuber with his own website, collaborated with Notion to create a detailed guide about their platform. In this case, Thomas Frank would have shared valuable insights in his article, offering his audience an in-depth understanding of the tool. The guide includes a link back to Notion's website, driving traffic and enhancing SEO for both platforms.
14. Founder Interviews
Getting interviewed on industry blogs or podcasts as a SaaS founder can significantly boost your brand’s visibility and authority. These interviews often include a backlink to your website, which helps in building your SEO profile. I’ve seen this strategy work exceptionally well for SaaS founders who have a compelling story or unique insights to share, attracting both media attention and valuable backlinks.
Real-World Example
A prime example of the founder interview strategy for SaaS is Wade Foster's interview on the GrooveHQ blog. In the article titled "Zapier Interview with Wade Foster," Foster shares his journey of building Zapier and scaling a successful SaaS business. The interview is filled with valuable insights on automation and SaaS growth, making it an ideal resource for industry professionals.
15. Case Studies
Publishing case studies that highlight your SaaS product’s success can be an effective way to attract backlinks from industry websites. To maximize their impact, you can focus on case studies that:
- Showcase Data-Driven Success
- Provide Industry Benchmarking
- Demonstrate Scalability
- Highlight Feature-Specific Benefits
- Detail Time-Saving Solutions
- Showcase Customer Experience Transformation
These elements make case studies valuable and more likely to be referenced as credible sources, turning them into powerful link-building tools.
Real-World Example
An excellent example can be seen in Content Beta's case studies on SaaS growth, featured in their article "SaaS Growth: 3 Simple Case Study Examples to Inspire You." These case studies, which provide real-world examples of how SaaS companies achieved significant growth, serve as valuable content assets that attract backlinks from blogs, industry websites, and SaaS-focused publications. By showcasing detailed success stories, these case studies become a go-to resource for professionals looking for actionable insights.
16. Link Roundup
Link roundups are curated lists of useful content published regularly on industry blogs. Getting your SaaS tool featured in a roundup can provide you with valuable backlinks and increased visibility.
Real-World Example
An example of a link roundup article strategy for SaaS is Buffer's article titled "8 Best AI Productivity Tools to Streamline Your Work." In this roundup, Buffer curates a list of top AI-powered tools designed to enhance productivity, including popular SaaS platforms. Each tool mentioned in the article is linked back to its respective website, creating valuable backlinks for those platforms. This strategy not only boosts the SEO of the featured tools but also helps Buffer attract backlinks from industry blogs and websites that want to reference a comprehensive guide on AI productivity tools.
What Types of Websites Are Most Likely to Provide Backlinks to Your SaaS Company?
Securing backlinks from relevant websites is crucial for improving your SaaS company’s search rankings and driving qualified traffic to your site. Here are some of the best types of websites to target for building high-quality backlinks:
- Tech Industry Sites: Websites focused on technology news, reviews, and innovations are perfect for SaaS businesses looking to enhance their authority in the tech space.
- Business Blogs: Many business-focused blogs frequently cover topics like SaaS trends, startup growth strategies, and case studies, making them valuable sources for backlinks.
- SaaS-Specific Publications: Websites such as SaaS Mag are entirely focused on the SaaS industry, offering you a direct path to highly relevant, industry-specific backlinks.
- Industry-Specific Blogs: Niche blogs in areas such as marketing, CRM, and cybersecurity are great for securing targeted backlinks that directly align with your product’s features.
- Educational Websites: Sites offering tutorials, online courses, or resources related to your SaaS product are fantastic opportunities for authoritative backlinks.
- Theme Related Sites - Theme-Related Sites: Websites that focus on broader themes (e.g., marketing, wellness, design) can provide valuable backlinks when they align with your product’s use case, even if they are not specifically SaaS-related.
Final Thoughts on Crafting an Effective SaaS Link Building Strategy
Building a strong backlink profile is crucial for SaaS companies to improve search rankings, drive traffic, and establish authority. Focus on securing relevant, high-quality backlinks through guest posts, linkable assets, or SaaS directories.
To streamline your efforts, tools like Linkee can help. Linkee identifies tailored, high-quality link opportunities and offers outreach management features, tracking emails, follow-ups, and campaign performance. With insights into domain authority and relevance, Linkee ensures you're securing the most impactful backlinks for your SaaS business.
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.
