How to get free backlinks is one of the most searched (and misunderstood) questions in the SEO world. And most think that you can’t get backlinks without spending a fortune. The reality is just the opposite: you can get backlinks if you know the right strategy without breaking the bank.
Let’s dig deep into how to get free backlinks, with real tactics that we at Aqva Marketing have seen work for businesses across industries.
Why Are Backlinks So Important?
When one website, especially a valuable one, gives a backlink to another website, Google considers it a signal that the website receiving the backlink has something valuable to offer.
In fact, backlinks are one of the top-ranking factors for search engines.
According to a 2024 study by Backlinko, pages with the most backlinks rank higher on Google regardless of content quality. That doesn’t mean you should chase spammy links. The key is getting high-quality, free backlinks from reputable sources.
1. Publish Original Research or Data-Backed Content
Original data is backlink gold.
If you can create your own case study, survey, or research piece, people will naturally link to it as a source. Take HubSpot, for example. Their annual marketing reports generate thousands of backlinks each year.
How to do it yourself:
- Conduct a small survey in your niche
- Publish the results in a visual format
- Share insights with other bloggers/journalists
At Aqva Marketing, we often recommend this strategy to our clients looking to establish topical authority.
2. Get Featured on Podcasts
This might sound surprising, but podcast guesting is one of the smartest ways to get free backlinks. When you’re interviewed, there is a high chance that your website will be linked in the description of the episode. Moreover, you are considered an authority in the niche, which can attract backlinks from people watching the podcast.
Pro Tip: Reach out to people who host podcasts in your niche. Even if their audience is small, their domain might have high authority.
3. Create Skyscraper Content That Deserves to Be Linked
Coined by Brian Dean of Backlinko, the Skyscraper Technique involves finding high-ranking content and making it even better, longer, more current, and more engaging.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Search for top-ranking posts in your niche
- Improve on them by adding updated stats, better visuals, or fresh examples
- Reach out to those who linked to the original and suggest your improved version
This works beautifully when paired with the content expertise of a digital marketing agency like Aqva Marketing.
4. List Your Website in High-Quality Directories
Not all directories are spammy. In fact, niche directories and local citations are great ways to get free backlinks. Some examples:
- Clutch.co (for agencies)
- Crunchbase (for startups)
- JustDial and Sulekha (for Indian businesses)
- Google Business Profile (obviously)
5. Use HARO
HARO (Help a Reporter Out) connects journalists with sources. By signing up and replying to relevant queries, you can land backlinks from news sites like Forbes, Business Insider, and Entrepreneur.
We’ve seen brands gain huge authority by being quoted in just one reputable publication. And all it takes is a smart pitch and some expertise.
6. Write Guest Posts
Guest blogging isn’t dead. But blindly pitching blog posts won’t help. You need a strategy.
Here’s a smarter way:
- Look for websites that have previously accepted guest posts
- Pitch a unique topic tailored to their audience
- Don’t push your product, but add real value
At Aqva Marketing, we help clients identify industry-specific guest posting opportunities that not only earn backlinks but also build brand authority.
7. Offer Free Tools or Templates
People love free stuff, especially if it saves them time. Free tools and templates are an underrated way to earn backlinks passively.
Example: CoSchedule’s Headline Analyzer got thousands of backlinks simply because it offered real value.
Ideas you can explore:
- ROI calculators
- Budget spreadsheets
- Social media calendar templates
Just make sure your brand name is clearly associated with the tool, and the backlinks will follow.
8. Create Share-Worthy Infographics
Infographics are still one of the most linked formats on the internet. Design your infographic, upload it with an embed code, and reach out to bloggers or publications who might find it useful.
Pro tip: Combine this with trend-based content for even more traction.
9. Comment on High-Authority Blogs
While this won’t get you do-follow backlinks, it’s still useful for visibility and traffic. But the key is value. Drop thoughtful comments on high authority blogs in your niche. Over time, this builds relationships and enhances your visibility, and therefore opportunities for backlinks.
10. Leverage Broken Link Building
This is a classic but underused strategy. Use a tool like Ahrefs or Broken Link Checker to find dead links on popular websites in your niche. Then offer your content as a replacement.
It’s like saying, “Hey, your site has a broken link, here’s a better one!”
This method works beautifully when you already have high-quality blog content on your site, like we create for clients at Aqva Marketing.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Big Budget, You Need a Smart Strategy
Backlinks are the backbone of SEO. And while paid links might seem tempting, the real win comes from earning them through quality and strategy.
At Aqva Marketing, we believe in empowering our clients with ethical, long-term SEO growth strategies. Whether you’re a solopreneur or an established brand, understanding how to get free backlinks will change your game.