How to Get Backlinks:
15 Proven Methods (2026 Guide)
Backlinks are one of the most important ranking factors for SEO. This guide covers 15 proven methods to build high-quality backlinks.
Key Takeaways:
- • Pages ranking #1 have 3.8x more backlinks — according to Ahrefs research, quality backlinks remain one of Google's strongest ranking signals
- • Directory submissions are the fastest free method — Product Hunt (DR 91), AlternativeTo (DR 82), and BetaList (DR 70) approve listings within days
- • Focus on DR 40+ sites for real impact — a few high-authority links outweigh dozens of low-quality directory submissions
- • Results take 1-3 months — 2-4 weeks for indexing plus additional weeks for ranking recalculation; never buy cheap backlink packages
1. What are Backlinks?
Backlinks (also known as inbound links) are links from other websites pointing to your website. When Website A links to Website B, Website B gets a backlink from Website A.
According to Ahrefs research, pages ranking #1 on Google have 3.8x more backlinks than pages ranking #2-10.
2. Why Backlinks Matter for SEO
Search engines view backlinks as votes of confidence. More high-quality backlinks mean:
- +Higher search rankings - Google uses backlinks as a key ranking factor
- +Faster indexing - Search engines discover new pages through links
- +Referral traffic - Visitors click through from linking sites
- +Brand exposure - Increases visibility in your industry
3. 15 Methods to Get Backlinks
Directory Submissions
Submit to high-quality directories like Product Hunt, G2, and AlternativeTo. We have curated 300+ directory websites you can submit to.
View our Directory ListContent Marketing
Create valuable, shareable content that naturally attracts links. This includes original research, infographics, comprehensive guides, and tools.
Guest Posting
Write guest articles for authority websites in your niche to earn backlinks in your author bio or within the content.
More Methods:
Competitor backlink analysis is especially effective when paired with the right SEO tools. If you're deciding which tool to invest in, our Mangools vs Ahrefs comparison breaks down cost, features, and which one works better for backlink research.
4. How to Get Free Backlinks
You can get high-quality backlinks without spending money. Here are the best free sources:
| Website | DR | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Hunt | 91 | Dofollow | Tech Products |
| Hacker News | 91 | Dofollow | Developer Tools |
| G2 | 90 | Nofollow | B2B Software |
5. Best Practices
Do
- Prioritize high DR sites
- Diversify link sources
- Create link-worthy content
- Monitor backlink health
Avoid
- Buying low-quality links
- Using link farms
- Over-optimizing anchor text
- Links from spam sites
Frequently Asked Questions
How many backlinks do I need to rank on Google?▼
There is no fixed number. According to Ahrefs research, pages ranking #1 on Google have 3.8x more backlinks than pages ranking #2-10. Focus on quality over quantity — a few links from high-DR (Domain Rating 60+) sites are worth more than dozens of low-quality links.
What is the fastest way to get backlinks for free?▼
Directory submissions are the fastest free method. Sites like Product Hunt (DR 91), AlternativeTo (DR 82), and BetaList (DR 70) accept free submissions and often approve listings within days. Content marketing and forum participation also build free backlinks but take longer to generate results.
Are nofollow backlinks worth pursuing?▼
Yes. While nofollow links do not directly pass link equity for SEO, they drive referral traffic, increase brand visibility, and create a natural-looking backlink profile. Google has stated that nofollow is treated as a hint rather than a directive, meaning some nofollow links may still pass value.
How long does it take for backlinks to improve rankings?▼
Typically 1-3 months. Search engines need 2-4 weeks to crawl and index new backlinks, then several more weeks to recalculate rankings. High-authority links tend to impact rankings faster than low-DR links. Consistent link building over time yields the best long-term results.
Should I buy backlinks to speed up the process?▼
No. Buying low-quality backlinks violates Google guidelines and can result in penalties. Paid guest posts on legitimate publications are acceptable if the content is genuinely valuable. Focus on earning links through quality content, directory submissions, and strategic outreach instead.
What is broken link building and how does it work?▼
Broken link building involves finding dead links on other websites and offering your content as a replacement. You use tools like Ahrefs or Mangools to find broken outbound links on relevant sites, then contact the site owner suggesting they replace the broken link with a link to your equivalent resource. It works because you are helping the site owner fix a problem.
How do I check my current backlink profile?▼
Use SEO tools like Ahrefs, Mangools, or Google Search Console. Ahrefs and Mangools show your total backlinks, referring domains, Domain Rating, and anchor text distribution. Google Search Console is free and shows which sites link to you, though with less detail than paid tools.
Learning how to get backlinks is essential for SEO success. Start with directory submissions, spend 1-2 hours per week building links, and you will see significant ranking improvements in 3 months.