Some Smart Ways to Earn Links and Help Your SEO

Oct 27

If you work in digital marketing, you already know that backlinks remain one of the strongest signals search engines use to determine your authority. But earning links isn’t about gaming the system — it’s about earning attention, trust, and relevance.

Here are some practical, creative ways to earn high-quality links while genuinely strengthening your brand’s visibility online.

1. Write and Post Press Releases

Press releases are one of the oldest tools in the PR and marketing playbook — and still one of the most effective when used strategically. When your company launches something newsworthy — a product update, an event, a partnership, or an achievement — don’t just post it on your site. Distribute it through reputable PR networks and share it with relevant journalists and industry publications.

A well-optimized press release can earn coverage and links from credible media outlets, giving your brand both exposure and SEO value.

Pro tip: Avoid “fluff” announcements. Journalists and readers alike reward substance — something truly new, data-driven, or beneficial to your audience.

2. Share Content with Your Partners

If you collaborate with vendors, agencies, or other brands, make sure your content supports each other’s efforts. If you’ve published a new case study, infographic, or co-branded project, share it with your partners and encourage them to feature it on their sites (with a link back, of course).

This kind of relationship-based link building strengthens both your SEO and your professional network. It’s a win-win — you’re not just exchanging links, you’re amplifying each other’s visibility in the market.

3. Cross-Link Your Own Content

Internal links don’t always get the spotlight they deserve, but they’re a powerful SEO lever. By linking your own related pages and blog posts, you help search engines understand the structure of your site and direct more authority to your most valuable content.

It’s also great for users — cross-linking keeps visitors engaged and reduces bounce rates, which can indirectly boost SEO performance.

Example: If you write a blog about “How to Build Brand Authority,” link to your related post on “The Role of Thought Leadership in SEO.” It’s about creating a meaningful web of content around your expertise.

4. Create Content Worth Sharing

This one might sound obvious, but it’s the core of any sustainable link strategy. Content that’s genuinely useful, surprising, or insightful gets shared naturally.

That might mean publishing original research, thought leadership articles, or tools and templates that solve a real problem. People link to what they find valuable — not what you tell them is valuable.

Ask yourself: Would I share this if I found it on someone else’s site? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.

5. Ask Your Community to Share Links

If you’ve built a loyal audience — whether that’s customers, employees, or a professional network — don’t be afraid to ask them to share your content. A simple ask in your newsletter, social channels, or community forums can go a long way.

This isn’t about begging for links; it’s about activating your advocates. When your content aligns with their interests or values, they’ll be happy to amplify it.

Final Thought

Earning links isn’t just an SEO tactic — it’s a brand-building exercise. Every link you earn should come from a place of credibility and connection. When you approach link-building through storytelling, relationships, and real value, you don’t just rank higher — you build a stronger, more trusted brand.

Eddie Solis