In today’s competitive online world, high-quality backlinks are still one of the most important things for SEO.
But old-fashioned methods, such as guest posting, directory submissions, and forum linking, no longer work as effectively. In fact, some of them can even hurt your site if
Google thinks they’re trying to trick it.
Businesses need to focus on gaining links instead of imposing them if they want to develop a strong, penalty-proof backlink profile.
This tutorial goes over five advanced link-building techniques that work for organizations of all sizes, no matter who you want to reach—local, national, or international.
These approaches prioritize obtaining organic links, which will enhance your SEO over time and increase the trustworthiness of your business.
Earned Media Through Publicity Campaigns
Creating initiatives that organically get media attention is one of the best strategies to get high-authority HARO Link Building. You create newsworthy, shareable content that bloggers and journalists want to connect to instead of begging for links.
For example:
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A travel company could sponsor bloggers to document trips, generating coverage in travel magazines and blogs.
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News outlets might cite a tech startup’s release of an industry report containing surprising data.
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A health brand could launch a public challenge (e.g., “30-Day Fitness Challenge”) that fitness influencers and media pick up.
Key Takeaway: The best campaigns tap into emotions—whether inspiration, curiosity, or controversy—making them inherently link-worthy.
Local SEO Through Community Engagement
For local businesses, community-driven link-building is one of the most underrated yet powerful strategies. Instead of chasing low-quality directory links, focus on becoming a local authority through events, sponsorships, and partnerships.
Examples:
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Medical clinics are organizing free health workshops, such as “CPR Training for Parents”.
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Restaurants are organizing pop-up chef collaborations or charity dinners.
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Retail stores are offering free coworking spaces and hosting networking events.
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These efforts not only earn links from local news sites and blogs but also build brand loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.
Strategic Sponsorships for Brand Exposure
Sponsorships can be a goldmine for backlinks—if done right. The key is choosing events or causes that align with your brand while ensuring visibility in media coverage.
Best Practices for Sponsorship Link Building:
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Sponsor Local Events— Dog races, marathons, or cultural festivals often get media coverage. Request a link from the event’s official website.
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Support Nonprofits—Partner with charities for cause-related campaigns. Many nonprofits list sponsors with backlinks on their “Partners” page.
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Industry Conference Booths—Sponsor or exhibit at trade shows. Event recaps often link to featured brands.
Pro Tip: Always negotiate link placement before committing to sponsorships. Some organizers include it automatically, while others need a reminder.
Service Provider Listings for Local Visibility
Listed on local resource pages, brick-and-mortar businesses can secure valuable backlinks. These links come from authoritative sites like tourism boards, event venues, and city guides.
How to Get Listed:
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Identify High-Traffic Locations— Search for “[your business type] near [landmark]” (e.g., “restaurants near Lincoln Center”).
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Pitch to Event Organizers—If you’re near a concert hall or convention center, ask to be added to their “Where to Eat/Stay” page.
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Leverage Local Directories— Chambers of Commerce, tourism sites, and local blogs often maintain “Best Of” lists.
Bonus: These listings boost SEO and drive direct customers from people actively searching for services.
Avoiding Outdated & Risky Tactics
Not all link-building methods are worth the effort—some can damage your rankings. Avoid:
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Google now devalues most guest post links when they are posted on spammy sites.
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PBNs (Private Blog Networks)— These can lead to manual penalties.
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Consider prioritizing contextual links over paid links on irrelevant directories.
Alternative: Invest in content-driven link building (e.g., expert roundups, original research, or viral infographics).
Conclusion: Building a Future-Proof Link Profile
The best link-building strategies don’t just chase rankings—they build authority. By focusing on earned media, community engagement, sponsorships, and local listings, you can create a sustainable backlink profile that supports your overall Ixoric SEO strategy:
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This approach enhances your rankings without putting you at risk of penalties.
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It also generates referral traffic from sources of high quality.
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This approach enhances your brand’s reputation as a leader in the industry
Instead of quick fixes, adopt a long-term mindset. The more value you provide—whether through events, content, or partnerships—the more natural backlinks you’ll attract. Start with one strategy, measure results, and scale what works. Over time, these efforts compound, leading to higher rankings, more traffic, and lasting SEO success.