The 10+ Types of Backlinks in SEO

by Magnus Løv Schmidt | May 16, 2025 | SEO

Table of Contents

There are a ton of different types of backlinks out there. But how do you know what is what? Let me guide you through the most essential ones in SEO.

When another website links to yours, they’re essentially saying, “This content is valuable enough to share with my audience.” But not all of these digital endorsements are created equal.

Think of backlinks as recommendations from friends. A recommendation from your closest friend who knows exactly what you like carries more weight than a casual acquaintance suggesting something random. In the same way, a high-quality backlink from an authoritative, relevant website holds significantly more value than a random link from an unrelated source.

We’ve spent years perfecting our link building strategies and have discovered that understanding the various types of backlinks is crucial for developing an effective SEO strategy. Here’s what you need to know about the power of backlinks:

Backlinks remain Google’s top ranking factor in 2025
Quality links from trusted sites can boost your rankings significantly faster than low-quality links
Just one high authority backlink can sometimes outperform dozens of lower-quality links
Different backlink types serve different purposes in your SEO strategy
Even with AI advancements, backlinks continue to be critical for establishing site credibility

The question isn’t whether you need backlinks—it’s which types will deliver the best results for your specific situation. Let’s explore that now.

The 4 Core Backlink Attributes You Need to Understand

Before we look at specific types of backlinks, let’s understand the basic technical features that help search engines read links.

Dofollow Backlinks: The Gold Standard

Dofollow backlinks are the standard type of link that passes along SEO value (often called “link juice“). These links instruct search engines to follow the link to your site and consider it as a positive ranking signal.

When The New York Times links to your site with a dofollow link, they’re effectively transferring some of their immense domain authority to you. A single dofollow link from a well-respected site can have a greater effect than many links from less known websites.

Nofollow Backlinks: More Valuable Than You Think

Nofollow links have the rel=”nofollow” attribute. This tells search engines not to follow the link or count it as a vote of approval. However, their value is often misunderstood.

While they may not directly boost your rankings like dofollow links, nofollow links from relevant sites:

Drive qualified referral traffic
Create brand visibility
Add diversity to your backlink profile
Often lead to additional dofollow links down the road
May provide indirect ranking benefits as part of a natural link profile

If your link profile consists of 100% dofollow links, it actually looks suspicious to search engines. A natural backlink profile always includes a healthy mix of both types.

UGC Links (rel=”ugc”)

UGC (User Generated Content) links have the rel=”ugc” attribute. You can usually find them in comment sections, forums, and other places where users can add links freely. These links signal to search engines that the link wasn’t editorially placed by the site owner but was added by a user.

These links may not add much SEO value, but they can still bring in relevant traffic. Place them carefully in communities where your target audience is active.

11 Powerful Types of Backlinks That Actually Drive Rankings

Now that we know the basic attributes, let’s look at the types of backlinks that can improve your SEO performance. We’ve tested thousands of link building campaigns and identified these as the most impactful.

1. Editorial Backlinks

Editorial backlinks are the holy grail of link building. These are natural mentions. A publisher or blogger links to your site because they find your content valuable.

Imagine you’ve created an ultimate guide about email marketing automation. A well-known marketing blog discovers it, loves it, and links to it in their latest article about marketing tools. That’s an editorial backlink, and it carries tremendous weight because:

It’s given voluntarily without solicitation
It comes from genuine appreciation of your content
It’s typically surrounded by relevant context
It often appears within the main content of the page

At Search Royals, our publishers make editorial backlinks. These links look natural and fit well with the content, just like organic ones. The key difference? You don’t have to wait months or years hoping someone discovers your content.

2. Contextual Backlinks

Contextual backlinks are found in the main content of an article or page. They are near text that relates to your site’s topic. These links are substantially more valuable than non-contextual links (like those in footers or sidebars).

Picture this: You run a fitness equipment company. A link to your site in an article about “The Best Home Workout Equipment for 2025” is more relevant to Google. This is better than having the same link in the footer of a page.

What makes contextual links so powerful:

They appear within content directly related to your niche
They often use anchor text that describes your content
Readers are more likely to click them
Search engines give them more weight as they appear more editorial

In our experience, contextual backlinks provide 3 to 5 times more SEO value than non-contextual ones. This is why they are the core of our link building strategy.

3. Private Blog Networks (PBNs)

PBNs are networks of websites strategically created or acquired to build powerful links to your main website. When implemented with proper expertise, they offer unparalleled control over your link building efforts.

At Search Royals, we’ve developed sophisticated PBN strategies that deliver consistent results while maintaining safety:

We acquire expired domains with existing authority and clean link profiles
Each site is built with unique, high-quality content that provides genuine user value
Our networks use diverse hosting arrangements and technical configurations
We implement natural linking patterns that mirror organic publisher behavior
Each site maintains its own unique identity and publishing schedule

When properly executed, PBN links offer several distinct advantages:

Complete control over link placement, context, and anchor text
Ability to target highly specific topics perfectly aligned with your niche
Predictable link acquisition without relying on outreach campaigns
Cost-effectiveness compared to premium editorial placements
Strategic linking that can precisely target specific pages or keywords

Our tiered link building approach leverages carefully managed PBNs as a cornerstone of effective SEO campaigns. For businesses that want consistent ranking improvements, well-managed PBNs are still a strong tool in modern SEO.

4. Guest Post Backlinks

Guest post backlinks come from contributing content to another website in your industry. While writing the guest article, you include a link back to your site where relevant.

For example, if you are a cybersecurity expert, you could write a guest post for a tech blog. This post could discuss new security threats and include a link to your detailed guide on the topic.

Guest posting remains effective when done properly, but quality matters more than ever:

Focus on authoritative sites in your niche
Create genuinely valuable content (not thin content just for the link)
Make your links contextual and relevant to the article topic
Limit the number of links to your site (usually one is best)
Vary your anchor text across different guest posts

Remember that white hat link building methods, like quality guest posting, will always work well. They are important in a varied strategy.

5. Resource Page Backlinks

Resource page backlinks come from websites that curate lists of helpful resources on specific topics. These pages exist specifically to link out to valuable content, making them perfect link building opportunities.

For instance, a university might maintain a resource page listing helpful websites about renewable energy. If you have excellent content on this topic, getting included can provide a powerful, relevant backlink.

These links are valuable because:

They’re typically dofollow
They come from pages designed to send visitors to quality resources
They’re often from educational or authoritative sites
They tend to be highly relevant to your niche
They can drive significant referral traffic

Finding and getting resource page backlinks takes research and building relationships. This is why many businesses work with specialists like us. We have strong connections with content curators.

6. Broken Link Backlinks

Broken link building means finding broken links on websites in your field. You then contact the site owners and offer your content as a replacement for the dead link. It’s a win-win: they fix a problem on their site, and you gain a valuable backlink.

This strategy is particularly effective because:

You’re helping the website owner improve their user experience
The link placement already existed, making it a natural fit
The site owner is more receptive since you’re solving a problem
The contextual relevance is already established

Our data shows that broken link building works 5-10% better than cold outreach methods. This makes it a top strategy for clients who want to build high authority backlinks.

7. Unlinked Brand Mentions

Unlinked brand mentions are instances where your brand is referenced on a website without a hyperlink. Converting these mentions into actual links is one of the most underutilized link building opportunities.

Imagine TechCrunch mentions your software in an article but doesn’t link to your site. This is a great chance to reach out and kindly ask for a link to be added to the mention.

The benefits of this approach include:

The site already knows and values your brand enough to mention it
The contextual relevance is pre-established
The outreach feels natural and reasonable
The conversion rate tends to be higher than cold link requests

These chances are easy to miss without the right tools.

8. Expert Roundup Backlinks

Expert roundup backlinks come from content where multiple industry experts provide insights on a particular topic. By participating in these roundups, you typically receive an attribution link when your contribution is published.

A marketing blog could make a list called “25 SEO Experts Share Their Top Tip for 2025.” This would include a short quote from each expert and a link to their site.

These links are valuable because:

They position you as an authority in your field
They come with the implied endorsement of the other experts
They’re typically contextual and relevant
They often lead to additional exposure and linking opportunities

We have found that joining 2-3 quality expert roundups each month can boost your authority with Google. This is especially true for newer websites.

9. Image Backlinks

Image backlinks occur when other websites use your images or infographics and link back to you as the source. Creating highly shareable visual assets can generate dozens or even hundreds of backlinks with minimal ongoing effort.

For example, if you make an infographic about “The Evolution of Digital Marketing,” blogs may use it. They will include a link back to your site.

The power of image backlinks lies in:

Their scalability (one great image can earn multiple links)
Their ability to reach different audience segments
Their tendency to continue generating links over time
Their contribution to referral traffic from visual platforms

Creating shareable images might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Even simple data visualizations can become link magnets when they present valuable information in an accessible format.

10. Webinar and Podcast Backlinks

Webinar and podcast backlinks come from being a guest on industry shows. They can also come from hosting your own events that others mention. These multimedia appearances typically earn you a link in the show notes or accompanying blog post.

If you are an expert in local link building, joining a digital marketing podcast can help you. Sharing your insights may earn you a valuable backlink from the podcast’s website.

These links are particularly effective because:

They come with the host’s endorsement of your expertise
They reach engaged, niche-specific audiences
They typically appear on regularly updated websites
They often include rich anchor text describing your authority

As more people use audio and video, backlink opportunities are becoming more valuable for smart businesses.

11. HARO (Help A Reporter Out) Backlinks

HARO backlinks come from providing expert quotes to journalists working on stories through platforms like Help A Reporter Out. When your quote is used, you typically receive a attribution link from the publishing website.

For example, if a journalist writes about new cybersecurity threats for Business Insider, your expert insight could help. This might earn you a backlink from a major publication that is usually hard to get.

The unique value of HARO backlinks includes:

Access to high-authority news and media sites
Editorial backlinks that are 100% natural
Positioning as an industry authority
Additional brand exposure beyond just the link
Potential for recurring opportunities with the same journalists

The success rate for HARO outreach is low, usually between 5% and 15%. However, the quality of links gained is high. This makes it worth the effort, especially for businesses that want a diverse and natural-looking backlink profile.

Types of Backlinks to Approach with Caution

Not all backlinks contribute positively to your SEO efforts. Some can be ineffective or even harmful if implemented incorrectly. Here are the types of backlinks to approach thoughtfully.

Comment and Forum Backlinks

Comment and forum backlinks come from posting on blogs, forums, and discussion boards. These platforms can bring in referral traffic when used honestly. However, they usually offer little SEO value. This is because most use the nofollow or UGC attributes.

Additionally, excessive comment linking can appear spammy, potentially hurting your site’s reputation with both users and search engines.

If you choose to use comment links:

Only contribute genuinely valuable information
Link only when truly relevant to the discussion
Focus on niche-specific forums where your target audience gathers
Prioritize relationship building over link acquisition
Use your real name and build a genuine presence in the community

The primary goal should be establishing authority and driving referral traffic, with any SEO benefit considered a secondary bonus.

Directory Backlinks

Directory backlinks come from business listing websites. While quality, relevant directories can provide some value, most general directories offer minimal SEO benefit.

The distinction between helpful and unhelpful directories:

Helpful: Industry-specific, curated directories that require approval (like legal directories for attorneys)
Unhelpful: General, low-quality directories that accept any submission

We recommend limiting directory submissions to:

Relevant industry directories
Local business directories if you serve specific geographic areas
Professional association directories
Highly selective general directories with strong domain authority

Quality is more important than quantity. Five links from trusted industry directories are better than hundreds from low-quality sites.

Social Media Backlinks

Social media backlinks come from platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. These can bring in a lot of visitors and help with brand awareness. However, they usually use nofollow attributes and have a limited direct impact on SEO.

Nevertheless, social signals can indirectly influence your rankings:

Increased social visibility leads to more brand searches
Social sharing can put your content in front of potential linkers
Strong social engagement signals content quality to search engines
Content that resonates on social often earns natural editorial backlinks

Instead of just focusing on links, use social media to share your content. Build relationships that can lead to valuable linking opportunities.

Press Release Backlinks

Press release backlinks come from distributing company news through press release services. While once an effective link building strategy, most press release links now use nofollow or sponsored attributes.

If you use press releases for backlinks:

Only issue releases for genuinely newsworthy information
Target industry-specific distribution services over general ones
Focus on getting picked up by actual journalists rather than just syndication
Use press releases as part of a broader PR strategy, not just for links

Press releases are still useful for building your brand and making announcements. However, they should support your link building strategy, not take over.

Advanced Backlink Strategies for 2025

Beyond the standard link building approaches, several advanced strategies can give you an edge in competitive markets.

Automated or Spun Content Backlinks

These backlinks come from lower-quality, auto-generated content created primarily for building links. We usually recommend not to rely too much on these links. However, they can have specific uses in a tiered link building strategy.

For tier 2 and tier 3 links, automated content links can be useful. These links point to your backlinks rather than your main site. They help distribute link equity throughout your network. However, they should never form the foundation of your primary link building efforts.

Footer and Sitewide Links

Footer and sitewide links appear on every page of a website, typically in the footer or sidebar. While not harmful in legitimate cases, like credit links for web designers, they can be a problem. This happens when they are used too much with overly optimized anchor text.

A balanced approach includes:

Using natural brand mentions for sitewide links
Limiting the number of sites with sitewide links pointing to you
Ensuring the linking sites have genuine topical relevance

When implemented thoughtfully, a limited number of quality sitewide links can contribute positively to your link profile.

How to Build a Healthy Backlink Profile in 2025

Building a diverse, natural-looking backlink profile requires strategy, patience, and a focus on quality over quantity. Here’s our proven approach for sustainable link building.

Focus on Content Worth Linking To

The foundation of effective link building is creating content that naturally attracts links. Before focusing on outreach tactics, ensure you have:

Comprehensive resource guides that solve specific problems
Original research or data that can’t be found elsewhere
Tools, calculators, or interactive elements that provide utility
Visual assets that clearly explain complex concepts
Contrarian or unique perspectives on industry topics

Without linkable assets, even the best outreach strategies will struggle to deliver results. As we always tell our clients: exceptional content makes link building exponentially easier.

Prioritize Relevance Over Metrics

While domain authority metrics provide useful guidance, relevance should always be your priority. A link from a less important site in your field is often more valuable. This is better than a link from a more important site that is not related to your industry.

Consider these factors when evaluating potential link opportunities:

Topical relevance to your industry
Audience alignment with your target market
Content quality and editorial standards
Traffic and engagement metrics
Linking patterns (do they link to quality resources?)

Remember, Google’s algorithms are increasingly sophisticated at evaluating contextual relevance. A perfectly targeted backlink strategy aligns with your specific niche and audience.

Diversify Your Anchor Text

Anchor text—the clickable text of a link—sends strong relevancy signals to search engines. However, over-optimized anchor text patterns are a common trigger for penalties.

A natural anchor text profile typically includes:

Brand anchors (your company or website name)
Naked URLs (your actual website address)
Generic anchors (“click here,” “learn more,” etc.)
Partial match anchors (containing part of your target keyword)
Exact match anchors (exactly matching your target keyword)

For most sites, we suggest keeping exact match anchors under 5% of your total backlinks. The majority should be brand names and natural variations.

Prioritize Link Velocity and Natural Growth

How quickly you acquire backlinks can be just as important as the links themselves. Sudden spikes in link acquisition appear unnatural and may trigger algorithmic filters.

Instead, focus on:

Consistent, gradual link growth over time
Varied acquisition patterns that mirror natural linking behavior
Diversification across multiple link types and sources
Alignment between content publication and link acquisition

Natural link profiles show growth patterns that happen naturally. They may have occasional spikes, like from a viral piece of content. After these spikes, growth returns to a normal level. This is different from constant, mechanical link building.

Consider Working with Specialists

Link building requires specialized knowledge, established relationships, and constant adaptation to changing algorithms. For many businesses, partnering with specialists delivers better results than handling link building in-house.

When choosing a link building partner, look for:

Transparency about methods and sources
Detailed reporting with verification options
Focus on relevant, quality placements over quantity
Adaptable strategies tailored to your specific industry
Case studies demonstrating sustainable results

At Search Royals, we believe in complete transparency. You can see where your links are placed. You can check if they are indexed. You can also track their performance over time using our easy-to-use platform.

How to Analyze Your Current Backlink Profile

Understanding your existing backlink profile is essential for developing an effective strategy moving forward. Here’s how to conduct a comprehensive analysis.

Identify Your Top Backlink Sources

Start by identifying which websites currently link to you most frequently and evaluate the quality of these relationships. This analysis might reveal:

Industry publications that regularly feature your content
Partners or suppliers with multiple links to your site
Media outlets that have covered your brand
Directories or platforms where your profile is well-established

These existing relationships often represent the lowest-hanging fruit for acquiring additional quality backlinks.

Analyze Competitor Backlinks

Examining your competitors’ backlink profiles can reveal valuable opportunities you’ve missed. Look for:

Publications that link to multiple competitors but not you
Resource pages featuring competitors that could also include your site
Topics that consistently earn links in your industry
Strategic partnerships that yield valuable backlinks

Our Competitor Research tool automates this process, identifying the most valuable linking opportunities based on your specific competitors’ backlink profiles.

Evaluate Link Quality Metrics

Not all backlinks contribute equally to your SEO performance. Evaluate your existing links based on:

Domain Authority or Domain Rating
Topical relevance to your industry
Traffic and engagement metrics
Link placement (contextual vs. sidebar/footer)
Link attributes (dofollow vs. nofollow)

This analysis will help you find areas where your link profile can improve. It will also guide your future link building efforts.

Identify and Address Toxic Backlinks

While building quality links, it’s equally important to address potentially harmful ones. Toxic backlinks typically show these characteristics:

Come from sites with no editorial standards
Appear on pages with excessive outbound links
Originate from irrelevant or adult-themed websites
Use overly optimized anchor text patterns
Connect to networks of low-quality sites

If you find harmful links, think about asking for their removal. You can also use Google’s disavow tool as a last option.

Building a Strategic Backlink Portfolio with the right types of backlinks

In 2025, backlinks are still key to successful SEO strategies. However, the focus has now changed to quality, relevance, and natural acquisition patterns. At Search Royals, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses transform their search visibility by building strategic backlink portfolios.

The most successful link building approaches:

Prioritize editorial, contextual links from relevant sources
Focus on delivering value to the linking site’s audience
Build relationships rather than just requesting links
Create linkable assets that generate organic interest
Maintain natural growth and diversification patterns

It is important to know about different types of backlinks. This is true whether you are just starting your link building or trying to improve your current strategy. Knowing their value is key for long-term SEO success.

Ready to transform your backlink profile with links that actually drive rankings? Explore our link building packages. You can also contact our team in Copenhagen. We can discuss a strategy that fits your goals.

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