12 SEO Experts Reveal 10 Link Building Strategies to Skyrocket Your Rankings in 2025

Remember when link building was like throwing spaghetti at a wall? Just blast links from anywhere and everywhere, cross your fingers, and hope something will stick. (Spoiler alert: Google wasn't impressed.)

Fast forward to 2025, and link building has evolved into something that looks more like digital PR meets strategic partnerships. To uncover the strategies that actually move the needle, we went straight to the source: interviewing 12 SEO experts — from content strategists and outreach-pros to strategy directors and CEOs who've been in the trenches, testing what works and what falls flat. 

So, let's dive into the strategies that are quietly revolutionizing SEO in 2025 (no spaghetti-throwing required.)

If you're wondering, "Can you really rank without backlinks in 2025?" Spoiler: it’s not easy!

Evelina Milenova

Growth Manager at Opinion Stage

If you're in a highly competitive niche, no. But I'm consistently seeing more articles coming from small sites ranking in the top 10. The first priority is to understand the search intent and address it effectively.

Think of high-quality backlinks as real endorsements for your website. Just like you'd trust a restaurant recommendation from a renowned food critic over a random spam email, Google puts more weight on links from authoritative, relevant websites. But here's the catch: not all backlinks are created equal.

A high-quality backlink typically comes from a website that's:

• Relevant to your industry (a tech blog linking to your software company makes more sense than a pet food site)
• Established and authoritative (think industry leaders, not sketchy link farms)
• Getting solid traffic itself (because what's the point of a link if nobody sees it?)
• Placing your link naturally within valuable content (not buried in a footer with 100 other random links)

Here's where it gets interesting: one strategic backlink from an industry-leading website can outweigh dozens of low-quality links. Here’s a golden formula for your reference: 

Google's algorithms have gotten scary good at identifying link quality patterns, and in 2025, they're focusing more than ever on contextual relevance and authority signals. That's why smart SEO pros are shifting from "how many links can we get?" to "how can we earn links that actually matter?"

Remember those SEO pros we interviewed? When we asked them about their most effective yet least-talked-about link building strategies, we expected the usual suspects. Instead, they shared tactics that made us raise our eyebrows – in a good way. Some of these approaches might seem counterintuitive at first, but the data doesn't lie: they're generating quality backlinks while flying completely under most marketers' radar.

We've ranked these strategies based on their effectiveness, ease of implementation, and how surprisingly underutilized they are. Each one has been tested and verified by multiple experts in our panel, and we've included real-world examples to show you exactly how they work.

Let's dive into these hidden gems that could give you a serious edge over your competition.

The first rule of Link Building Club: don’t talk about Link Building Club. The second rule: check your old links before chasing new ones. 

Links get lost — it happens to everyone. But not every site owner takes the time to track down those “404 not found” or “lost” links. And when links break, you’re not just losing visitors — you’re also chipping away at Google’s trust in your site. This is where link reclamation comes in: recovering links that were once yours but no longer work, whether it’s fixing links to moved or deleted pages or reclaiming mentions of your brand that aren’t linked.

Satya Dalai

SEO Manager at Surfer

To reclaim lost links, you'll need to ensure that you're tracking changes in source pages. This is much easier if you're using SEO tools but if not, you can write a script in Google Sheets to export your Top Linked pages report inside GSC at frequent intervals. Track the last exported sheet to the previous export, to track changes and identify links that you've lost. That is the easy part. The hard part is in ensuring you have enough follow-ups and can entice the source website to add your link back in.

Tools like Ahrefs make it easy to recover those links. Just run a Broken Backlinks audit, look for the dreaded “red code,” and start patching things up to restore your link equity.

The secret sauce to standout link building? Think local. Getting involved with your community or sponsoring local events isn’t just great PR — it’s a savvy SEO move, too.

Rhianna Clavering

Strategic Business Marketer at Pestfix

Collaborate with local businesses to create an online resource. By hosting the resource on your website and featuring contributions from partners, you encourage them to share it with their audiences, building valuable links while strengthening community relationships and boosting local SEO.

Whether it’s backing a charity run, sponsoring a local sports team, or partnering with a neighborhood organization, these efforts often land you a spot on their website’s sponsor or event page. That’s a quality backlink with an authentic, community-driven edge. Plus, Google loves seeing those local signals. Bonus points: you’re building real-world relationships while boosting your online visibility.

Guest posting is like the golden handshake of link building: you share your expertise with a new audience, and in return, you earn a quality backlink. But here’s the thing: not all guest posts are created equal. To make it worth your time, focus on writing for reputable sites that align with your niche and actually engage their audience.

Matthew Mace

Content Strategist & Writer for B2B SaaS & MarTech

High-quality links will make it much easier to increase search rankings, especially in a competitive niche. You will struggle (a lot) without these, especially when competing for high-difficulty keywords/topics. Use sites like Qwoted to answer requests from online publications. In exchange for your response, they often link back to your site. These links are typically from sites with high domain authority. And while you are technically “pitching,” it’s not unsolicited—these people need your help.

Need to simplify the process? Platforms like Collaborator.pro — a digital marketplace connecting advertisers and publishers — make it easier to find the right opportunities. Whether you’re pitching to publish or scouting for contributors, it’s the shortcut to building real connections and earning backlinks that pack a punch.

Because who doesn’t want to save hours (and spare their nerves from the frustration of getting ghosted during endless manual outreach)? It’s 2025, after all. 

Sign Up for Collaborator.pro Now

Evergreen content is like the gift that keeps on giving: it stays relevant and keeps attracting links long after you’ve published it. 

Salvatore Surra

Director of SEO & Content at Seamless.AI

I've got to say that the most effective, as well as tried and true method for earning great backlinks, is always evergreen content creation. One of the better ways to do this is with listicles or review content that links to other resources. This often attracts more links as it provides a jump point to explore the topic more or viewed as a resource for sharing.

These types of content get shared, linked to, and continue generating value, making them a must for anyone looking to build a solid SEO foundation.

Pro tip: getting the featured snippet for statistics articles.

Sacha Fournier

Co-Founder at JournoFinder

A great way to build links is to rank for statistics based keywords (link building statistics for example). A lot of people searching this are looking for data to cite and link back to. You can outrank more authoritative sites for these keywords by optimising for the featured snippet.

Let us be honest: if you’re still not doing this, you’re making a big mistake. HUGE. 

Collaborating with influencers isn’t just about having a cool Instagram moment; it’s a savvy link building strategy. When you team up with influencers in your niche, you’re not just reaching their audience; you’re tapping into a network of authoritative backlinks. 

Evelina Milenova

Growth Manager at Opinion Stage

You don't need influencers with huge audiences to get results. In fact, for B2B brands, I'd recommend pointing at niche influencers with highly engaged audiences. This can allow you to partner with more people and get contextually relevant mentions, and that helps with appearing more in LLMs.

Whether they’re writing a review, sharing your content, or creating their own around your brand, their credibility lends you a serious SEO boost. The best part? It’s organic: no need for cold outreach or pitching, just real conversations with people who already have your audience’s attention. 

Another secret to earning high-quality backlinks is to be the MVP of problem-solving. 

Antonio Gabrić

Outreach Manager at Hunter.io

Consider the everyday challenges you encounter in your job. If you're not a developer, you can create free tools using ChatGPT and host them on your website.

Just think about those daily work headaches and solve them for others. Voila!

BTW, did you know that Collaborator has a bunch of free SEO tools? 😉 

A great thing to remember is:

Alex Horsman

Founder of Shitty SEO Advice

When creating data studies, realize that journalists aren't interested in every data point. Instead of creating an 'SEO Statistics' article with 180 data points, just create one article that focuses on a narrow question, e.g., 'How many searches on Google per day?'

Want to build links and trust at the same time? Lean into social proof and engagement. When people see others raving about your brand on social media — whether it’s testimonials, reviews, or user-generated content — it amplifies your credibility and encourages natural backlinks. Pair that with engaging content that sparks conversations (think polls, witty posts, or insightful threads), and you’re creating a ripple effect. 

Tyler Hakes

Strategy Director & Principal at Optimist

Share reviews of tools and services that you use and reach out to their team offering to provide a testimonial or case study. Most companies link to their customer’s website in a case study, so it gives you a chance to earn a free link — plus a bit of bonus exposure!

Social shares can lead to blog mentions, website features, and, ultimately, valuable backlinks. Plus, a little buzz on social media never hurts your brand image, either!

Getting involved in forum discussions is a goldmine for link building, and this year, Reddit is leading the charge. When you engage in niche-specific forums, Reddit threads, or even Quora, you’re not just answering questions; you’re establishing authority and earning valuable backlinks. As Reddit continues to rise in popularity, it’s becoming a powerhouse in SEO. 

According to the Visibility Index by Sistrix, Reddit is now the fifth biggest site in Google’s organic search results, up from #80 just last summer. So, being active in its communities can give you massive exposure and link building opportunities. Bonus: it’s a great way to tap into an engaged audience who might share your content or link back to it without you even asking.

To get an idea of how to use Reddit to your advantage, check out our  Reddit for SEO 101 Guide. 

Want to get ahead of the competition? Start by studying their backlinks. It’s like peeking at their playbook and using the best strategies for yourself. By identifying their top-performing links, you can replicate them and earn some of that sweet, organic link equity. 

The process used to be tedious, but with Collaborator.pro, it’s a breeze. The "My Lists" feature lets you analyze your competitors, find their link donors, and view the ones available on the platform — all in just two clicks. It’s a fast track to picking up the best link building opportunities without breaking a sweat.

If you’re not a fan of video guides, read about using My Lists for Competitor Backlink Analysis in our blog.

If the original Skyscraper Technique is about building taller, 2.0 is about building smarter. The goal is still to create content that outshines the competition, but with a twist: you focus on improving user experience, adding interactive elements, and personalizing your outreach.

Justin Belmont

CEO at Prose

Skyscraper Technique 2.0 isn’t just about tweaking what’s out there—it’s about blowing it out of the water. Don’t just create content; create the content. Add exclusive stats, expert takes, or even a quirky angle no one saw coming. When your content feels like a mic drop moment, backlinks won’t be far behind.

When you pitch your content, highlight why it’s more valuable. It’s not just taller; it’s got an elevator, a rooftop bar, and free Wi-Fi, making it impossible for anyone to ignore (or not link to).

Need even more link building magic? Here’s a list of extra strategies to keep your backlink game strong and your SEO climbing.

Building a solid link strategy isn't about following a cookie-cutter template, it's about crafting a tailored approach that aligns with your unique business goals and audience.

Based on our expert interviews and data analysis, here's how to build a strategy that actually works in 2025:

1. Know Your Digital Ecosystem

   Before diving into link building tactics, take a step back and analyze three crucial elements:

   • Your audience's online behavior (Where do they hang out? What content do they trust?)
   • Your website's current authority and content gaps (Be honest – what value are you really offering?)
   • Your competitors' link profiles (What's working for them, and more importantly, what opportunities are they missing?)
2. Audit Your Foundation

   Think of your website as a house – you wouldn't invite guests over if the foundation was cracking, right? Before starting any link building campaign, ensure:

   • Your technical SEO is solid (site speed, mobile optimization, crawlability)
   • Your content strategy provides genuine value (no more fluff pieces just for the sake of links)
   • Your user experience is seamless (because what's the point of driving traffic to a frustrating website?)
3. Build Your Action Plan

   Now for the fun part. Your strategy should include:

   • Clear, measurable goals (specific numbers, not just "more links")
   • A content calendar aligned with link opportunities
   • A prioritized list of target websites based on authority and relevance
   • A system for tracking and measuring results
   • Regular check-ins to adjust your approach based on what's working

Remember: the best link building strategy isn't about quantity – it's about building relationships that create lasting value for your brand and your audience. In 2025's hyper-competitive landscape, that's what sets successful campaigns apart from the rest.

Ready to see what modern link building looks like? Give Collaborator.pro a try – your future self (and your clients) will thank you.

Check It Out 👈

Link building isn't about quantity anymore — it's all about quality. In 2025, it's about building relationships, boosting authority, and getting strategic with your backlinks. Forget “guest post and pray” tactics; focus on meaningful connections, fixing broken links, and engaging with influencers.

High-quality backlinks are like your website’s personal hype squad, so make sure you're getting the right ones. Work smarter, not harder, and watch your SEO soar.

Ready to level up? Check out Collaborator.pro for link building opportunities that save time and make you look like a pro. Happy linking!

How to choose link building strategies that work specifically for your site?

Choosing the right link building strategy for your site is like picking the perfect pair of shoes — you need to find one that fits! Start by analyzing your niche, audience, and competitors. If you're in a highly competitive industry, you’ll need more aggressive strategies like guest posting or influencer collaborations. If you're in a smaller, more niche space, resource pages and local sponsorships might be your sweet spot. In short, take a look at where your competitors are succeeding and find strategies that align with your goals, audience, and available resources!

What's the most common link building strategy?

By far, the most common link building strategy is guest posting. Why? Because it’s like a double whammy: you get a backlink and exposure on a new platform. It’s a win-win, and since it’s been around forever, most sites are familiar with the process. Just make sure you're guest posting on quality sites relevant to your niche for maximum SEO impact!

Are there some tools that help to build links to your website?

Absolutely! There’s a whole arsenal of link-building tools to make your life easier. Tools like Ahrefs can help you analyze competitor backlinks, spot broken links, and identify opportunities for new links. If you’re into scaling your outreach, Collaborator.pro can streamline the process by connecting you to publishers and advertisers in just a few clicks. These tools can save you hours, and who doesn't love a good time-saver?

What link building strategies can you implement for free?

Good news: link building doesn’t always require a budget! You can start building links for free by engaging in strategies like forum discussions, participating in surveys, or leveraging social media (hey, Reddit’s a goldmine in 2025!). Other free strategies include reaching out to friends with websites for mutual backlinks or submitting your site to directories and local listings like Google My Business. There’s a lot you can do on a shoestring budget; just put in the effort, and the links will follow!

What effective link building strategy gives the quickest result?

If you’re looking for speed, broken link building (or link reclamation) is a strategy that can deliver results relatively quickly. The process involves finding broken links on relevant websites and offering your own content as a replacement. It’s a win-win: you help the site owner fix a broken link, and you get a shiny new backlink. Combine that with social media mentions or leveraging existing relationships for quick wins, and you’re on your way to boosting your SEO without the wait.