How Many Types of Link Building in SEO? 12 Proven Tactics That Actually Work

Introduction

Let’s be real: link building can feel like trying to climb a mountain in flip-flops—especially if you don’t know where to start.

You’ve probably heard that backlinks are crucial for SEO. But the real question is: how many types of link building in SEO are there, and which ones actually help you rank?

The truth is, there are several link building types, each with its own strengths, strategies, and outcomes. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your current backlink profile, this guide will walk you through the most effective methods—without overwhelming you.

Why Link Building Matters in SEO

Before we jump into the different types, let’s talk about why link building is even a thing.

In short: backlinks are votes of trust. When another site links to yours, it’s telling Google, “Hey, this content is valuable.” The more quality backlinks you have, the higher your chances of ranking on page one.

And that’s where understanding how many types of link building in SEO exist becomes key. Not all links are created equal.

1. Guest Posting

Guest posting is one of the most popular and widely used link building types.

How it works:

You write an article for another website in your niche and include a backlink to your own site—usually in the content or author bio.

• ✅ Pros: High-quality, contextual links

• ⚠️ Cons: Can be time-consuming to pitch and write

🖼️ Insert an image showing a blogger writing a guest post with a backlink included.

2. Editorial Links

An editorial link is when another website links to your content naturally because it’s helpful or authoritative.

Best way to earn it:

• Create amazing, evergreen content

• Publish original research or case studies

• Get quoted in media or niche blogs

These are some of the most powerful link building types because they’re earned, not asked for.

3. Resource Page Link Building

Many websites maintain “resources” or “useful links” pages. If your content fits, you can request inclusion.

How to do it:

• Search for “keyword + resources”

• Reach out with a personalized pitch

• Offer content that complements their existing list

4. Broken Link Building

This one’s like digital treasure hunting. You find broken (dead) links on other websites and suggest your content as a replacement.

Steps:

• Use tools like Ahrefs or Broken Link Checker

• Find pages with 404s

• Offer your content as a replacement

It’s a clever and effective way to build white-hat backlinks.

5. Skyscraper Technique

Made famous by Brian Dean, this strategy involves:

1. Finding high-performing content

2. Creating something better

3. Reaching out to sites that linked to the original

This is a high-effort, high-reward type of link building that pays off in both rankings and relationships.

6. Niche Edits (Link Insertion)

This involves adding your link into an existing article on someone else’s site—usually through outreach or value exchange.

Be sure this is done organically, not as a paid placement (which Google frowns upon).

7. Business Citations

These are mentions of your business info (Name, Address, Phone) on directories like Yelp, Google Business Profile, or local chambers of commerce.

While often nofollow, these links help establish local authority and improve local SEO.

8. HARO (Help A Reporter Out)

With HARO, you respond to journalist queries in exchange for a potential mention and backlink from high-authority publications like Forbes, Inc, or Business Insider.

Why it works:

• High-quality editorial links

• Builds authority

• Drives referral traffic

9. Social Media & Content Syndication

While links from social platforms are usually nofollow, they still:

• Help content get discovered

• Drive traffic

• Spark future organic backlinks

Syndicating blog content on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn can also help reach new audiences.

10. Forum & Community Link Building

Engage in niche forums like Reddit, Quora, or Stack Exchange and add links where relevant (never spam).

These are ideal for brand awareness and engagement, not necessarily PageRank.

11. Testimonial Link Building

Give a testimonial for a tool or service you use, and ask them to feature your website link alongside your quote.

It’s a win-win: they get credibility, and you get a dofollow backlink from a homepage or product page.

12. Link Reclamation

Sometimes, people mention your brand but don’t link to you. Find those mentions and ask them to add a link.

Use tools like:

• Google Alerts

• Mention.com

• Ahrefs’ “Mentions” feature

This is one of the easiest link building types because the hard part (getting the mention) is already done.

Table: Overview of Link Building Types in SEO

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Link Building Types in SEO

1. How many types of link building in SEO are there?

There are at least 12 major types of link building in SEO, including guest posting, editorial links, broken link building, resource page outreach, HARO links, and more. Each method falls under white-hat SEO and serves different purposes—from authority building to referral traffic generation.

2. What is link building and why is it important?

Link building is the process of acquiring hyperlinks from other websites to your own. It’s vital because backlinks act as trust signals for search engines. The more quality links pointing to your site, the higher your chances of ranking in SERPs. Understanding different link building types helps you create a more diverse and natural backlink profile.

3. Which link building types are best for beginners?

For beginners, the easiest link building types include:

• Guest posting

• Business directory citations

• Forum comments (if relevant and natural)

• Testimonial link building

These require minimal tools and offer quick wins while maintaining white-hat SEO integrity.

4. Are all types of link building equally effective?

No, not all link building types have the same impact. For example, editorial links and HARO backlinks offer higher authority and trust compared to links from low-quality directories. The most effective link types are those earned naturally from relevant, high-authority domains.

5. What are editorial links in SEO?

Editorial links are backlinks that you earn naturally when other websites reference your content without being asked. These are considered one of the most valuable types of link building because they indicate true authority and are almost always dofollow links.

6. Is guest posting still an effective type of link building in 2025?

Yes. Despite algorithm updates, guest posting remains a powerful link building type when done on reputable, relevant websites. Focus on providing value through content and avoid using guest posts solely for link drops to stay compliant with Google’s guidelines.

7. How does broken link building work?

Broken link building involves:

1. Finding broken links on websites in your niche

2. Reaching out to the site owner

3. Suggesting your content as a replacement

This link building type not only helps the webmaster but also gets you a valuable, relevant backlink.

8. What is the skyscraper technique in link building?

The skyscraper technique is a content-driven link building method where you:

• Find well-linked content

• Create something even better

• Reach out to the same sites for a backlink

It’s a smart way to outperform competitors and earn quality links.

9. How does HARO help with link building?

HARO (Help A Reporter Out) connects journalists with sources. By replying to relevant queries, you can earn backlinks from high-authority sites like Forbes or Inc. This is one of the highest-quality types of link building in SEO due to editorial nature and authority.

10. Are social media links considered a valid link building type?

Social media links are usually nofollow, meaning they don’t pass SEO value directly. However, they help content gain visibility and can lead to natural backlink acquisition, making them a supportive link building type in an overall SEO strategy.

11. What are business citations and how do they help with SEO?

Business citations are listings of your business on online directories like Google Business Profile, Yelp, or YellowPages. These types of link building in SEO help:

• Improve local SEO

• Establish brand presence

• Drive targeted traffic

While some links are nofollow, they add value by increasing search visibility.

12. Can I use forums or Q&A sites for link building?

Yes, but with caution. Forum and Q&A link building (e.g., Quora, Reddit, niche forums) should always be relevant, value-driven, and non-spammy. These link building types are more about engagement and traffic than direct SEO power.

13. What’s the difference between white hat and black hat link building types?

• White hat link building includes ethical, content-driven methods like guest posting, HARO, and editorial links.

• Black hat methods involve manipulative practices like buying links or using PBNs, which can result in penalties.

Stick to white-hat link building types to ensure long-term SEO success.

14. How can I track the success of my link building efforts?

Use SEO tools like:

• Ahrefs

• SEMrush

• Moz Link Explorer

• Google Search Console

Track metrics such as referring domains, link authority, and traffic impact to measure the effectiveness of different link building types.

15. How often should I diversify my link building types?

To maintain a natural backlink profile, diversify your link building types consistently. Use a mix of guest posts, resource links, HARO mentions, and social sharing. Updating your strategy every quarter keeps your SEO efforts fresh and algorithm-proof.

Conclusion

So, how many types of link building in SEO are there? At least 12 major types—and each plays a unique role in building authority, trust, and organic visibility.

Whether you’re guest posting, helping a journalist, or replacing a broken link, the secret to success is value and relevance.

Remember: it’s not about building links. It’s about building relationships.

Which link building type have you tried—or are planning to try? Share your experience or questions in the comments! 🔗

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