How Many Types Of Link Building Are There In SEO? And Which Ones Matter
Ella Pybus |
12 August, 2025 |
4 minute read |
Blog, Digital Marketing, SEO
If you want to improve your Google ranking, you likely need backlinks. But what kind should you pursue, and where do you even start?
If you’ve been exploring SEO, you’ve likely encountered the term “link building” frequently. While it may sound simple, there are numerous strategies to consider.
So, how many types of link building exist in SEO, and which ones truly impact your site’s performance?
In this blog, we will break down the main types of link building, explain what each entails, and help you determine where to begin. Whether you are new to SEO or looking to refine your strategy, this guide will clarify everything for you.
What Is Link Building?
Link building is the process of acquiring links from other websites to your own. These backlinks serve as digital votes of confidence, helping search engines determine that your content is trustworthy and relevant.
Google views links from reputable sites as a sign of authority. The more high-quality links you have, the more likely it is that you will rank higher in search results.
However, not all links are created equal; some can help you grow your online presence, while others may lead to penalties. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the different types of link building.
The 6 Most Common Types of Link Building
There are many approaches to link building, but most fall under these six buckets:
- Guest Posting
Writing content for another website in exchange for a backlink. When done right, it’s a win-win; they get quality content, and you get exposure and a link.
- Editorial Links
These are natural links you earn when websites reference your content because it’s genuinely helpful or insightful. Think of them as “earned.”
- Directory Listings
Submit your site to relevant, reputable business directories. These are often location- or industry-based and can help with local SEO.
- Niche Edits
Also known as link insertions, this involves adding your link to existing content on a website, typically by reaching out to the site owner with a value-driven reason why they should include your link on their site.
- Digital PR
Using newsworthy stories, data, or content to attract attention from journalists and publications. This can lead to high-authority, high-traffic backlinks.
- Broken Link Building
Identifying dead links on other sites and suggesting your content as a replacement. It’s a smart and helpful way to build connections and establish links.
Curious about how link building could work for you? Take a look at our service to see why it’s such a crucial part of a successful SEO strategy.
Not All Links Are Equal: Focus on Quality
Although it might be tempting to focus on the quantity of backlinks, a single quality backlink can have a greater impact than 100 weak ones. A link from a relevant, high-authority website carries significantly more weight than one from a low-quality or spammy site.
Therefore, it’s essential to prioritise relevance, domain authority, and natural placement over simply accumulating a large number of links.
Types of Link Building Strategies
The tactics we listed above fall into broader strategies based on how proactive you want to be.
Manual Link Building
You actively reach out to other sites and ask for a backlink. This includes guest posts, niche edits, and broken link building.
Organic Link Building
You create amazing content and hope others link to it naturally; it’s harder to predict, but highly rewarding.
Paid Link Building
Yes, some people pay for links. While this can work, it’s risky and against Google’s guidelines if done in a manipulative way.
Scalable Link Building
Using tools or platforms to automate outreach, or creating link-worthy content that continues to earn links over time (like a free tool).
Choosing the Right Link Building
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Your link-building strategy depends on:
- Your industry
- Your website’s current authority
- Your content quality
- Your resources (time, money, people)
Our final thoughts
Link building can initially seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Once you understand the various types of link building in SEO, it becomes much easier to focus on what truly works. Instead of chasing every tactic, concentrate on creating high-quality, relevant links that will have a lasting impact over time.
The most effective backlink strategy is one that builds trust rather than trying to deceive algorithms.
Ready to Go Deeper Into SEO? Explore more insights on our blog and discover how to let the links come to you organically.
