7 Link Building Strategies That Still Work in 2024

Link building remains one of the most impactful (and challenging) aspects of SEO. Here are the strategies that consistently deliver results.

Why Links Still Matter

Google's own engineers have confirmed that PageRank — the algorithm that uses links to measure page authority — remains one of the top three ranking factors. Despite frequent algorithm updates, high-quality backlinks are still the most reliable signal of a page's authority and trustworthiness.

The key word is *quality*. A single link from The New York Times is worth more than 1,000 links from low-quality directories.

Strategy 1: Digital PR & Data Studies

Create original research, surveys, or data studies that journalists and bloggers want to cite.

**How it works:**

1. Survey 500-1,000 people in your industry

2. Compile the data into a compelling report

3. Identify journalists who cover your industry

4. Pitch the exclusive data as a story

**Results**: Digital PR campaigns regularly earn links from DA 70+ publications. One well-executed campaign can earn 50-200 links.

Strategy 2: The Skyscraper Technique 2.0

Find the most-linked content in your niche, create something significantly better, then reach out to those linking to the inferior version.

**The 2.0 update**: Don't just make longer content — make more useful content. Add:

Strategy 3: Resource Page Link Building

Many websites maintain "resources" or "useful links" pages. Getting listed on these is one of the cleanest link building tactics.

**Process:**

Strategy 4: Broken Link Building

Find broken links on authoritative sites in your niche and offer your content as a replacement.

**Tools**: Check My Links (Chrome extension), Ahrefs, Screaming Frog

**Pitch template**: "Hey [Name], I noticed you're linking to [dead URL] from [their page]. That link is broken! I recently published [your content] which covers the same topic. Happy to share it if you'd like a replacement."

Strategy 5: Guest Posting (Done Right)

Guest posting still works, but only when:

Avoid: low-quality guest post farms, irrelevant sites, and posts that exist only for the link.

Strategy 6: HARO & Media Queries

Help A Reporter Out (HARO) connects journalists with expert sources. When you're quoted, you typically earn a backlink.

**Tips for success:**

**Alternative tools**: Connectively, SourceBottle, Quoted

Strategy 7: Link Reclamation

Recover links you've already "earned" but lost:

**Process**: Use Ahrefs Alerts to track brand mentions. When you find an unlinked mention, simply email asking them to add a link.

What to Avoid

Tactics that can result in Google penalties:

Building a Link Building Program

The best link building isn't a campaign — it's a program:

1. **Create linkable assets**: Tools, calculators, original research

2. **Build relationships**: Engage with others in your industry before you need anything

3. **Earn editorial links**: Create content journalists and bloggers naturally want to reference

4. **Track everything**: Ahrefs, Majestic, or Moz to monitor your link profile

Link building is a long game. Start with strategy 1 (digital PR) and strategy 7 (link reclamation) for the quickest wins.