How to Get HQ Backlinks in 2026: 10 Tactics That Actually Works

10 Effective Backlink Acquisition Strategies

The following tactics for building backlinks include both immediate actions you can take today and long-term strategies that enhance authority over time.

1. Convert Unlinked Brand Mentions into Backlinks

References to your brand without a link can be converted into backlinks by reaching out to the source and requesting they add a link.

Since the author is already familiar with your brand, they may agree to add a link, enhancing the contextual signal about your brand's relevance for search engines and AI systems.

Locating Unlinked Brand Mentions

Use the Brand Monitoring app to identify unlinked mentions.

Sign up and create a query for your brand name, including your domain in the “Track backlinks” section.

Navigate to the “Mentions” report and apply these filters:

• Select “Sentiment” and check “Neutral,” “Positive,” and “Unknown” (avoid sites with negative mentions)

• Select “Mention details,” choose “Backlinks,” and select “Without backlinks”

Discover more backlink opportunities with Brand24, which highlights brand mentions you can convert into backlinks. The platform allows you to filter sources you wish to target.

Now, you have a list of mentions without links. Focus on mentions where:

• The context is positive or neutral

• The site has good authority and relevance to your industry

• Adding a link would genuinely benefit the source’s readers

• The mention is in evergreen content (not outdated posts or news)

Requesting a Link

When you identify a promising opportunity, send a concise, personalized email requesting the creator to convert your brand mention into a backlink.

Here’s a sample template:

Subject: Quick question about [Article Title]

Hi [Author Name],

I noticed you mentioned [Your Brand] in your article "[Article Title]"—thank you for the mention! Could you add a link to [specific URL] for readers interested in learning more about [specific topic/feature]?

Best,

[Your Name]

Keep your email brief, friendly, and focused on adding value for readers. Avoid corporate jargon or lengthy explanations.

Ideally, find situations where adding a link is logical for the creator and beneficial for your business.

2. Fix Broken Backlinks to Your Site

Fixing broken backlinks that point to pages on your site that don’t exist anymore or that return errors is one of the easiest and potentially most effective link building methods.

If a website already chose to reference you, asking them to replace a nonworking link with one that does work benefits both them and you.

How to Find Your Broken Backlinks

Use Semrush's Backlink Audit tool to identify broken backlinks you can fix.

After setting up Backlink Audit, go to the "Target Pages" report and check the box beside "Target URL error" to see a list of broken URLs on your domain.

Find a URL that you have a good replacement for. Then click the number in the "Active" column to view its active backlinks.

Next, choose backlink opportunities based on:

• The quality of the page: Links from poor-quality or spammy pages can do more harm than good

• The nature of the content: Admins are unlikely to update archived or outdated content

• The context of the backlink: Is your content framed in a positive light?

Check the Authority Score and Toxicity Score to assess quality. It’s usually best to avoid sites with toxicity scores in the 60-100 range.

How to Ask Sites to Fix Your Broken Links

When you've identified a worthwhile opportunity to address a broken backlink, find the email address of a relevant contact and send a concise message like this:

Subject: Broken link on your page

Hi [Article Writer],

I noticed that your page [URL] contains a broken link to our website.

Could you please update this with a link to [new URL]?

This will ensure your readers can find the right page.

Best,

[Your Email Signature]

Follow up as needed and keep records of your results. This will help you refine your list of sites to reach out to and the emails you send based on what works.

3. Inherit Your Competitors’ Broken Backlinks

It's possible to inherit competitors' broken backlinks by suggesting your link as a replacement.

Getting backlinks that used to belong to competitors works because web admins don't like linking to broken pages, and you're offering an easy solution. When you replace a competitor's broken link, you're inserting your brand into conversations where a rival was previously mentioned.

How to Find Broken Backlink Opportunities

Go to Semrush’s Backlinks tool and analyze a competitor’s domain, which would be any site that publishes content similar to yours.

Then, go to the “Indexed Pages” report and check the box next to “Broken Pages.”

You’ll see a list of pages on your competitor’s site that don’t work properly, sorted according to the number of domains that link to them.

Starting at the top, identify a page that you have a good replacement for (or could create a good replacement for). Then, click the corresponding link to see a list of the page’s backlinks.

Filter for “Active” and “Follow” links. This ensures you only see links on websites that are still active and passing the most SEO value.

Then, judge which backlink opportunities are worth pursuing based on the page quality, nature of the backlink, and the context of the link.

When you email your contact to request they replace a competitors’ broken backlink with a working link to your site, it’s crucial to explain why your link makes a good replacement. 

Here’s a template you can use to request a backlink to your site:

Subject: Broken link on your page

Hi [Name],

I noticed your article [Linked Article Title] contains a broken link on the text “[anchor text].”

If you’re looking for an alternative, we’ve just published [Linked Article Title]. It’s a good fit because [explanation]. Plus, it’ll ensure your readers can find what they’re looking for.

Best,

[Your Email Signature]

Because you’re offering value (improving readers’ experiences), the source may be more likely to accept your pitch. 

4. Leverage Your Existing Partnerships to Get Backlinks

If you already have professional relationships with organizations or influencers in your niche, use them to get backlinks. 

When partners mention your brand on their site, it places you in relevant industry contexts alongside the products and services you actually use.

Getting backlinks from partners works because these relationships already exist—you're simply formalizing the connection with a link. 

How to Get Backlinks from Partnerships

Here are the most effective ways to get backlinks for your website from your existing partnerships:

• Testimonials: Write honest reviews for products or services you genuinely use. Many businesses will include your company name and link to your website when featuring your testimonial on their site.

• Member directories: Industry associations and chambers of commerce often maintain member listings with backlinks

• Partner sections: Ask collaborators to feature your logo in "Our Partners" or "Our Clients" sections

• Joint projects: Create research reports, products, or events with partners. These collaborations often get press coverage with links to both websites.

Partner Outreach Template

To get a link on a partner’s website, reach out with a brief message like the one below that’s focused on providing a testimonial:

Subject: Feedback on [Product]

Hi [Company Representative Name],

I've been using [Product] for [time period] and wanted to share some feedback: [two to three sentences about specific results or benefits].

If you ever need a testimonial for your site, I'd be happy to write something up. Just let me know.

Best,

[Your Name]

Best,

[Your Name]

Important: Don't suggest a "you link to me, and I'll link to you" agreement. This form of reciprocal linking is against Google's spam guidelines.

5. Get Featured on Resource Pages

Getting featured on resource pages that share curated lists of helpful links on a specific topic places you alongside other trusted sources and signals that you’re a recognized authority.

Resource pages are typically maintained by educational institutions, industry organizations, or authoritative blogs.

How to Find Relevant Resource Pages

To find resource pages in your niche, try these Google searches:

• [your topic] + "helpful resources"

• [your topic] + "useful resources"

• [your topic] + "recommended links"

• [your topic] + intitle:links

• [your topic] + inurl:resources

For example, searching "gardening” resources will surface pages that curate gardening links.

Look for pages updated within the past year with working links and up-to-date content.

And focus on domains with genuine credibility and topical authority in your space.

How to Pitch to Resource Pages

To ask for a link on a resource page, find the page owner's contact information and send a brief pitch explaining why your content deserves inclusion:

Subject: Resource suggestion for [Page Title]

Hi [Name],

I found your resource page on [topic] at [URL] and noticed you've curated [specific detail about their list].

I recently published [Your Content Title] at [URL], which covers [specific value it provides]. It might be a useful addition to your list because [brief explanation].

Either way, thanks for maintaining such a helpful resource.

Best,

[Your Name]

6. Respond to Relevant Media Requests (HARO/Connectively)

Providing input to journalists and content creators seeking expert quotes, statistics, or commentary for their articles may get you featured in their piece with a backlink to your site as attribution.

Responding to media requests works because you're being mentioned in authoritative publications alongside the specific topics, problems, or industry trends you want to be associated with.

Bear in mind that each brand mention—even if it’s unlinked—strengthens how AI systems and search engines understand your expertise. Making it more likely that you’ll appear in results and responses to relevant searches.

How to Find Media Requests in Your Niche

Popular platforms for finding media requests include Help a Reporter Out (HARO), Qwoted (pictured below), and ProfNet.

Each platform has slightly different audiences and industries, so test a couple of them to see which generates the best opportunities for your niche.

Sign up as a source and create a detailed profile highlighting your areas of expertise. Be specific—instead of "marketing expert," list "B2B SaaS content strategist" or "local SEO specialist for healthcare practices."

How to Write Responses That Get Featured

Focus on responding to requests focused on your area of expertise and that you can provide specific, actionable insights for.

When you find a relevant request:

1. Respond within two to four hours: The earlier you respond, the more likely your pitch is to be accepted

2. Answer the exact question asked: Don't pitch your services or go off-topic

3. Keep it concise: A few sentences is enough for most requests, unless they specifically ask for more

4. Provide unique insight: Avoid generic advice the journalist could find anywhere

5. Include your credentials: Briefly explain why you're qualified to comment

6. Request attribution: Include the exact URL you want the publication to link to

7. Get Interviewed on Podcasts

Getting interviewed on podcasts can earn you a backlink from the show's website, typically in the show notes or guest bio section. Like this:

Getting backlinks by being a podcast guest works because podcast appearances position you as an expert on specific topics while naturally placing your brand in relevant industry conversations. 

How to Find Relevant Podcasts

Find podcasts in your niche where your expertise would genuinely add value using these methods:

• Search "[your industry] podcast" on Google

• Search on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or Listen Notes

• Look for podcasts your competitors have appeared on (search their name + "podcast")

How to Pitch Yourself as a Podcast Guest

You might be able to pitch yourself as a podcast guest if contact information is provided on the podcast’s website or in their show notes. Once you have the right contact, send a brief and personalized pitch that explains:

1. Why you're relevant to the podcast’s audience (reference specific episodes you've listened to)

2. What unique perspective or expertise you bring

3. Two to three specific topics you could discuss

Here's a template you can use:

Subject: Guest idea: [Specific Topic] for [Podcast Name]

Hi [Host Name],

I've been listening to [Podcast Name] for [time period], and really enjoyed your recent episode on [specific episode].

I'm [Your Title] at [Your Company], and I've helped [specific achievement or experience]. I'd love to share insights on [two to three specific topics] that would be valuable for your audience.

Would you be open to having me on the show?

Best,

[Your Name]

8. Write Guest Blog Posts for Relevant Sites

Guest posting means writing articles for other websites in your industry, which typically results in a backlink in your author bio or within the content itself.

When you contribute valuable content to established publications, you're demonstrating expertise while creating contextual mentions that connect your brand to specific subjects.

How to Find Guest Posting Opportunities

To find guest posting opportunities, look for sites that accept contributors in your niche using these searches:

• [your industry] "write for us"

• [your industry] "guest post guidelines"

• [your industry] "contribute"

• [your industry] "submit an article"

When deciding which sites to prioritize for guest posting, focus on those with:

• Clear editorial standards (they publish quality content regularly)

• Authority in your space (they're recognized as credible sources in your industry)

• Visible author bios with backlinks on existing guest posts

Focus on delivering genuine value in your articles rather than writing purely for the backlink. Your pitch and final article are more likely to be accepted if you do this. 

How to Pitch Your Guest Post Ideas

Once you've identified a good opportunity, send a brief pitch to the editor (many sites list contributor guidelines with contact information).

Your pitch should include:

1. Why you're qualified to write on this topic

2. Two to three specific article ideas relevant to their audience

3. Links to your previous writing 

Here's a template to use:

Subject: Guest post idea: [Specific Topic]

Hi [Editor Name],

I'm [Your Title] at [Your Company], and I've [relevant experience or achievement]. I've been reading [Publication Name] and noticed your recent coverage of [specific topic].

I'd like to contribute an article on [topic]. Specifically, I could cover:

- [Angle 1]: [One-sentence description]

- [Angle 2]: [One-sentence description]

- [Angle 3]: [One-sentence description]

I've previously written for [Publication 1] and [Publication 2]. Here's a sample: [link]

Would any of these fit your editorial calendar? If so, I’d be delighted to send a draft for you to review. 

Also, do you allow contextual links within guest posts if they add value for readers?

Best,

[Your Name]

Some sites permit contextual links within the article if they're relevant and add value for readers. Asking this upfront can help you prioritize opportunities.

Some sites also allow you to include a link in your author bio. In these cases, you may also want to provide text for your author bio. 

When you write your author bio, include:

• Brief credentials (1 sentence)

• What readers can find on your site

• Direct link to your most relevant page

Example: "[Your Name] is a content strategist who has helped 50+ SaaS companies improve their organic traffic. Learn more about content strategy at [Your Site]."

9. Replicate Your Competitors’ Backlinks

Your competitors may have backlinks you can replicate.

For example, your rival might have a quality backlink because their CEO gave an interview to an industry publication. You might be able to arrange an interview with the same site to get a link to your own website.

Or perhaps your rival is listed in an industry round-up that could include your brand, too.

Recreating your rivals’ backlinks ensures you appear in the same conversations and contexts as your competitors. This can help AI systems and search engines learn to associate your brand with those topics.

How to Find Replicable Opportunities

Use the Backlink Gap tool to find competitor backlinks you can replicate.

Enter your own domain and up to four competitors’ domains. Then, click “Find prospects.”

The tool will present sites that link to at least one competitor but not to you, along with the following data:

• AS: The Authority Score (AS) of the referring domain. Generally, backlinks from higher-AS sites are more valuable for SEO.

• Monthly Visits: The estimated number of monthly visits to the referring domain. The higher the number, the larger your prospective backlink’s potential reach.

• Matches: The number of analyzed competitors that have backlinks on this domain. The more competitors a site links to, the more likely it is to link to you, too.

You can see details about your competitors’ backlinks by clicking the arrows in the corresponding columns.

Click through to the source pages to find backlinks that you may be able to—and want to—replicate.

Then, contact the target site with your pitch. Personalize your email, make a clear proposal, and explain what's in it for the recipient.

How to Reach Out to Target Websites

Here’s an email template you can use to ask for a link from a site already linking to one or more of your competitors:

Subject: Possible addition to [article]

Hi [Name],

I was reading your article [Article Title] on [Website]. It was a really helpful piece, especially the part about [specific detail that shows you actually read it].

I thought you might also find our resource on [topic] valuable:

[Your URL]

It offers [original data, expert insights, step-by-step breakdown, tool, etc.], which could be a useful addition for your readers.

If you think it fits, I’d love to be included as an additional reference.

Thanks for your time, and keep up the great work on [Website].

Best,

[Your Name]

10. Create Content People Want to Link To

Creating link-worthy content (known as link bait) allows you to obtain backlinks naturally over time. 

Creators often link to pages that add value to their own content—especially if that page has content that would be difficult to replicate. And that places you in conversations about specific topics, which helps establish your relevance to search engines and AI platforms.

Some of the most linkable formats include:

Original Research

Original research provides information and insights that other creators can cite in their content such as:

• Industry surveys

• Data analysis and trend studies

• Industry benchmarks

For example, Semrush published a study on the impact of AI search on SEO traffic. The study has attracted more than 4K backlinks from over 900 unique domains.

These links place Semrush in conversations about AI search alongside the specific insights the study uncovered. This provides large language models (LLMs) and search engines with useful context about Semrush’s expertise.

As a result, the study is also cited in relevant AI responses on platforms like Perplexity:

ChatGPT also cites the study in relevant responses:

When creating your own research-focused content, focus on questions your audience is actively trying to answer. The studies that earn the most backlinks—and get cited by AI tools—are the ones that provide definitive answers to these kinds of questions.

Comprehensive Guides

Thorough guides that serve as dependable information sources gain backlinks when creators cite them to enhance their own content.

For instance, TechRadar offers an up-to-date guide on the best VPNs:

This page provides detailed, trustworthy information that creators use when advising their readers about VPNs.Backlinks indicates the page has backlinks from over 2,000 domains:

Concentrate on topics where people require reliable, comprehensive information they can trust and reference repeatedly.

Free Tools

Tools that address specific issues earn backlinks because creators direct their audiences to them as resources.

For example, Backlinko provides a free keyword research tool that has garnered 3K backlinks from nearly 500 unique domains.

Examples of tools you could develop include:

• ROI calculators

• Template generators

• Content graders

• Assessment tools

The key is addressing a specific problem your audience frequently encounters. This way, websites discussing your topic can guide readers to your tool as a practical next step, naturally generating a backlink.

Start Building High-Quality Backlinks 

Backlinks remain crucial for SEO and also assist AI systems in recognizing your relevance.

Regardless of the tactics you choose to implement, use the Link Building Tool to identify prospects, manage your outreach, and track results in one place. Then, refine your strategy based on what proves effective.

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