11 Proven B2B link building tactics for 2025
link-building
If you want your B2B site to hit the number one spot on Google, you need 3.8x more backlinks than your competitors.
Yep, you read that right.
Backlinks are like the secret sauce of SEO success, as revealed in Brian Dean’s eye-opening research at Backlinko.
Today, I’m sharing 11 battle-tested B2B link building tactics. These strategies can transform your site from zero to hero.
Are you ready to leave page 57 behind and join the big leagues?
Let’s jump right in!
What is B2B link building?
“Isn’t link building the same for everyone?”
Not really! In B2B, your links come from other businesses and industry-relevant websites. It’s all about building credibility among your target audience – other businesses that see you as a valuable partner.
This makes B2B link building different from B2C link building, where links usually come from more consumer-focused websites.
The real magic happens when you build links from high authority domains. These are the big players – sites that Google trusts and ranks highly.
When your B2B link building efforts land you links from these sites, it’s like you’ve been endorsed by the cool kids in the SEO world. Not only do these links help increase your domain authority, but they can also skyrocket your search engine rankings and boost your organic traffic.
Why B2B companies can’t skip link building?
If you want your B2B website to succeed, link building is a must. Here’s why:
- Boosts search engine rankings, driving more traffic to your site.
- Draws in qualified leads: It’s not just about traffic; link building brings in leads that are more likely to convert.
- Enhances lead quality: You’re attracting the right people, not just page views.
- Builds brand authority and trust within your industry, helping you stand out.
Without a solid B2B link building strategy, your business will struggle to rank and waste resources on content that no one sees.
Why B2B link building requires a unique approach?
B2B link building isn’t quite the same as B2C – here’s why it needs a special approach:
- B2B link building is a long-term strategy: Unlike B2C, which focuses on quick conversions, B2B necessitates building trust and credibility over time.
- Longer sales cycles & high-value transactions: Business decisions are big and often come with a hefty price tag. That’s why establishing trust is essential – your prospects want to know you’re reliable and credible.
- Focus on industry-relevant, high-authority sites: These links carry the most weight, improving your domain authority and pushing you higher in SERPs.
- Target decision-makers: Aim to get backlinks from sources trusted by professionals and decision-makers in your industry. Their endorsement means more in the B2B world.
- Content strategy matters: Produce thought leadership and niche-specific content that speaks directly to your audience’s needs and concerns.
Think of B2B link building as a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about building long-lasting, valuable relationships that help establish you as a trusted authority in your field.
Top B2B link building tactics that actually work (and drive results)
Alright, grab your favorite drink and settle in. We’re about to uncover B2B link building tactics that actually work and can turn your website into a backlink magnet.
1. Create high quality content that attracts backlinks
When it comes to B2B link building, it’s all about creating high-quality content that gets links thrown your way – no begging required. Here’s how to craft content that’s bound to pull in those juicy high-quality backlinks:
(a) Produce data-driven research & industry reports
First in line is data-driven content. Whether it’s original research, surveys, or industry reports, this type of quality content is your ticket to Link City.
Just look at HubSpot. They consistently publish detailed research reports that not only highlight current trends but also predict what’s next in marketing. This makes them a trusted source for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve.
The result? HubSpot scores a ton of backlinks from universities and industry leaders who can’t resist linking to their cutting-edge insights.
Why? Because everyone loves fresh insights that they just can’t help but cite. Be the first to unveil new trends, and you’ll become the go-to resource in your field.
(b) Write thought leadership articles & expert opinion pieces
Publish thought leadership articles and expert opinions packed with unique perspectives.
This type of quality content doesn’t just sit on the page – it shows the industry you know your stuff, making it a magnet for high-quality backlinks from respected websites.
(c) Create case studies & whitepapers
Case studies and whitepapers are powerful as they highlight your success and unique processes. They’re like testimonials for your amazing content, leading to editorial links from respected websites. When others see your success, they want a slice of that link-worthy pie.
(d) Repurpose content into different formats
High-quality content deserves to be seen in every format. Repurpose blog posts, webinars, or reports into videos, infographics, or SlideShares. Each new format increases exposure, leading to more sites linking to your valuable content.
2. Boost your B2B link building with guest posting
If you’re not using guest blogging as part of your B2B link building tactics, you’re leaving a ton of potential on the table. This is all about creating high-quality content for other blogs and scoring those golden backlinks in return. Here’s how to optimize this approach:
(a) Land spots on high-authority blogs
You want your guest posts on sites that matter. Aim for top-tier, industry-relevant blogs. Getting featured isn’t just about the backlinks – it’s about putting yourself in front of a target audience that cares. The authority and trust gained here act like SEO rocket fuel.
Just ask Buffer. In their early days, they leveraged guest blogging to land spots on major sites like Mashable, effectively boosting their visibility and credibility.
(b) Avoid low-quality guest post opportunities
Sure, those low-quality guest post opportunities might seem tempting, but trust me – they’re not worth it. Spammy sites won’t deliver the results you need.
Instead, focus on reputable sites with high domain authority that resonate with your industry. These high-quality backlinks will enhance your SEO strategy and grant your website the ranking boost it deserves.
(c) Craft a killer guest blogging strategy
Guest posting is a game of strategy, not luck. You’ve got to be strategic.
Start by targeting the best sites in your niche and pitch content that truly adds value to their readers. Building relationships with site owners and editors is crucial – it increases your chances of landing those coveted guest post slots.
Remember, it’s not just about the link; it’s about building bridges and showcasing your expertise.
(d) Build your thought leadership
Here’s the kicker about guest blogging: it solidifies your position as a thought leader. Sharing your insights on reputable sites boosts your credibility. Establishing your brand in this way strengthens your standing as an industry leader and becomes a cornerstone for attracting more high-quality links.
So, if you want to skyrocket your B2B business, get serious about guest blogging. When done right, you don’t just build backlinks – you build a reputation. And that’s what really drives your brand forward.
3. Personalized outreach: The key to building backlinks that matter
Alright, so you’re diving into B2B link building and aiming for those fancy high-quality backlinks. The journey begins with link building outreach – more specifically, email outreach. But, let’s pause for a second – generic emails? They’re like the digital equivalent of junk mail. You know, the kind you don’t even open.
What’s wrong with generic outreach?
Let’s face it: a generic email is basically a one-way ticket to the trash bin. It doesn’t connect, it’s impersonal, and it screams “robot.” This is where personalized targeted outreach shines. By compiling a list of relevant websites and sending personalized emails, you set the stage for success.
Take a page out of Influence & Co.’s playbook. They mastered personalized outreach by ditching the one-size-fits-all approach and tailoring each email to highlight specific articles or content that resonated with their targets. The result? A significant boost in response rates and high-quality backlinks that strengthened their SEO game.
(a) Write emails with a clear value exchange
Personalization is key. When you’re reaching out to other websites, be crystal clear about what’s in it for them. Show how linking to your content benefits their audience, too. This is about crafting a win-win scenario, not just saying “hey, throw me a link.” If they see how your content adds value to their site, they’re way more likely to say yes.
(b) Show off with social proof
No need to go full Shakespeare on them – let your results do the talking. Mention a few success stories, client testimonials, or partnerships with other credible websites. When your outreach includes social proof, it establishes credibility and increases the likelihood they’ll want to collaborate with you.
(c) Experiment with your subject lines
Your subject line is like the cover of a book. If it doesn’t catch the eye, your email won’t get read. Testing subject lines is crucial. Discover what phrases or hooks garner the highest open rates and refine your approach to what actually works.
By personalizing your outreach, you’re not just building links – you’re nurturing relationships that fuel your link-building strategy. It’s about delivering value and making your mark as an industry authority.
4. Use press releases for building links
Press releases: they’re not just for spilling the latest company news. Journalists and bloggers are always on the hunt for compelling content, and if it’s relevant, they’re more than likely to link back to your site.
(a) Turn big news into backlinks
If you’ve got exciting updates – like a groundbreaking product launch or a new partnership – digital PR are your ticket to earning prime backlinks.
But here’s the trick: make sure your news really shines.
Consider how Airbnb managed this with great success. They launched a press release when they announced a major partnership and expansion into new markets. This strategic move saw their news picked up by top-tier media outlets like The New York Times and TechCrunch, resulting in high-quality backlinks that drove significant SEO value.
(b) Maximize your reach
Writing a great press release is just the start. Getting it out to the right places is where the magic happens. Share your news on trusted platforms to pick up links from credible media outlets. It’s a smart move to put your news in front of industry big shots who can link back to your site.
(c) Aim for top-tier exposure
When your press release gets picked up by popular news sites or key industry blogs, you’re in luck! These outlets carry significant weight, and a link from them will boost your SEO substantially.
(d) Create evergreen content with press releases
Don’t let your press release fade away after the news cycle ends. Repurpose it into insightful blog posts or resource pages that continue to attract backlinks over time. The longer your content lives online, the more opportunities it has to earn links, keeping your link building efforts strong for months or even years to come.
5. Create viral content on social media
Creating content that resonates with your target audience is key. When your message hits the mark, it doesn’t just get shared – it starts pulling in organic backlinks because people naturally want to share it more.
(a) Leverage LinkedIn and Twitter for link building
Why? Because they’re where industry professionals and thought leaders hang out.
Cognism did this exceptionally well. By crafting data-driven insights and actively engaging with influencers on LinkedIn, they not only boosted engagement but also attracted high-quality backlinks from industry sites. Their strategic use of LinkedIn demonstrates how these platforms can be a goldmine for B2B link-building.
(b) Engage with niche B2B communities
LinkedIn groups and industry forums are treasure troves for networking. Answer questions, drop insights, and build genuine connections. These interactions often translate into valuable backlinks, enhancing your domain authority and search engine optimization efforts.
(c) Increase content shareability
Focus on creating content your audience will want to share. More shares equal more backlinks. Whether it’s an insightful blog post, an engaging infographic, or original research, shareable content is more likely to gather links. Understand your audience’s interests and cater to them with content they can’t resist sharing.
(d) Focus on LinkedIn for B2B virality
For B2B link building, LinkedIn is where you need to be. Create content that speaks to your niche, and if it’s valuable, your audience will share it. This leads to backlinks from industry publications and other reputable sites, building authority and earning high-quality links.
6. Master broken link building
Broken link building is an under-the-radar tactic that, when done right, can bring you a flood of high-quality backlinks. Here’s how to nail it:
(a) Find broken links on relevant sites
Link building tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush are your go-to resources for spotting broken links on industry sites. These are essentially low-hanging fruit for link building – ready for you to grab and convert into valuable backlinks for your own website. Use Google search operators to refine your searches and zero in on the best opportunities.
Just look at how Backlinko utilized this approach. By using Ahrefs to uncover broken links on relevant sites, they identified opportunities to strengthen their backlink profile and increase their search rankings.
(b) Pitch replacement resources
Once you’ve pinpointed a broken link, don’t just let it sit there. Reach out to the site owner with a friendly email offering your content as a perfect replacement. Make sure your piece is top-notch and matches the intent of the original link, so it’s a seamless fit.
(c) Use tools for finding broken links
Take advantage of advanced tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Screaming Frog to locate broken links quickly. Backlinko’s success here shows that speed and relevancy in outreach can translate into valuable backlinks and improved SEO performance.
Incorporating broken link building into your B2B link building strategy is an efficient way to acquire high-quality links while helping others fix their outdated content.
7. Turn unlinked mentions into valuable B2B links
Unlinked brand mentions are like opportunities just sitting there, begging for your attention. Other websites have mentioned your brand, but there’s no link – yet. This is your chance to secure a valuable backlink with minimal effort.
(a) Track brand mentions without links
The first step is tracking down those unlinked brand mentions. Tools like Google Alerts and Ahrefs can help you pinpoint these mentions efficiently. It’s like fishing – you just need to know where to cast your line!
Take Ahrefs, for example. They regularly scan the web for unlinked mentions of their brand using their own tool. By identifying these missed opportunities, Ahrefs set the stage for an outreach blitz that maximizes link-building potential.
(b) Request link attribution
Once you’ve found those mentions, don’t be shy! Reach out to the webmaster or content creator and politely request a backlink. They’ll likely be happy to oblige, and this helps boost your online visibility. Just remember to keep your tone friendly and professional – after all, you’re helping them add value to their content.
Ahrefs nails this strategy by sending well-crafted emails, turning those mentions into a valuable network of backlinks. This not only amps up their SEO but solidifies their position as an industry leader.
8. Add links to existing content
When it comes to B2B link building, the adage “work smarter, not harder” holds true. One of the smartest link building tactics is to add links to existing content that already ranks well.
Instead of trying to rank a new page from scratch, tap into high-quality backlinks by helping other content stay up to date with your valuable resources. Let’s break down how this works.
(a) Identify high-ranking industry articles
Your first move is to find high-authority articles in your niche. Tools like Ahrefs can identify which pieces drive traffic and engage readers. These articles are prime targets for your content.
(b) Request link insertions in outdated content
If you find an article that could benefit from your up-to-date resource, don’t be shy – reach out to the author or site owner. You’re not just asking for a link; you’re offering them an opportunity to improve their content by keeping it current. That’s what we call a win-win.
(c) Contextual links over directory listings
Contextual links – within the body of a relevant article – are far more valuable than directory site links. Provide extra value by offering links that enhance the reader’s understanding of the topic. Tailor your approach with relevant keywords to draw more traffic to your landing pages.
9. Steal competitor backlinks
Now, let’s talk about a slightly sneakier tactic: stealing your competitors’ backlinks. Before you get any ideas, this is 100% ethical and highly effective.
By analyzing your competitors’ link profiles, you can discover the sources that are linking to them – and target the same places for your own website.
(a) Analyze competitor link profiles
The first thing you’ll want to do is dive into your competitors’ link profiles. Tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush make this easy. Look for high-quality backlinks from relevant websites that have high domain authority. These are your prime targets for acquiring links to your own content.
(b) Find gaps in their backlink strategy
Identify gaps in their strategy. Are there relevant anchor text or opportunities they missed? If so, build your B2B link building strategy around those gaps.
(c) Pitch better alternatives for link replacements
This is where things get fun. Once you’ve spotted where competitors are getting links, reach out to those sites and offer a better alternative. Maybe your content is more in-depth, more up-to-date, or includes fresh data.
Pitching high-quality content as a replacement to those links is a great way to earn valuable editorial links from high authority score sites.
10. Get quality backlinks from resource pages
One of the smartest link building tactics is getting your content listed on resource pages – those curated “best-of” lists crafted by industry pros. Here’s how you can make this happen:
(a) Reach out to resource page owners
Start by finding authoritative resource pages in your niche. These are typically curated by industry experts or organizations sharing top tools and content. Once you have a list, it’s time to reach out!
Consider how Canva did it. They targeted high-authority resource pages related to design and marketing by finding pages where their content could shine.
(b) Create irresistible resources
Don’t just throw any old blog post their way. Create high-value resources – think epic guides, toolkits, or templates that actually solve real problems. The better your content, the more likely it is to get linked to from these pages.
(c) Craft killer outreach emails
Now, here’s where a lot of people mess up – outreach emails. Keep them personal and to the point. Tell them why your content deserves a spot on their page, and how it will add value to their target audience.
The key? Make them feel like they can’t afford not to link to your content.
Once your high-quality content lands on these resource pages, you’ll see those awesome backlinks roll in, improving your SEO game and solidifying your position as an authority in your space.
11. Develop free tools that attract high-quality backlinks
Offering free tools can be one of the most effective B2B link-building tactics. Why? Because when you create something that solves a real problem, people can’t help but share it. And when they do, they’re more likely to link back to your site.
(a) Create a tool that solves a specific problem
An effective free tool tackles a clear issue. For example, Ahrefs created their free broken link checker, and guess what? It has earned them hundreds of amazing links. The key is to create something that’s not just “nice to have,” but essential – something your audience can’t ignore.
(b) Offer embed links to expand your reach
Provide an embed link for your tool to go viral. This makes it easy for others to feature it on their own sites, giving you a steady stream of relevant links back to yours.
(c) Promote your tool on multiple channels
Don’t just sit back and wait for people to discover your tool. Promote it across your social media accounts, drop it in industry forums, and guest post on relevant websites. The more places your tool shows up, the more high-quality links you’ll stack up.
(d) Update and improve the tool regularly
Don’t let your tool gather dust. Regular updates not only keep it relevant but also present opportunities to reach out to websites and blogs again. Every update is a chance to score more high-quality links, boosting your SEO.
Avoid these B2B link building mistakes that hurt your SEO
Avoiding these common mistakes can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Building the wrong links: Focus on high-quality, relevant links, not low-quality ones.
- Targeting the wrong pages: Direct efforts toward “money pages” that convert, not just the homepage.
- Lack of a scalable outreach system: Build a repeatable process for sustained link-building success.
- Ignoring link gap analysis: Analyze competitors to find gaps and gain a competitive edge.
- Relying on paid links or spammy tactics: Stick to organic links; paid links can damage your long-term strategy.
- Overlooking link diversity: Mix it up with diverse link sources like blogs, news sites, and directories.
- Ignoring link relevancy: Prioritize links from relevant, high-authority industry sites for a stronger SEO boost.
Why outsourcing B2B link building can boost your ROI?
Outsourcing B2B link building is a no-brainer when it comes to maximizing your ROI. Here’s why:
- Save time and resources: Let your team focus on their core strengths, while link-building pros handle the nitty-gritty of acquiring quality links.
- Access expert strategies: Link-building agencies bring proven strategies to secure high-quality backlinks.
- Scalability and consistency: Agencies ensure a steady stream of backlinks, making your strategy scalable.
- Achieve better ROI: Outsourcing often beats in-house efforts, giving you a higher return on investment.
- Leverage Advanced Tools: Agencies use sophisticated tools to prospect high-value links that you might miss otherwise.
- Adaptation to algorithm changes: Agencies stay up-to-date, ensuring your links stay compliant with Google’s evolving algorithms.
How SaaSMonks helps you build high-quality B2B backlinks that improve SEO?
At SaaSMonks, we know B2B link building can feel like navigating a maze. That’s why we provide the best link building services that cut through the noise. Here’s how we help you dominate SEO with top-notch backlinks:
- Niche-Relevant Links: We secure backlinks that matter, targeting sites within your industry for genuine SEO enhancement. No shortcuts here – just effective outcomes.
- Tailored Strategies: Forget cookie-cutter approaches. We craft bespoke strategies that align with your business goals and industry needs, ensuring every link counts.
- Data-Driven Success: Our campaigns are all about results. We focus on driving ranking growth and conversions, backed by transparent reporting so you can track success.
- Real, Measurable Results: No magic tricks or gimmicks. Just solid, dependable outcomes that boost your rankings and build your online presence.
No magic tricks here – just real, measurable results you can count on.
Wrap-up
Link building is essential for getting your B2B website noticed by search engines. Without it, you could be missing out on valuable traffic and the chance to boost your site’s authority.
Today, we’ve discussed some of the most effective B2B link building tactics, from guest posting to broken link building – all designed to improve your rankings in search engine results.
If you’re feeling unsure, consider partnering with experts who can tailor a plan just for you. Whether you’re going it alone or leaning on the pros, remember: consistency is your best friend.
Keep at it, and watch as your website climbs the rankings ladder over time. You’ve got this!
