Backlinks have been part of search ranking algorithms since day one—but not all links are equal. Some carry serious SEO weight, others are neutral, and a few can even hurt your rankings if they come from the wrong sources. The key to a strong backlink profile is knowing what types of backlinks actually move the needle—and how to build and earn them sustainably. Backlinks are a necessary part of SEO in industries ranging widely from real estate and law to psychology and accounting. Here’s a breakdown of the seven types of backlinks every SEO should understand, plus tips on how to earn each one the right way.
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1. Editorial backlinks
Editorial backlinks are the gold standard. These are links you earn naturally when another site references your content, quotes your research, or links to a tool or resource you’ve created. You’re not asking for the link—it’s being given because what you’ve published is useful, valuable, or interesting.
These links often come from media outlets, bloggers, publishers, or industry websites. They’re usually surrounded by relevant content, which boosts their authority even more.
To attract editorial links, focus on publishing original research, how-to guides, or standout content in your space. The more useful your content, the more likely it is to be linked to without outreach.
2. Guest post backlinks
Guest posting is a proactive way to build backlinks while also sharing your expertise with new audiences. When done properly, guest posts give you editorial control over how your brand is positioned and which pages get linked.
The key is choosing the right websites—ones with actual traffic, topical relevance, and editorial standards. Avoid sites that exist purely for link exchanges or paid guest posting. These can do more harm than good.
To make the most of guest posting, pitch content ideas that align with the host site’s audience. Focus on adding value first—the backlink is a by product of good content.
3. Niche directory backlinks
Listing your business in relevant industry directories is a solid foundational move, especially for local SEO. These backlinks help Google validate that your business is legitimate, active, and connected to its niche.
Directories like Hotfrog, Cylex, or True Local in Australia can help reinforce local signals, while industry-specific directories build topical relevance.
Just be selective. Don’t chase every listing you can find—focus on directories that are actively maintained, crawled by search engines, and specific to your field.
4. Business profile backlinks
These are easy wins that are often overlooked. Every time you create a profile on a platform like Google Business Profile, LinkedIn, Facebook, Yelp, or Crunchbase, you’re getting a backlink.
While these links may be nofollow, they still offer SEO value—particularly around trust, brand signals, and local relevance. They also give users another way to find your business and confirm your legitimacy.
Set up or audit your existing profiles to make sure your information is accurate and consistent across platforms.
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5. Forum and community backlinks
When used responsibly, forums and communities can be a great source of backlinks and referral traffic. Platforms like Reddit, Stack Exchange, or niche-specific forums allow you to contribute meaningfully and link back to helpful resources when appropriate.
That said, this only works if you’re genuinely adding value. Posting just to drop links will backfire, both in the community and with search engines.
Approach these spaces with a long-game mindset—build trust first, and link only when it genuinely fits the conversation.
6. Outreach backlinks
Outreach backlinks are earned by directly contacting site owners, editors, or content creators and requesting a link—usually to a useful resource or tool on your site. This strategy hinges on the quality of your content and the relevance of the pitch.
This is where content marketing and SEO intersect. If you’ve published something that solves a problem, presents original data, or adds something new to a topic, outreach becomes far more effective.
Personalisation is critical. Mass emails don’t work. Research each prospect, reference their content, and explain why your link would improve their page.
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7. Press and news backlinks
Press backlinks are some of the most authoritative you can get. They come from media outlets, news sites, or coverage in online publications. These links typically live in high-authority domains and often drive referral traffic as well as SEO benefit.
You can earn them through traditional PR efforts, product launches, partnerships, or by becoming a go-to source for journalists via platforms like SourceBottle or HARO.
The bar is high, but the payoff is worth it. These backlinks are hard to replicate and send strong trust signals to search engines.
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In conclusion
A balanced backlink profile includes a mix of link types. You don’t need all seven to succeed, but understanding how each one works helps you build a strategy that’s sustainable, diverse, and focused on long-term gains. Focus on relevance, quality, and natural link acquisition. If your backlinks live in content that’s useful, trustworthy, and aligned with your brand, you’re on the right track.
Not sure where to start? SIXGUN’s expert SEO team can help craft a link-building strategy tailored to your business and your goals—focused on sustainable growth, not short-term tricks. Call us on 1300 127 361 or contact us to discuss how we can help your business grow.
