Backlinks—links from other websites to yours—are like “votes of confidence” for Google. The more high-quality votes you earn, the higher your site ranks. But if you’re new to SEO, getting those first 10 backlinks can feel impossible.
Don’t stress! This guide breaks down beginner-friendly strategies to earn backlinks without paying a dime or begging for links. Let’s get started!
What Are Backlinks (and Why Do They Matter?)
- Definition: A backlink is a clickable link from another website to yours.
- Why They Matter: Google uses backlinks to measure your site’s authority. More quality links = higher rankings.
- Pro Tip: Focus on relevance (links from sites in your niche) and quality (avoid spammy sites).
7 Easy Ways to Earn Your First 10 Backlinks
1. Guest Blogging
How It Works: Write a free article for another blog in exchange for a backlink.
Example: If you run a fitness blog, pitch a “5 Easy Home Workouts” post to a wellness site.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Ahrefs (free trial) to find sites in your niche that accept guest posts.
2. Create Link-Worthy “Resource” Content
How It Works: Publish a super-helpful guide, checklist, or template others will want to share.
Example: A “Free Social Media Calendar Template” for small businesses.
Pro Tip: Promote your resource on social media and email it to industry newsletters.
3. Fix Broken Links on Other Sites
How It Works: Find broken links on relevant blogs and suggest replacing them with your content.
Steps:
- Use Check My Links (Chrome extension) to spot broken links on a blog.
- Email the site owner: “Hi [Name], I noticed your link to [X] is broken. My guide on [topic] could be a great replacement!”
4. Leverage Local Partnerships
How It Works: Partner with local businesses or organizations for mutual backlinks.
Example: A USA-based coffee shop could team up with a nearby bakery for a “Local Foodie Guide” blog post.
5. Share Expert Quotes
How It Works: Offer free quotes to bloggers or journalists in your niche.
Example: “As a nutritionist, I recommend…” in a health blog’s article.
Pro Tip: Use Help a Reporter Out (HARO) to find quote requests.
6. Submit to Free Directories
How It Works: List your site in niche-specific directories.
Examples for USA Beginners:
- Local Chambers of Commerce (if you have a business).
- Industry directories (e.g., AllTop for bloggers).
Warning: Avoid spammy directories—stick to reputable ones.
7. Use Social Media to Build Relationships
How It Works: Engage with bloggers and influencers in your niche.
Steps:
- Comment thoughtfully on their posts.
- Share their content (tag them!).
- After building rapport, ask if they’d share your content (with a backlink).
Backlink Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Buying Links: Google penalizes paid links.
- ❌ Spamming Forums: Links in irrelevant blog comments hurt SEO.
- ❌ Ignoring Relevance: A link from a pet blog won’t help your tech site.
FAQs for Beginners
Q: How long does it take to get backlinks?
A: 2–6 weeks if you’re proactive. Consistency is key!
Q: Can I use free backlink checker tools?
A: Yes! Try Ahrefs Backlink Checker (free version) or Google Search Console.
Q: What if someone won’t link to me?
A: Move on—focus on building relationships, not begging.
Your First 10 Backlinks Checklist
✅ Publish 1 guest post.
✅ Create 1 free resource (checklist, template, etc.).
✅ Fix 2 broken links on other sites.
✅ Submit to 2 niche directories.
✅ Pitch 3 expert quotes via HARO.
Conclusion
Earning your first 10 backlinks is about creativity, not connections. Start with guest blogging, resource content, and local partnerships. Track progress with Google Search Console, and celebrate every link—they add up!
Ready for more? Check out our guide on [How to Write a Guest Post Pitch That Works] or [SEO Basics for Beginners]!
