How to Get Backlinks: 20 Free Methods That Work in 2026

You don't need a big budget to build backlinks. The most effective link building strategies cost nothing but time and effort.

This guide covers 20 proven methods to get backlinks for free — from quick wins you can do today to long-term strategies that compound.

The free backlink reality

"Free" means no direct payment, but these methods require:

• Time: Creating content, doing outreach
• Skill: Writing, relationship building
• Patience: Results take weeks to months

But unlike paid links (which can get you penalized), these methods build sustainable authority.

For understanding what makes a quality backlink, see our quality vs quantity guide.

Content-based methods

1. Original research and data

Create data that others want to cite.

• Survey your customers and publish results
• Analyze public data in a new way
• Track industry trends over time
• Publish benchmarks and statistics

Why it works: Journalists and bloggers need sources. Original data gets cited repeatedly.

Example: "We analyzed 500 startup landing pages. Here's what the top performers have in common."

2. Ultimate guides

Create the most comprehensive resource on a topic.

• Covers everything about the topic (5,000+ words)
• Better than anything else ranking
• Regularly updated
• Well-structured with clear sections

Why it works: People link to the "go-to" resource rather than creating their own.

3. Free tools and calculators

Build something useful that people link to when recommending resources.

• ROI calculators
• Templates and generators
• Checklists and cheat sheets
• Simple web tools

Why it works: Tools get shared and linked to in "best resources" posts.

4. Infographics and visual content

Create shareable visual content with embed codes.

• Include interesting data
• Make it easy to embed (provide HTML code)
• Optimize the image file name and alt text
• Reach out to sites that might want to use it

5. Expert roundups (reverse)

Instead of creating roundups, get included in others' roundups.

• Search for "[your topic] expert roundup" and find who's creating them
• Build relationships with roundup creators
• Be available and provide quality answers when asked

Outreach methods

6. Guest posting

Write articles for other sites in exchange for a link.

• Search: "[your niche] write for us"
• Search: "[your niche] guest post guidelines"
• Look at where competitors have guest posted

Subject: Guest post idea for [Site Name]
Hi [Name],
I've been reading [Site Name] for a while — loved your recent piece on [topic].
I'd like to contribute an article on [specific topic]. Here's why I think your readers would find it valuable:

[Benefit 1]
[Benefit 2]
I'm [brief credential]. Here are some of my published pieces: [links]
Would you be interested?
[Your name]

7. Broken link building

Find broken links on relevant sites and offer your content as a replacement.

1. Find resource pages in your niche
2. Use a tool like Check My Links (Chrome extension) to find broken links
3. Create or identify content that could replace the dead link
4. Email the site owner with a helpful heads-up

Subject: Broken link on [Page Title]
Hi [Name],
I was reading your excellent resource page on [topic] and noticed a broken link.
The link to [original site] in the [section] appears to be dead.
I recently published a guide on [similar topic] that might work as a replacement: [your URL]
Either way, wanted to give you a heads up!
[Your name]

8. Unlinked brand mentions

Find places where your brand is mentioned without a link.

• Set up Google Alerts for your brand name
• Search: "your brand name" -site:yoursite.com
• Use tools like Ahrefs or Semrush (if available)

Outreach: A simple, grateful email asking if they'd consider adding a link has high success rates.

9. HARO (Help A Reporter Out)

Respond to journalist queries and get cited in articles.

1. Sign up at helpareporter.com (free)
2. Receive daily emails with journalist queries
3. Respond to relevant queries with expert insights
4. Get quoted and linked in major publications

• Respond quickly (first responses often win)
• Be specific and quotable
• Include your credentials
• Follow the journalist's format requirements exactly

10. Podcast guesting

Appear on podcasts to get links from show notes.

• Search for podcasts in your niche
• Look for podcasts that have had similar guests
• Use podcast guest matchmaking sites

Pitch focus: What unique story or insight can you share that their audience would value?

Directory and listing methods

11. Startup and product directories

Submit to directories relevant to your product.

• Product Hunt
• BetaList
• AlternativeTo
• G2, Capterra (B2B software)
• RankInPublic

See our complete directory list for 50+ options.

12. Business directories

Claim and optimize your business listings:

• Google Business Profile
• Bing Places
• Apple Business Connect
• Yelp
• Industry-specific directories

13. Professional profiles

Create profiles on professional platforms:

• LinkedIn (company page)
• Crunchbase
• AngelList
• Industry associations

14. Tool aggregators

Get listed on "best tools" sites:

• StackShare (developer tools)
• SaaSHub
• GetApp
• Category-specific tool lists

Community methods

15. Reddit contributions

Build authority on Reddit that leads to organic links.

1. Find subreddits where your expertise is valued
2. Consistently provide helpful answers
3. Share content only when genuinely relevant
4. Let your profile/flair link to your site

Note: Reddit links are nofollow but drive traffic and can lead to others linking to your content.

16. Quora answers

Answer questions with detailed, helpful responses.

• Find questions with many followers but few good answers
• Write comprehensive answers (300+ words)
• Include relevant links where they genuinely help
• Build a complete profile with your expertise

17. Industry forums

Participate in niche forums and communities:

• Find forums in your industry
• Build reputation by being helpful
• Include site link in signature (if allowed)
• Share resources when relevant

18. Comment on relevant blogs

Thoughtful blog comments can include links (usually nofollow).

• Add genuine value to the conversation
• Don't just say "great post!" with a link
• Share relevant experience or additional insights
• Only link if it genuinely adds to the discussion

19. Social proof and testimonials

Provide testimonials for tools you use.

• Reach out to tools you genuinely like
• Offer a testimonial with your photo, name, and company
• Many will link back to your site

20. Partnerships and co-marketing

Partner with complementary businesses:

• Integration partnerships (link on each other's integration pages)
• Co-created content (both sites link to joint content)
• Mutual recommendation pages

Quick wins to start today

This week (under 2 hours each)

1. Submit to 5 directories: Product Hunt, BetaList, RankInPublic, AlternativeTo, and one niche directory
2. Set up Google Alerts: For your brand name and key product terms
3. Sign up for HARO: Start monitoring queries in your expertise area

This month

1. Guest post pitch: Identify 10 sites and send pitches
2. Create one linkable asset: Research piece, tool, or comprehensive guide
3. Broken link outreach: Find 20 opportunities and send emails

Ongoing

1. Content creation: One link-worthy piece per month
2. HARO responses: 2-3 relevant responses per week
3. Relationship building: Connect with writers in your niche

Track your progress

Start building backlinks today

The best link building strategy combines multiple methods. Directories provide quick wins. Content earns links over time. Outreach accelerates results.

Your first free backlink: Join RankInPublic's weekly tournament. You'll get:

• A quality backlink from our product directory
• Exposure to thousands of founders discovering new products
• Potential for additional links as people share and discuss your product

Your competitors are building their backlink profile right now. Every link they earn is authority you're not building. Start today.