Link building plays a huge role in search engine optimization (SEO), because websites can rank higher when they have links to them from other domains. However, many of the past’s traditional link building strategies—like guest posting and submitting to article directories—aren’t as effective as they once were. Methods like this were staples for SEO professionals in the past, but as the search engines evolve, many see these tactics as outdated and low value. As a result, modern link building strategies need to be focused more on relevance, quality, and user engagement than ever before.
The Decline of Traditional Link Building Strategies
Link building was mostly about volume in the early days of SEO. Tactics like guest posting on various sites, link exchanges, and submitting content to article directories saw widespread use for the sole purpose of getting as many backlinks as possible. These backlinks were seen by the search engines as votes of confidence, regardless of their quality or relevance. As a result, sites with more links would rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).
As time went on, the search engines, mainly Google, became much more sophisticated, and the quality and relevance of backlinks started to matter a lot more than the simple quantity. These days, search engines look a lot more at the authority and contextual relevance of any links on a web page. Older, more spammy techniques like indiscriminate guest posting and directory submissions started to decline as a result.
Guest posting still has some value when it’s done right, but its become much less impactful due to the widespread abuse it suffered in the past. Many marketers would use it just to get as many backlinks as possible, often sacrificing the content’s quality to do so. Google has made its algorithms better at spotting this, so sites that rely too heavily on low-quality guest posts or irrelevant article directory links risk penalties. As a result, using these link building strategies on their own simply isn’t enough to stay competitive in 2024.
The Shift to Quality Over Quantity
Today’s link building strategies focus more on quality over quantity. Websites that can earn backlinks from high-authority, relevant sites are rewarded with higher rankings. This is because of Google’s desire to provide its users with the best possible experience, so it prioritizes credible, trustworthy content. As a result, less backlinks with higher quality are better for SEO than more backlinks with lower quality.
For example, a backlink from a respected industry leader or a major publication will be much better for SEO than multiple links from small, unrelated blogs. Search engines use these links to gauge how relevant and trustworthy your site is, so higher quality backlinks make it appear more credible to audiences and search engines. If you want to earn some high-quality backlinks, you’ll need to build relationships with influencers, create valuable content, and focus on relevance and authority.
Google’s algorithm will continue to change and evolve, so search engines will only get better at recognizing the context of backlinks. Links from sites in the same industry or niche are much more valuable than those from unrelated sources, and it’ll stay that way for the foreseeable future.
The Rise of Modern Link Building Strategies
SEO is a constantly evolving discipline, so a few more modern link building strategies have replaced the outdated tactics of the past. Instead of getting as many backlinks as possible, content is created to earn links naturally. Some people call this “link earning” instead of link building. Content that’s high-quality, like detailed guides, research reports, infographics, or even memes, for example, can attract natural backlinks.
One particularly effective method that’s gained a lot of popularity is video marketing link building. Video content is much more engaging than simple text and also easily shareable. When you create video content that resonates with your target audience, there’s tons of room to earn those natural backlinks. For example, a well-crafted explainer video or a case study presented in video form is likely to be shared on social media, blogs, and industry websites, which gives you several high-quality backlinks.
Video marketing is also a powerful tool for increasing brand visibility. You can use it to build relationships with other websites and influencers who are more likely to link to your content because it provides real value to their audience. In 2024, video marketing is more effective than outdated tactics like submitting to article directories. It boosts link acquisition and enhances user engagement, so your site’s SEO will skyrocket.
Adapting to SEO in 2024
SEO will only continue to evolve, so you need to adapt to new trends to stay ahead. There aren’t any shortcuts or tricks to gain as many backlinks as possible anymore. Instead, it’s about creating content that attracts links from authoritative sources naturally.
Guest posting can still work well, but it needs to be done with a focus on quality and relevance. Posting high-quality, well-researched articles on reputable websites within your industry can still give you valuable backlinks. However, the days of guest posting just for links are over. Poor guest posting practices can lead to penalties instead of rewards.
One of the most effective link building methods these days is content marketing. When you create informative, engaging, and shareable content, it’ll earn you quality backlinks from reputable sources. Infographics, case studies, original research, and interactive content are all great ways to attract links naturally.
Using Modern Link Building Strategies
Traditional link building strategies, like guest posting and article directories, aren’t as effective as they were in the past. The search engines now prioritize the quality and relevance of links over the quantity. Today’s marketing professionals need to adapt to this shift by focusing on modern link building strategies that emphasize earning quality backlinks for SEO.
Video marketing link building, content creation, and building relationships with influencers are all effective methods for staying competitive in 2024. By focusing on creating value-driven content and earning backlinks from authoritative sources, you can improve your SEO performance without relying on outdated tactics.
