In the fast-evolving world of SEO, backlinks remain a cornerstone of ranking success. But what if you could capitalize on a largely untapped opportunity—dying websites?
When a website is on its last legs—whether due to rebranding, domain expiration, or simply fading relevance—it often leaves behind a trail of valuable backlinks. Savvy SEO professionals can leverage these "dying" sites to secure high-quality, authoritative links before they vanish forever.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to identify these fleeting opportunities, reclaim lost links, and turn them into SEO gold.
Why Dying Websites Are a Goldmine for Backlinks
Before diving into tactics, let’s understand why fading websites present such a valuable opportunity:
- Existing Authority: Many dying sites still have strong backlink profiles from reputable sources.
- Unclaimed Links: Broken or outdated links can be replaced with your own content.
- Low Competition: Few marketers actively pursue these opportunities, making them easier to secure.
- Quick Wins: Unlike traditional link-building, this method often yields faster results .
Example: The Moz Rebrand
When SEOMoz rebranded to Moz, countless links pointing to SEOmoz.org became outdated. Smart marketers reached out to webmasters linking to the old domain, offering their own resources as replacements—earning high-authority backlinks in the process .
How to Find Dying Websites with Valuable Backlinks
1. Identify Websites Undergoing Changes
Look for:
- Rebranded companies (e.g., domain changes like SEOmoz → Moz).
- Merged or acquired businesses (check press releases or Crunchbase).
- Expired domains (use tools like Ahrefs or Majestic to track lost links) .
2. Use Backlink Checkers to Spot Broken Links
Tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Majestic can help you:
- Find pages with 404 errors that still have backlinks.
- Track "lost" backlinks from sites that recently shut down.
- Filter for high-DR domains to prioritize the most valuable opportunities .
3. Monitor Industry News for Shutdowns
Subscribe to newsletters or set up Google Alerts for phrases like:
- "[Industry] website shutting down"
- "[Company] rebranding"
- "[Niche] domain expired"
How to Reclaim Links from Dying Websites
Once you’ve identified a dying site with valuable backlinks, follow these steps:
1. Find Pages Linking to the Dead Site
- Use Ahrefs’ "Lost Backlinks" report to see who linked to the old domain.
- Export the list and filter for high-authority, relevant sites .
2. Create a Better Replacement Resource
Before reaching out, ensure you have:
- A superior alternative to the dead page (longer, updated, more comprehensive).
- A relevant internal link (if the original linked to a product page, offer a similar one).
3. Reach Out with a Win-Win Pitch
Your email should:
- Politely notify them of the broken link.
- Offer your resource as a natural replacement.
- Keep it concise—no hard sell needed.
"Hi [Name],
I noticed your recent article on [Topic] links to [DeadSite.com], which is no longer active. I thought you might find my updated guide on [YourResource] helpful—it covers [Key Points] in-depth. Let me know if you’d like to update the link!" .
Alternative Strategy: Snagging Links from Expiring Domains
If a website is fully defunct, consider:
1. Buying the Expired Domain (If Possible)
- Use Domain Auction platforms (GoDaddy Auctions, Namecheap Marketplace).
- Redirect its backlinks to your site (if the domain is relevant).
2. Tracking Its Backlinks Before It’s Gone
- Use Ahrefs or Wayback Machine to see its backlink profile.
- Contact linking sites before the domain disappears entirely .
Potential Pitfalls to Avoid
While this strategy is powerful, watch out for:
- Spammy links – Only pursue links from reputable sites.
- Irrelevant replacements – Your content must match the original context.
- Over-aggressive outreach – Be helpful, not pushy .
Conclusion: Act Before It’s Too Late
Dying websites are a hidden treasure trove of backlink opportunities—but they won’t last forever. By monitoring industry shifts, using backlink tools, and executing strategic outreach, you can turn these fading links into long-term SEO wins.
Now’s your last chance—start reclaiming those backlinks before they vanish!Key Takeaways
✅ Dying websites (rebrands, shutdowns, expired domains) hold valuable backlinks.
✅ Use Ahrefs/Semrush to find broken links pointing to dead pages.
✅ Create better content before pitching replacements.
✅ Outreach politely—focus on helping webmasters fix broken links.
✅ Avoid spammy links—prioritize relevance and authority.
