How to Get Backlinks Without Ever Writing a Guest Post

Backlinks remain one of the most powerful ranking factors in SEO, but many marketers assume that guest posting is the only way to earn them. While guest blogging is effective, it’s time-consuming, competitive, and often requires extensive outreach.

The good news? There are plenty of proven strategies to build high-quality backlinks without writing a single guest post. Whether you’re short on time, lack writing resources, or simply want to diversify your link-building approach, this guide will show you how to earn authoritative backlinks through alternative methods.

From leveraging unlinked brand mentions to creating link-worthy assets, we’ll explore actionable techniques that drive real results—no guest posts required.

1. Leverage Unlinked Brand Mentions

Many websites mention brands, studies, or experts without linking back to them. These are golden opportunities for easy backlinks.

How to Find & Secure Unlinked Mentions

1. Use Google Alerts – Set up alerts for your brand name, products, or key personnel.
2. Search with Operators – Try "your brand" -site:yoursite.com in Google to find unlinked references.
3. Use Tools Like Ahrefs or Mention – These platforms track brand mentions across the web.

Example: If a blog cites your research but doesn’t link to it, politely email the author:

"Hi [Name], I noticed you referenced our [study/article]—thanks! Would you consider adding a link so readers can explore the full data? Here’s the source: [URL]."

This approach has a high success rate because you’re simply asking for a link where your brand is already acknowledged .

2. Create Link-Worthy Assets (No Blogging Needed)

Instead of writing guest posts, focus on creating assets so valuable that others link to them naturally.

Top Linkable Assets:

• Original Research & Data – Publish surveys, case studies, or industry reports.
  • Example: HubSpot’s annual marketing report earns thousands of backlinks from major publishers .
  
  
• Free Tools & Calculators – Build a simple SEO tool, mortgage calculator, or budget planner.
  • Example: Bankrate’s mortgage calculator attracts 35,000+ backlinks from sites like CNN .
  
  
• Infographics – Turn complex data into shareable visuals.
  • Pro Tip: Include an embed code to encourage linking .
  
  

These assets require minimal ongoing effort but generate passive backlinks for years.

3. The Skyscraper Technique (Steal Competitors’ Links)

Brian Dean’s Skyscraper Technique involves finding high-performing content in your niche, creating something better, and then reaching out to sites linking to the original.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Find Top-Ranked Content – Use Ahrefs or SEMrush to analyze competitors’ most-linked pages.
2. Make It 10x Better – Add deeper insights, updated data, or interactive elements.
3. Outreach to Linking Sites – Politely suggest your improved resource as a replacement.

Example: If a “Best SEO Tools” list has 50 tools, publish one with 150+ tools and outreach to sites linking to the older list .

4. Broken Link Building (Fix & Replace Dead Links)

Many authoritative sites have broken links (404 errors). You can earn a backlink by suggesting your content as a replacement.

How to Execute:

1. Find Broken Links – Use Ahrefs’ “Broken Backlinks” report or Check My Links (Chrome extension).
2. Identify High-DR Sites – Focus on sites with strong domain authority.
3. Pitch Your Resource – Email the webmaster:

   "Hi [Name], I noticed your link to [broken URL] is outdated. My guide on [topic] covers this in depth—would you consider updating the link?"

This win-win strategy helps webmasters fix errors while earning you a high-quality link .

5. Get Featured in Expert Roundups & Podcasts

Expert Roundups

• Contribute insights to industry roundup posts.
• Many sites link back to contributors’ websites.
• Example: Search for “[your niche] expert roundup” and pitch your expertise .

Podcast Appearances

• Being a podcast guest often earns a backlink in show notes.
• Pro Tip: Use MatchMaker.fm or Podchaser to find relevant podcasts .

6. Digital PR & Help Journalists (Without HARO)

Platforms like Help a B2B Writer and Qwoted connect sources with journalists seeking expert quotes.

How It Works:

1. Sign up as an industry expert.
2. Respond to relevant queries with valuable insights.
3. Get quoted in articles with a backlink to your site.

Example: A single quote in Forbes or Entrepreneur can net a powerful editorial link .

7. Sponsor Events or Nonprofits

• Sponsor a local charity, conference, or industry event.
• Many organizations list sponsors with backlinks on their site.
• Bonus: Enhances brand reputation while earning links .

Conclusion: Build Links Smarter, Not Harder

Guest posting isn’t the only path to backlinks. By leveraging unlinked mentions, creating shareable assets, and using digital PR, you can earn high-authority links without writing a single guest post.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Repurpose existing brand mentions into backlinks.
✅ Invest in linkable assets (tools, research, infographics).
✅ Use the Skyscraper Technique to outperform competitors.
✅ Fix broken links for easy wins.
✅ Get featured in expert roundups, podcasts, and press.

Start with one or two strategies, track your results, and scale what works. Over time, these methods will build a diverse, natural backlink profile that boosts rankings—no guest posts required.

Which strategy will you try first? Let us know in the comments!