Types of Backlinks That Actually Improve Your Google Rankings
Backlinks are one of the strongest ranking factors in Google’s algorithm. But here’s the truth — not all backlinks are created equal. Some links can skyrocket your rankings, while others can harm your site’s SEO. In this guide, we’ll break down the types of backlinks that actually help you rank higher and how you can earn them naturally.
1. Editorial Backlinks
What They Are:
Links that naturally appear within high-quality editorial content, usually because your content was valuable or newsworthy.
Why They Help:
- Highly relevant and context-rich
- Often come from authoritative domains
- Natural and organic link signals
Example: A news site referencing your research report and linking to it in their article.
2. Guest Post Backlinks
What They Are:
Links you earn by writing guest articles for other reputable sites in your niche.
Why They Help:
- Control over anchor text and link placement
- Builds brand authority and audience reach
- Can target niche-relevant domains
Pro Tip: Focus on quality websites with high domain authority (DA 50+) instead of mass guest posting.
3. Niche-Relevant Backlinks
What They Are:
Links from websites in the same or closely related industry as yours.
Why They Help:
- Strong relevance signal to Google
- Higher trust from users and search engines
- Helps in topical authority building
Example: If you run a travel blog, a backlink from another travel guide site is much more powerful than one from a random tech forum.
4. Resource Page Backlinks
What They Are:
Links from curated lists or resource pages that recommend useful content, tools, or guides.
Why They Help:
- Often come from highly authoritative sites
- Directly targeted toward interested audiences
- Steady referral traffic
Example: A “Top 50 SEO Tools” page linking to your free SEO audit tool.
5. Backlinks from HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
What They Are:
Links you get by responding to journalist and blogger requests for expert quotes or insights.
Why They Help:
- Frequently from high-DA media outlets
- Establishes you as an industry authority
- Builds relationships with journalists
Pro Tip: Respond quickly with valuable, quotable insights to increase your chances.
6. Backlinks from High-Authority Directories
What They Are:
Links from reputable, niche-specific directories.
Why They Help:
- Improve local SEO and citation signals
- Great for brand discoverability
- Long-term link stability
Example: A verified listing in Clutch for B2B services or Yelp for local businesses.
7. Backlinks from Industry Interviews & Podcasts
What They Are:
Links from the show notes or blog posts of interviews and podcasts you appear in.
Why They Help:
- Builds brand recognition
- Highly relevant and natural
- Generates referral traffic
Pro Tip: Pitch yourself to podcasts and blogs that align with your niche.
8. Backlinks from Case Studies & Original Data
What They Are:
Links that reference your unique data, experiments, or case studies.
Why They Help:
- Attracts organic citations from bloggers, journalists, and researchers
- Positions you as a thought leader
- Long-lasting link value
What to Avoid: Toxic Backlinks
While earning the right types of backlinks is essential, you should also avoid spammy or irrelevant links such as:
- Links from link farms
- Irrelevant blog comments
- Paid links from low-quality sites
The key to backlink success isn’t just quantity — it’s quality, relevance, and authority. Focus on building the backlink types listed above, and your Google rankings will thank you.