Because begging for links is embarrassing, and buying them is a one-way ticket to Google jail.
Let’s be real—SEO can feel like a mystery. You hear terms like backlinks, domain authority, and organic reach, and it all sounds like some secret code only Google understands. But here’s the deal: getting your website to rank isn’t magic—it’s strategy. And one of the biggest ranking factors? Backlinks.
Now, I know what you might be thinking—How the heck do I even get backlinks? Do I just hope someone stumbles onto my blog and links to it? (Spoiler: no, that almost never happens.) Do social media links count? What about guest posts?
Relax, I’ve got you. We’re breaking it all down—the truth about backlinks, whether social media plays a role, and how to actually get your content featured on reputable sites without feeling like you’re begging for attention.
What Are Backlinks and Why Do They Matter?
A backlink is when another website links to your site. Think of it as a vote of confidence—when a reputable site links to your content, Google sees it as a sign that your site is valuable and trustworthy. The more quality backlinks you have, the more authority your website gains, which helps it rank higher in search results.
Not all backlinks are created equal, though. Here’s what makes a good backlink: ✔ It comes from a reputable website (A backlink from Forbes or HubSpot is worth way more than a random blog with no traffic.) ✔ It’s relevant to your industry (If you run a marketing agency, a backlink from a tech site isn’t as valuable as one from a business or marketing publication.) ✔ It’s not spammy or paid for (Google penalizes sites that buy backlinks from sketchy sources.)
Do Social Media Backlinks Help?
Yes and no. Here’s the truth:
🔹 Social media backlinks are “no-follow,” which means they don’t directly impact SEO like traditional backlinks. Google doesn’t count them the same way it does backlinks from blogs or news sites.
🔹 But they still help. Just because they don’t pass SEO “juice” doesn’t mean they’re useless. Social media backlinks can: ✔ Drive traffic to your website, which can improve rankings over time. ✔ Help Google index your content faster. ✔ Increase brand visibility and encourage others to link to your content naturally. ✔ Build credibility—if your content gets shared a lot, people are more likely to take it seriously.
So while social media backlinks won’t skyrocket your rankings overnight, they support SEO in an indirect but meaningful way.
How to Get Backlinks from Reputable Blogs & News Sites
This is where the real magic happens. Getting your blog featured on an authoritative website boosts your credibility and skyrockets your SEO. But how do you make it happen? Here are some proven strategies:
1. Create Content That’s Actually Worth Linking To
No one is going to link to a generic, surface-level blog post. If you want high-quality backlinks, your content needs to be: ✔ Original – Unique insights, research, or a fresh perspective. ✔ Helpful – Answer common questions or solve a problem. ✔ Well-researched – Include stats, expert quotes, or case studies. ✔ Visually appealing – Infographics and well-designed charts get shared more.
If your content is useful, engaging, and shareable, people will be more likely to reference it on their own sites.
2. Pitch Your Blog to Industry Publications
Big websites and news outlets are always looking for quality guest contributions. Instead of waiting for them to find you, go to them. Here’s how:
🔹 Find relevant blogs & publications – Look for sites that accept guest posts in your niche. 🔹 Study their content – See what kind of articles they publish and tailor your pitch accordingly. 🔹 Send a strong pitch – Introduce yourself, explain why your topic is valuable, and provide writing samples. 🔹 Follow up (but don’t spam) – A polite follow-up email can increase your chances of getting a response.
Guest blogging is one of the fastest ways to get backlinks from reputable sources, increase your authority, and reach a larger audience.
3. Get Featured in Roundup Posts & Expert Lists
Ever seen those “Top 10 Marketing Experts Share Their Best Tips” articles? That’s a roundup post, and getting featured in one is a great way to land backlinks.
Here’s how: ✔ Follow journalists & bloggers in your industry – Engage with their content and build relationships. ✔ Look for opportunities – Sites like HARO (Help a Reporter Out) connect experts with journalists looking for quotes. ✔ Be ready with a great response – When an opportunity pops up, respond quickly with a unique, valuable insight.
The more you put yourself out there, the more backlinks (and visibility) you’ll get.
4. Leverage Partnerships & Networking
A lot of great backlinks come from simply building relationships in your industry.
🔹 Collaborate on content – Co-write a blog post with a fellow expert and link to each other’s sites. 🔹 Host a webinar or podcast – Many guest speakers link back to your site in their show notes. 🔹 Cross-promote – Feature other businesses in your content and ask them to do the same.
Networking isn’t just good for business—it’s a backlink goldmine when done right.
Remember, SEO is not a checklist but rather a multifaceted and dynamic living thing. Backlinks, social shares, relationships, great content—it all works together. There’s no one secret move that gets your site to rank. SEO is really about layering smart strategies that support each other and build momentum over time.
You create valuable content → you share it → people see it → they link to it → your authority grows → your rankings follow. Social media might not give you direct SEO points, but it helps people discover your work. Guest features and expert roundups build trust. And when you show up consistently with content that actually helps people? That’s when the magic happens.
So no, you don’t need to do everything at once—but if you’re thinking about how your content, your relationships, and your visibility all connect? You’re already on the right track.
And if you're ready to make your website do more than just sit there looking pretty? Let’s chat. 🚀
Cat Markel
Cat Markel is the founder of Cat Markel Creatives, where she helps business owners create brands with impact, websites that convert, and systems that actually make life easier—all in one streamlined package. She doesn’t believe in marketing gimmicks—just smart, strategic solutions that bring everything together so businesses can attract the right clients and grow sustainably.
Your business deserves more than a website—it needs a complete, cohesive foundation that drives results. Let’s build that together.
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