On-site optimizations alone aren’t enough for most websites. Once everything necessary is done on-site, the next step is getting links from other sites that point back to yours. That process is called link building, and it’s arguably the most crucial SEO ranking factor.
However, not all links are equal, and for your efforts to be most effective, you need to build a well-rounded link portfolio. In other words, you should diversify your links to ensure long-term success.
For example, if all your links are business directories and one day Google decides to discount those backlinks, you’re in trouble. That would no doubt tank your rankings. In contrast, when there’s a mix of healthy backlinks on your link portfolio, losing some won’t be so damaging.
How to Diversify Your Link Building Portfolio
While quantity doesn’t hurt, quality is a better focus when it comes to SEO. Your link portfolio should comprise a mix of natural and unnatural links that not only boosts rankings but support customer growth. Great backlinks can send referral traffic and bolster brand reputation.
You should avoid getting inherently horrible or manipulative links, such as pornographic sites, article directories, etc. Additionally, link pacing is advisable. If a new website suddenly acquired thousands of links overnight, it would raise suspicion. The algorithm in charge would most likely take a second look since search engines dislike anything that can affect search results quality.
Benefits of Having a Strong Link Portfolio
Here are some benefits to consider as it relates to link portfolio development.
- More website visitors – To no small extent, the quality of your link portfolio determines the number of traffic you’ll receive from search engines. After all, links are among the top search engine ranking factors.
- Build new relationships – The more external links you have, the more exposure your brand receives. That typically leads to more opportunities to build business connections.
- Get your content indexed faster – Search engine algorithms follow links to discover web pages and tend to revisit websites that have more backlinks sooner.
- Increase your website authority – On the web, links are like votes of confidence, signaling trust, and authority. Websites with many high-quality links have more ranking power.
Safe Backlinks for Building Out Your Link Portfolio
Some links you may want in your link portfolio are as follows.
- Links from blogs – Find related blogs and ask each one about contributing a guest article. Create the content and get a link in return for your work.
- Social links – These are links from social media posts, bookmarking sites, and social profiles. Find relevant social platforms to join, and most will allow a link back to your site.
- General web directories – A web directory collects and lists business information, usually for free. Find relevant business directories and submit your company. These links are often low quality but easy to get.
- Niche websites – These are powerful links from niche-specific directories, forums, trade organizations, and others. Links from niche-specific websites are strong because not all sites can acquire one.
- Local links or directories – These are backlinks from local platforms, such as Yelp, Google My Business, and Bing Places. Like general directories, these sites are easy to find and join.
Developing a strong link portfolio will take time, so be patient, and the best links aren’t easy to obtain. For instance, getting a guest post published may seem complicated, but that kind of link provides the most SEO boost. If you’re building your link portfolio, we’d love to help. Reach out for a free consultation.