Looking to elevate your Shopify store's ranking on Google? Backlinks are your secret weapon. They signal to Google that your site is a reliable and valuable resource. Even in the age of AI-powered content creation, backlinks remain a potent SEO strategy, and understanding their value can empower you to take control of your site's ranking.

This post is your guide to mastering the art of backlink building. These methods are not limited to a specific platform; they are versatile and can be applied to various platforms, including Shopify and WordPress, among others. By learning these free and paid tactics, you can adapt to any situation and resourcefully improve your site's ranking.

Why Backlinks Matter for Your Online Store

In the ever-evolving world of SEO, AI tools can churn out content at a rapid pace. However, it's essential to remember that the cornerstone of SEO — high-quality content and backlinks — remains unchanged.

While it's relatively more straightforward to create content with the help of AI, the fundamental SEO game-changer is building backlinks. This process demands time and effort, with no room for shortcuts.

Building great backlinks can be complicated and costly. Some businesses spend a lot of money each month on backlinks. But even with a small budget, you can still build backlinks for your store.

Building backlinks is not just a financial investment, but also a significant time commitment. It's a clear indication that creating exceptional content alone won't secure a top spot on Google.

Backlink Methods That Work

These are proven and effective methods for building backlinks for your e-commerce store.

1. Find Broken Backlinks

This is a quick and easy way to get backlinks. It involves finding broken links on your site and fixing them.

What are broken backlinks?

These are links from other websites that point to pages on your site that no longer exist (404 errors). When someone clicks on these links, they are redirected to an error page.

How to find broken backlinks:

1. Use a tool like Ahrefs.

2. Enter your website's address.

3. Look for "Broken Backlinks" in the menu.

You'll see a list of broken links pointing to your site.

How to fix broken backlinks:

1. For each broken link, find the most relevant page on your site.

2. Create a 301 redirect from the broken page to the new page. This informs search engines that the page has been relocated.

3. By doing this, you "reclaim" the backlink.

Example:

Let's say someone wrote a blog post about your product last year and included a link to it. But you deleted that product page, so the link is now broken. Find that broken link and redirect it to a similar product page.

If you maintain your website in good condition, you will likely have fewer broken links. But it's still worth checking.

2. Use HARO and Quoted

HARO (Help a Reporter Out) and Quoted are platforms that connect journalists with sources. Journalists post questions, and you can pitch your expertise to them. If they use your quote, you get a backlink.

How HARO and Quoted work:

1. Sign up for HARO and Quoted.

2. You'll get emails with questions from journalists.

3. If you have an answer, send a pitch.

4. If the journalist uses your pitch, you get a backlink.

Tips for pitching journalists:

• Use a branded email address. This looks more professional.

• Write a real, personal pitch. Avoid using generic AI-generated pitches, as journalists tend to ignore them.

• Answer the journalist's question.

• Show your expertise and experience.

Making the most of HARO and Quoted:

• Check your email regularly for new job opportunities and pitches.

• Use keywords to find relevant pitches quickly.

• Don't give up if you don't get a backlink right away. Keep pitching.

3. Exchange Links

Link exchange refers to the practice of swapping links with other websites. It's a standard method for obtaining free backlinks.

Two types of link exchange:

• A-B: Website A links to website B, and website B links back to website A.

• A-B-C: Website A links to website B, website B links to website C, and website C links back to website A.

The A-B-C method can look more natural to Google.

Are link exchanges safe?

Yes, but don't overdo it. Google's spam policies warn against "excessive link exchanges." But a few exchanges are fine.

How to exchange links:

1. Connect with other website owners and bloggers in your niche.

2. Join Facebook groups, forums, and online communities.

3. Offer to exchange links with relevant websites.

Tips for link exchange:

• Ensure the other website is within your niche.

• Verify that the other website features high-quality content.

• Use natural anchor text (the words that link to your site).

• Don't exchange too many links with the same website.

Link exchange is a great way to begin with link building. It's free and easy.

4. Niche Site Outreach

This involves reaching out to websites in your niche and asking for a link.

How niche site outreach works:

1. Find websites in your niche.

2. Find the website's contact information.

3. Send them an email.

4. Ask them for a link to your website.

Tips for niche site outreach:

• Personalize your email.

• Explain why your website is valuable.

• Offer something in return, such as a guest post.

• Be polite and professional.

Niche site outreach can be time-consuming. It can also cost money, as some websites charge for links. But it can be a good way to get high-quality backlinks.

5. Foundation Links

This method helps you find the best backlinks your competitors have.

How to find foundation links:

1. Use Ahrefs to analyze your competitors' websites.

2. Look at their "Referring Domains."

3. Filter for "in content" links. These are links within the body of an article.

4. Set the "do follow" filter.

5. Set a minimum domain rating (DR) and traffic level.

6. Sort the links from oldest to newest.

The oldest links are often the most valuable. These are the links that helped your competitor grow in the early stages of their development.

What to do with foundation links:

1. Reach out to the websites that link to your competitor.

2. Ask them for a link to your website.

3. Explain why your website is a good resource.

This method helps you find the links that matter. It's a great way to stay ahead of your competitors.

Time To Take Action

Building backlinks is essential for SEO. It takes time, effort, and sometimes money. But it's worth it.

These five methods will help you get started. Pick one or two methods and focus on them. Be consistent, and you'll see results.

Which backlink-building method will you try first?