How to build backlinks for ecommerce? It’s a question that’s been on my mind lately, and I bet it’s on yours too. Let’s face it, getting quality backlinks for your online store isn’t easy. But it’s crucial if you want to boost your rankings and get more organic traffic.
I’ve been in the SEO game for 7 years now, and I’ve learned a thing or two about link building for ecommerce sites. So let me share some strategies that actually work.
How to build backlinks for ecommerce: Create Linkable Assets
First up, you need to give people a reason to link to you. That means creating content that’s genuinely useful or interesting. For ecommerce, this could be:
- Buying guides
- Product comparison charts
- Industry reports or surveys
- Infographics
- Interactive tools
The key is to make something that’s actually valuable to your target audience. Don’t just churn out generic blog posts – put in the effort to create something link-worthy.
Leverage Supplier Relationships
As an ecommerce store, you’ve got a built-in advantage when it comes to link building – your suppliers. Reach out to the brands you stock and ask if they have a “where to buy” page on their site. If they do, see if you can get listed there with a link back to your store.
This is a win-win. They’re helping their customers find places to buy their products, and you’re getting a relevant, authoritative link. Just make sure you’re actually one of their authorized retailers first!
Get Listed in Online Directories
There are tons of online directories out there, and while not all of them are worth your time, some can be great for building backlinks. Look for industry-specific directories related to your niche.
For example, if you sell eco-friendly products, you might want to get listed in directories of green businesses. Just be selective – focus on quality over quantity.
And don’t forget about local directories if you have a physical store location too. These can help with your local SEO efforts.
Reach Out to Bloggers and Influencers
Blogger outreach is still one of the most effective ways to build backlinks for ecommerce sites. Find bloggers in your niche and offer them something of value in exchange for a mention or review.
This could be:
- Free products to review
- Exclusive discounts for their readers
- Affiliate partnerships
Just make sure you’re targeting bloggers who are actually relevant to your niche. A link from a fashion blogger won’t do much good if you’re selling power tools.
Create a Solid Internal Linking Structure
While we’re focusing on external links, don’t neglect your internal linking strategy. A good internal link structure helps spread link equity throughout your site and can actually make your external link building efforts more effective.
Make sure you’re linking between related products, from category pages to specific products, and from your blog content to relevant product pages. This not only helps with SEO but also improves the user experience on your site.
If you want to dive deeper into this topic, check out my guide on internal link building strategy.
How to build backlinks for ecommerce using Digital PR Techniques
Digital PR can be a goldmine for ecommerce link building. This involves creating newsworthy content and reaching out to journalists and media outlets.
Some ideas:
- Conduct a survey in your industry and publish the results
- Create a scholarship program
- Sponsor local events
- Donate products to charity
These activities can generate press coverage and links from high-authority news sites. Plus, they’re great for building brand awareness too.
Building backlinks for ecommerce isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely worth the effort. These strategies have worked well for me and my clients over the years. Give them a try and see how they work for your online store.
Remember, consistency is key. Link building isn’t a one-and-done task – it’s an ongoing process. Keep at it, and you’ll start to see results.
Want to learn more advanced SEO techniques? Check out my SEO Elite Circle where I share the strategies that have helped me make 7 figures from SEO.
How to Build Backlinks for Ecommerce Through Content Marketing
Content marketing is a powerhouse for building backlinks to your ecommerce site. Here’s how to leverage it:
Create Product Guides and Comparisons to Build Backlinks for Ecommerce
People love in-depth product guides and comparisons. They’re super useful for shoppers and link-worthy for other sites.
I’ve had great success with:
- “Ultimate Guide to Choosing [Product]”
- “[Product A] vs [Product B]: Which is Right for You?”
- “Top 10 [Products] for [Specific Use Case]”
These guides naturally attract links from bloggers and review sites in your niche.
Develop Industry Reports to Attract Backlinks
Original research and data are link magnets. Conduct surveys or analyze your sales data to create unique reports.
Some ideas:
- “State of [Your Industry] Report”
- “[Product] Usage Trends”
- “Consumer Behavior Study: [Your Niche]”
Journalists and bloggers love citing fresh stats. This strategy has landed me links from major news sites.
Create Visual Content for Easy Backlinks
Visual content is highly shareable and link-worthy. Invest in creating:
- Infographics summarizing your data or guides
- Product comparison charts
- How-to diagrams or illustrations
Make sure to include an embed code so others can easily share your visuals with a link back.
Develop Interactive Tools to Build Backlinks for Ecommerce
Interactive tools provide value and encourage linking. Some ideas:
- Product finders or configurators
- Sizing guides
- ROI calculators
I’ve seen simple tools generate hundreds of quality backlinks over time.
Guest Post on Relevant Sites
Guest posting is still effective when done right. Focus on high-quality, relevant sites in your niche.
Pitch unique, valuable content ideas – not just product plugs. This builds relationships and earns natural links.
For more on this, check out my guide on how to find guest posting sites.
Leverage User-Generated Content
Encourage customers to create content about your products. This could be:
- Reviews and testimonials
- Social media posts
- Unboxing videos
Feature the best UGC on your site and social channels. This creates a cycle of engagement and natural linking.
Create a Resource Center
Build a comprehensive resource center on your site. Include:
- Buying guides
- Product care instructions
- Industry glossaries
- FAQs
This positions you as an authority and attracts links from other sites looking to reference quality information.
Optimize for Featured Snippets
Featured snippets can drive traffic and indirectly boost your link profile. Structure your content to target these spots:
- Use clear, concise definitions
- Create step-by-step guides
- Use tables for comparisons
For more on optimizing your on-page SEO, check out my on-page SEO tips.
Collaborate with Influencers
Partner with influencers to create co-branded content. This could be:
- Product reviews
- How-to guides
- Styling tips
Their audience reach can drive traffic and links to your site.
Host Virtual Events
Webinars, Q&A sessions, and virtual product launches can generate buzz and links. Invite industry experts as guests to boost credibility and reach.
Building backlinks for ecommerce through content marketing takes time and effort. But it’s a sustainable strategy that pays off in the long run.
Want to dive deeper into advanced SEO techniques? Join my SEO Elite Circle where I share the strategies that have helped me make 7 figures from SEO.
Building backlinks for ecommerce isn’t just about quantity. It’s about quality and relevance too. Let’s dive into some advanced strategies that’ll give your online store an edge.
Leverage Product Reviews for Backlinks
Product reviews are a goldmine for ecommerce backlinks. Here’s how to tap into this:
- Reach out to niche bloggers and offer your products for review
- Create an affiliate program to incentivize reviewers
- Engage with video reviewers on YouTube
Remember, genuine reviews from real users carry more weight. Don’t just chase links – focus on building relationships with influencers in your niche.
Create Shareable Product Comparisons
People love comparing products before making a purchase. Why not make their job easier?
Create in-depth product comparison pages. Include:
- Side-by-side feature comparisons
- Pros and cons lists
- Real user feedback
- Your expert opinion
These pages are highly linkable and can attract backlinks from review sites, forums, and even competitors.
Tap into User-Generated Content
Your customers can be your best link builders. Encourage them to create content about your products:
- Run social media contests for best product photos
- Feature customer stories on your blog
- Create a hashtag for user-generated content
This not only gets you more content but also increases the chances of earning natural backlinks.
Optimize for Local SEO
If you have a physical store alongside your ecommerce site, local SEO can be a powerful tool for building backlinks.
- Get listed in local business directories
- Partner with other local businesses for cross-promotion
- Sponsor local events and get mentioned on their websites
These local links can boost your overall link profile and help you rank better in local searches.
Create Industry Reports and Whitepapers
Position yourself as an industry leader by creating valuable, data-driven content:
- Analyze your sales data for industry insights
- Conduct customer surveys and publish the results
- Create annual reports on industry trends
This type of content is highly linkable and can attract backlinks from news sites, industry blogs, and even competitors.
Leverage Broken Link Building
Broken link building is an oldie but a goodie. Here’s how it works for ecommerce:
- Find broken links on relevant sites using tools like Ahrefs
- Create content that could replace the broken link
- Reach out to the site owner and offer your content as a replacement
This strategy works well for product category pages or informational content related to your products.
Optimize Your Internal Linking Structure
While we’re focusing on external links, don’t neglect your internal linking. A solid internal link structure can boost the power of your backlinks.
Check out my guide on internal link building strategy for more tips on this.
Create Link-Worthy Product Descriptions
Your product descriptions can be more than just sales copy. Make them link-worthy by:
- Including unique, interesting facts about the product
- Adding usage tips and creative ideas
- Incorporating user-generated content
The goal is to make your product pages valuable resources that others want to link to.
Leverage HARO for Expert Commentary
Help a Reporter Out (HARO) is a great tool for getting high-quality backlinks. As an ecommerce store owner, you can offer expert commentary on:
- Industry trends
- Consumer behavior
- Product specifications
For more on how to use HARO effectively, check out my guide on HARO link building.
Create Interactive Tools
Interactive tools can be link magnets for ecommerce sites. Some ideas:
- Size guides
- Product configurators
- Price comparison tools
These tools provide value to users and are highly shareable, increasing your chances of earning backlinks.
FAQs
How long does it take to see results from ecommerce link building?
It varies, but typically you’ll start seeing some impact in 3-6 months. Consistency is key.
How many backlinks does my ecommerce site need?
There’s no magic number. Focus on quality over quantity. A few high-quality, relevant links can be more valuable than dozens of low-quality ones.
Can I buy backlinks for my ecommerce site?
I don’t recommend it. Buying links violates Google’s guidelines and can lead to penalties. Focus on earning links through valuable content and relationships.
Building backlinks for ecommerce is an ongoing process. It takes time and effort, but the payoff in terms of increased traffic and sales can be huge.
Want to dive deeper into advanced SEO techniques? Join my SEO Elite Circle where I share the strategies that have helped me make 7 figures from SEO.
