Backlink

Each backlink is a vote of confidence, but not all votes weigh the same. A relevant link from a credible site can help the linked page rank and can send visitors who convert.

Expect a slow build. New SaaS sites and stores tend to earn links first to helpful content, not to /pricing. Aim to get your first few links to pages like /guides/getting-started or a case study that others want to cite.

• Google Search Console shows a Links report with top linking sites and top linked pages. Use it to see what already earns links and spot odd spikes.
• Track referring domains as a count, not only total links. Ten links from ten sites usually help more than ten links from one site.
• Sample the actual linking pages. Click through and check the anchor, the context, and if the link is visible to users.
• Use third party link indexes to compare with rivals. They crawl the web on their own, so numbers will differ from each other and from Search Console.

A fixed page tends to show a handful of relevant anchors, steady new referring domains over months, and no sudden bursts from unrelated sites or languages.

Links can carry rel attributes. If none are set, search engines usually treat the link as a normal signal. People call this dofollow, though it is not an official attribute.

• rel="nofollow": a hint that the link should not pass ranking signals.
• rel="sponsored": marks paid or sponsored links.
• rel="ugc": marks user generated content links, such as forum posts or comments.

All three tell search engines to be cautious. A nofollow link can still send users and may be discovered and crawled. Do not chase attributes, chase relevant mentions that real people click.

1. 1

   Pick pages worth citing

   Create one or two pieces others will reference: a clear benchmark, a teardown, a checklist, or original data. Put them at simple URLs like /guides/benchmark.

2. 2

   Find relevant sites and pages

   List blogs, documentation pages, directories, or newsletters in your niche. Prioritise pages that already link to similar resources.

3. 3

   Offer a clear reason to link

   Pitch a precise update: show where your guide fills a gap, or where you fixed an error. Keep the ask small: one sentence, one URL.

4. 4

   Fix your internal links

   Link from your homepage and /blog to the asset. Use plain anchors like "SaaS onboarding checklist" so visitors, and crawlers, can find it.

5. 5

   Monitor and follow up

   Check new links monthly. Thank genuine mentions, correct broken links, and ask for brand mentions to be turned into links when it helps the reader.

• Paying for links that pass PageRank risks penalties. Sponsored placements should use rel="sponsored".
• Sitewide footer links rarely help and can look manipulative.
• Worrying about exact match anchors. Use natural anchors that fit the sentence.
• Chasing volume from unrelated sites. Relevance of the linking page and site matters.
• Submissions to low quality directories or link farms. They waste time and can harm you.
• Giving up too soon. Earning a handful of good referring domains can take months.