SEO Glossary · Off-Page SEO

What Is Link Building?

Link building is the process of acquiring backlinks from other websites to your own. Because backlinks are a major ranking factor, link building is a core part of off-page SEO - but it must be done in ways that earn genuine, relevant links.

Effective link-building strategies

The most durable approach is creating content worth linking to - original research, useful tools, and definitive guides - then promoting it. Other proven tactics include digital PR, guest posting on relevant sites, broken link building, and earning unlinked brand mentions. Avoid buying links or using link schemes, which violate Google guidelines and risk penalties.

Pro tip
Free tools and original data are the most reliable link magnets - people link to them naturally, which is why they out-perform manual outreach over time.
Key takeaways
Link building earns backlinks from other sites.
Backlinks are a major ranking factor, so it is core off-page SEO.
Earn links with great content, digital PR, and outreach.
Avoid buying links or schemes - they risk penalties.

Put it into practice with Soro

Understanding link building is one thing - applying it across every page is another. Soro automates SEO content end to end, researching keywords and publishing optimised articles so your site ranks on Google and gets cited by AI. See how Soro works.

Frequently asked questions

Is link building still important in 2026?

Yes. Backlinks remain one of Google's strongest ranking signals. The methods have evolved toward earning links with genuinely valuable content rather than manipulation.

What is the easiest way to build links?

Create linkable assets - free tools, data studies, and comprehensive guides - that other sites naturally want to reference. Free tools are an especially reliable link magnet.

Keep learning

Browse the full SEO glossary