Backlink strategies that worked for CraftedCharts
Over the past few years, the team at CraftedCharts has dedicated countless hours to experimenting with various link-building strategies. We’ve moved past the "flops" to identify the methods that consistently earn high-quality backlinks and provide a measurable boost to our site’s SEO. Throughout our testing phase from 2024 to 2026 conducted across multiple diverse websites, we’ve refined a roadmap of tactics that actually move the needle.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the proven strategies we use, complete with examples from our own successful campaigns.
What is a backlink?
In simple terms, a backlink is a link on another website that points to your website. You can think of them as "votes of confidence" from one site to another.
Do I need backlinks to be visible on-line?
The short answer is no, you don’t need them to exist online, but yes, you absolutely need them if you want to grow via organic search traffic.
While you don't need thousands of spammy links, you do need a few high-quality, relevant ones. Our advice: Don’t worry about spamming the internet with links. Instead, focus on creating the kind of content people want to share, like the guide to Etsy alternatives we are currently writing. That guide is actually a link-building strategy in itself, because when other business owners find it helpful, they will link to it from their own blogs or social media.
First of all - draft link-worthy content
The most effective though admittedly the most time-consuming strategy is creating content that earns backlinks naturally. Throughout our testing phase from 2024 to 2026, we found that exceptional, high-value assets consistently attract links without the need for aggressive outreach.
Early on, we noticed that our guides on SEO tools and strategy earned dozens of backlinks simply because they were practical, current, and provided genuine utility. For instance, after publishing a 10,000-word deep dive into content promotion, the piece naturally acquired 45 backlinks within just two months: ranging from small industry blogs to authoritative SEO platforms.
The secret wasn't just volume; it was the quality of the information. By providing actionable tips, real-world examples, and unique visual resources, we created a "reference asset" that other creators and site owners naturally wanted to cite in their own work. If you provide real, undeniable value, the backlinks often follow as a byproduct of your expertise.
Tips from our experience:
-
Use data-driven insights, people love linking to original research;
-
Include step-by-step tutorials or checklists;
-
Create visual assets like charts, infographics, or tables that make content linkable.
Start quest blogging on authority sites
Guest blogging is often underestimated, but when executed strategically, it remains one of the most reliable ways to build authority. The key lies in intentionality: rather than casting a wide net, focus on pitching high-quality content to specific, niche-relevant blogs that your target audience already reads.
Our rule of thumb is simple: relevance and authority over volume. Posting on irrelevant or low-quality sites rarely does anything. Instead, we prioritize sites with a decent domain authority that truly aligns with our niche. When you provide a well-researched, unique angle to an editor, you don’t just get a backlink; you earn a vote of confidence from a respected source, which often results in steady, high-quality referral traffic that stays with your site long-term.
Guest blogging checklist:
[ ] Build your target list: 10–50 prospects in your niche using search operators (e.g., keyword + "write for us" or keyword + "guest post");
[ ] Vet prospects: Before reaching out, audit each site. (avoid "link farms");
[ ] Study their content: Read 3–5 recent posts to understand their tone, formatting, and the types of topics they cover;
[ ] Warm up: Engage with the blog owner or editor on social media, share their content, or leave an insightful comment on their recent work;
[ ] Send your pitch: Propose 3 unique topic ideas that solve a specific problem;
[ ] Write exceptional content: Deliver content that is better than what is currently on their site.
What about digital PR and outreach
Beyond guest blogging, Digital PR is a powerful lever for earning high-authority backlinks. The strategy is simple but requires a storyteller’s mindset: create something so valuable, data-driven, or unique that editors and journalists want to share it with their readers.
For example, by conducting a proprietary survey on social media usage trends and sharing the findings with industry journalists and niche bloggers, it is possible to secure placements in major, high-authority publications. The goal of Digital PR is not to "get a link," but to provide a compelling data point, a fresh case study, or a unique perspective that adds genuine value to a reporter's story
What to watch out for
To be successful, your outreach must be credible and highly targeted.
-
Storytelling is king: Editors are not looking for ads; they are looking for stories. Ensure your data, case studies, or takes are "newsworthy" and solve a problem or answer a burning question for the publication's audience;
-
Relevance above all: Aim for publications that your target audience actually reads;
-
The "Credibility" rule: Never exaggerate your data. Always be prepared to back up your claims with methodology or proof. Your reputation is your most important asset in PR.
The Skyscraper technique in action
One of the most effective ways to gain traction is the "Skyscraper Technique." The concept is straightforward: find high-performing content in your niche, create something even better, and then proactively reach out to those who have already linked to the original.
During a recent campaign, the team at CraftedCharts identified a blog post ranking for "SEO checklist 2025" that had already secured 20 backlinks. Recognizing an opportunity to add more value, we developed a 50-point, fully updated version of the checklist, complete with custom visuals and a high-utility, downloadable PDF. We then reached out to the sites that had linked to the original post, showcasing how our resource provided a more actionable version of that same topic. Within a few weeks, we earned 7 backlinks from the industry sites.
The Skyscraper Technique proves that you don't always need to reinvent the wheel, you just need to improve upon the existing one
Competitor backlink analysis
Rather than guessing what might work, you can look at the proven strategies of those already ranking for your target keywords. If a site is linking to your competitor, they have already demonstrated an interest in your topic, making them prime candidates for your own outreach.
To effectively "spy" on these profiles, use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz. These platforms allow you to input a competitor’s domain and view their entire backlink profile, including the specific websites, podcasts, and directories that feature them.
Follow the breadcrumbs your competitors leave behind. They reveal proven routes be it specific podcasts, industry directories, or media outlets that you might never have found on your own. Once you identify these recurring sources, you can build a targeted outreach plan to pitch your own expertise and start closing the gap.
Resource page link building
Resource pages often titled "Best resources," "Useful links," or "Recommended tools" are absolute gold mines for SEO. Because these pages are specifically designed to curate the best content on a given topic, they are highly authoritative in the eyes of search engines. If you can get your content featured on a well-maintained resource page in your niche, you gain a high-quality backlink that sends consistent, targeted traffic to your site.
The process is simple: find a curated list in your industry, identify if your content is a perfect (but currently missing) addition, and offer it as a helpful resource for their readers.
Reclaiming unlinked mentions
This is arguably the most efficient way to build authority because the heavy lifting getting someone to talk about your brand has already been done. When a blog, news outlet, or industry publication mentions your name or products but forgets to link back, they are essentially providing a "voter signal" that is currently disconnected from your site.
Identify where you are being talked about and politely request a link to make that mention more useful for their readers.
-
Set up tracking: Use monitoring tools like Mention, Google Alerts, or Brand24. Configure them to track your brand name, key product names, and even the names of your lead creators;
-
Filter the "unlinked": When an alert hits your inbox, visit the page. Check the text: is there a clickable link to your site? If not, you have an opportunity!
Broken link building
Broken link building is a "win-win" tactic. When you find a link on an external website that leads to a 404 error page, the site owner is likely unaware that their content is broken.
By notifying them and suggesting your own high-quality content as a functional, relevant replacement, you are providing a genuine service that improves their user experience.
Start networking with Influencers
When you collaborate with creators, experts, or authority figures in your niche, you are essentially "borrowing" their credibility. These relationships often evolve naturally into high-quality backlinks, organic mentions, and powerful social shares that can amplify your reach far beyond your current audience.
Unlike cold outreach, influencer collaboration is built on mutual value. By participating in virtual webinars, sharing insights on platforms like LinkedIn, or contributing to expert roundups, you position yourself as a peer and a contributor rather than just another person asking for a link.
Influencer collaborations don’t just give backlinks, they also drive referral traffic and increase brand mentions, each mention helps search engines see your site as more trustworthy, which can improve rankings over time.
"Carefully selected influencer partnerships now play an integral role in how businesses consume, verify, and act on information. But not enough brands develop the deep, meaningful, and complex relationships with influencers their audience demands.
Businesses need to understand the value that lies in those authentic partnerships. For those who get that right can own the pockets of industry conversation where reputations are truly formed." - Ogilvy
Final thoughts
Building high-quality backlinks isn’t just about numbers, it’s about value, relevance, and relationships. From creating content that people love to reaching out strategically, these strategies have consistently worked for CraftedCharts.
Remember: backlinks take effort, but the ROI in traffic, authority, and rankings is worth it. Start small, test strategies, and scale what works best for your niche.
Sources:
- Ahrefs Blog is arguably the most trusted name in SEO data. Their blog is famous for rigorous, data-driven studies on how search algorithms work.
- Backlinko Their guides are known for being exceptionally comprehensive and actionable.
- Semrush Blog their blog offers a vast library of expert-led tutorials and current industry trends.
- Moz Beginner's Guide to SEO their guide is considered foundational reading for anyone entering the space.
