Backlinks are one of the most important factors in search engine optimization (SEO) efforts that increase the authority and ranking of websites. However, not every business or individual may have the budget to invest in high-budget backlink efforts.
1. Social Bookmarking Sites
Social bookmarking sites allow you to share your content and attract the attention of search engines.
- Reddit – Global community with traffic potential in niche topics.
- Slashdot – Suitable for technology and software-focused content.
- Diigo – Features for adding links and notes.
2. Web 2.0 Blog Platforms
Free blog services where you can create your own content and add links provide valuable backlinks in the long term.
- WordPress.com – Customizable themes and content management.
- Medium – High domain authority, fast indexing.
- Blogger – Google-supported, easy to use.
3. Forum and Community Sites
Links added to profile or signature sections in forums can provide both traffic and backlinks.
Warning: Links added to forum profiles or signature sections may be perceived as spam by search engines if used indiscriminately.
From Google’s perspective:
Adding links to irrelevant forums solely for the purpose of obtaining backlinks = spam signal
Hundreds of links with the same anchor text (link text) repeated across forums = artificial link profile
Leaving a signature link by posting empty or worthless messages = low-quality link
But it doesn’t necessarily have to be completely harmful. If:
The forum or any site is directly related to your industry or content
Your posts contain valuable, original content
Your link is added naturally and appropriately to the context
… then the likelihood of it being perceived as spam decreases, and it can actually be beneficial.
- Quora – Content sharing in a question-and-answer format.
- Warrior Forum – A community focused on digital marketing.
- Stack Exchange – Backlink opportunities in technical and specialized fields.
4. Local and Global Business Directories
These platforms, where you can share your business information, provide both visibility and link power.
- Google Business Profile – Local visibility in search results.
- Yelp – Customer reviews and business listings.
- Yellow Pages – Classic but still effective directory.
5. Document and PDF Sharing Sites
Sites where prepared reports, e-books, or presentations are shared provide content-focused backlinks.
- SlideShare – Presentations and PDF files.
- Scribd – E-book and document sharing.
- Academia.edu
6. Social Media Profiles
Even if they don’t generate direct traffic, profile links from strong domains are valuable to search engines.
- LinkedIn – Add links to your profile and company page.
- Twitter (X) – Add your website to your bio.
- Facebook – Share links in the About section.
7. Video and Image Sharing Sites
Obtaining backlinks through multimedia content is also an effective method.
- YouTube – Add links to video descriptions.
- Vimeo – More niche and professional audience.
- Pinterest – Generate traffic and links through visual pins.
8. Article and Guest Post Publishing Sites
Publishing your own content as a guest author on different sites provides both backlinks and brand awareness.
- Medium – Share content in both blog and article formats.
- HubPages – Publish articles in different categories.
- EzineArticles – An article platform that has been used for many years.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Information Sharing Sites
Sharing content on information-focused platforms is effective in terms of both organic traffic and backlinks.
- AnswerThePublic – Question-and-answer-focused content.
- Ask.fm – Adding backlinks through interaction with the audience.
- WikiHow – Add links by creating step-by-step guides.
10. Press Release Publishing Sites
Press release sites provide both backlinks and brand visibility by publishing content in news format.
- PRLog – Free press release sharing.
- Online PR News – SEO-friendly press release publishing.
- OpenPR – Global reach.