In SEO, we always talk about backlinks, how to start social backlinking, and their importance to ranking in Google. Social backlinks are the most powerful way to build website backlink profiles. We tried and tested different techniques and always returned to social media.
But what are social backlinking? And why are they so important?
In this article, we will discuss the importance of social backlinking and how to use social listening for linkbuilding. We’ll also provide Eight tips for building social backlinks to help your website rank higher in Google and other search engines.
But first, let’s understand:
What Are Backlinks?
A backlink is a link that points from one website to another. If someone links to your site, you have a backlink from them.
In other words, when someone links to your content, they’re effectively vouching for your site. This is why backlinking is so essential. They’re like social proof that your site is good enough to be linked to. The more backlinks you have, the more social proof you have, and the higher your rank on Google.
What Are Backlinking?
Backlinking is the process of building backlinks to your site. This can be done in several ways, but the most common is through social media. When you post content on social media, people have the option to share it with their followers.
When they do this, they’re effectively creating a backlink to your site. The more shares you get, the more backlinks you have, and the higher your rank on Google.
What Are Social Backlinks?
A social backlink is a link from a social media platform to your website. These social media backlinks are essential because they help improve your website’s search engine ranking and create a backlink to your website when Social media platforms are some of the most popular websites on the internet. They receive billions of visits each day from people all over the world.
The more types of backlinks refer to your post content on social sites, the higher your site will rank in Google and other search engines.
Types Of Social Backlinks
There are a few types of social backlinks.
- Text Backlinks: Text backlinks are links that include anchor text (User profile, posts, etc.).
- Image Backlinks: These social media posts include an image with a link to your website. For Example: Image sites like Pinterest and Instagram
- Video Backlinks: Video Backlinks in social media posts include a video with a link to your website. For Example, Youtube and Vimeo
- Forum Backlinks: Forum backlinks in social media posts on forums that include links to your website. For Example, Quora and Reddit
- Bookmarking Backlinks: Bookmarking backlinks are social media posts on social bookmarking sites that include links to your website. For Example: Delicious and Digg
Social Backlinking And Its Importance
Social backlinking is the process of building social media platform links to your website. This can be done in many ways, but the most common is through social media posts. When you post content on social media, people have the option to share it with their followers.
Social backlinking is essential for Five main reasons:
- Indexing Your Website: They help Google and other search engines find and index your website. When someone links to your website from a social media site, it signals to search engines that your site is popular and relevant.
- Increase Click-Through Rate (CTR): Social media links can also improve your click-through rate (CTR) from SERPs. Studies have shown that websites with social media links tend to have higher CTRs than those without. This means that if you can get social backlinks from high-authority sites, you are more likely to increase your website’s traffic.
- Boost Social Media Engagement: Social backlinking can also help boost social media engagement. When you post content on social media, the more social media platforms link to your site, the higher your chances of getting likes, shares, and comments. This is important because social media engagement is a key ranking factor for Google. The more engaged your social media followers are, the higher your website will rank on Google.
- Build Relationships With Influencers: Social backlinks can also help you build relationships with influencers. When you post content on social media, make sure to tag any relevant influencers. This will increase your content’s reach and help you build relationships with influential industry professionals. These relationships can benefit both parties as they can help promote each other’s content and grow their audiences.
- Improve Brand Awareness And Reputation: Social backlinks can improve brand awareness and reputation. This is because when people see your website being linked to high-authority social media sites, they will perceive it as more credible and trustworthy. Consequently, this can lead to more website visitors and customers.
Now that we’ve discussed the importance of social backlinks, let’s look at how you can build them.
Eight Ways To Build Social Backlinks
There are many ways to build social backlinks, but we’ve found that the following seven methods are the most effective:
Share Your Content On Social Media
The first and most obvious way to build social backlinks is by sharing your content on social media. Social media platforms are the ones that have a bigger audience on an every-second basis.
You will be able to share your content with a bigger audience, and that way, you’ll have social backlinks. This can be done by posting links to your articles, blog posts, or infographics on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Using relevant hashtags and tagging influencers will also help increase your content’s reach.
Tools For Finding Hastags:
- RiteTag
- All Hashtag
- Trendspottr
Tools For Finding Social Media Influencers:
- Followerwonk (Twitter)
- BuzzSumo (all social platforms)
- Mention (all social platforms)
Participate In Social Media Groups
Another great way to build social backlinks is by participating in social media groups. There are many social media groups on platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+.
Joining a group that has an audience in your industry can benefit you. These groups allow you to connect with like-minded people and share your content with them. Ensure you only join relevant groups and don’t spam them with your content.
You can also create your own social media group and invite relevant people to join it. It is a great way to build backlinks and connect with influential industry professionals.
Answer Questions On Social Media
Answering questions on social media is a great way to build social backlinks. This is because when you answer people’s questions, you provide valuable information to help them solve their problems.
Most social media platforms have Q&A sections where people can ask questions and get answers from experts. LinkedIn has a section called Answers, while Facebook and Twitter have Q&A sections called Ask Me Anything (AMA) and Questions.
You can also use tools like Quora to find relevant questions that you can answer. When answering these questions, include a link to your website or blog so people can learn more about you and your business.
Note: This technique will not only drive traffic and backlink to your website. But it will also show your Authoritativeness (Expertise) to the audience. So next time, if any questions arise, they know who to ask.
Do Social Media Interviews
Another great way to build social backlinks is by doing social media interviews. This great way to connect with influencers and get your name out there.
You can contact relevant people in your industry and ask them if they’re interested in doing an interview. These interviews can be done via social media, email, or phone.
Ensure you promote these interviews on social media and include links to your website. This will help increase traffic to your site and improve your search engine ranking.
Guest Blogging
Guest blogging is a great way to build social backlinks. This involves writing blog posts for other people’s websites in exchange for a link to your website or blog.
When guest blogging, ensure you only write for relevant and high-quality websites. This will help you attract more traffic and improve your search engine ranking.
You can find opportunities through three methods, those are:
- Google search
- Contacting bloggers
- Social Media
Google search: You can use Google to find guest blogging opportunities. Search for “your industry + write for us” or “your industry + guest post.” For example, if you’re in the fitness industry, you would search for “fitness write for us” or “fitness guest post.”
Contacting bloggers: You can also contact relevant bloggers in your industry and ask if they’re interested in having a guest post.
Social media: You can use social media to find guest blogging opportunities. Search for relevant hashtags such as #guestblogging, #guestpost, or #writeforus.
Pitch A Story To Social Media News Sites
You can pitch a story to social media news sites if you want more social backlinks. These sites are always looking for new content, which is a great way to get your name out there.
To find social media news sites, search for “social media + submit news” or “social media + contact us.” For example, if you’re looking for social media news sites that cover the fitness industry, you would search for “fitness social media submit news” or “fitness social media contact us.”
When pitching a story, ensure you have an exciting and catchy headline. You should also include a link to your website or blog so social media news sites can learn more about you.
List Of Top Social Media News Sites That You Can Pitch Your Story:
- Mashable
- Social Media Today
- The Next Web
- TechCrunch
- Business Insider
Include Social Media Buttons On Your Website
Make sure social media buttons are included on your website so people can easily share your content. These social media buttons should be placed in an easily visible location, such as the top or bottom of each page.
You can use a plugin like Social Media Feather to add social media buttons to your website. This plugin is free and easy to use.
Or you can hire a developer to add social media buttons to your website. This is an excellent option if you want more control over the design of the social media buttons.
Create Social Media Quizzes
Creating social media quizzes is another excellent way to build backlinks. This is because people love taking quizzes, especially if a prize is involved, which are often shared on social media platforms.
When creating a quiz, ensure it is relevant to your industry and audience. You can use tools like Playbuzz or Quizster to create social media quizzes. Make sure you promote your quiz on social media and include a link to your website.
Few Tools To Organize Social Media Quizzes:
- Playbuzz
- Quizmaster
- Qzzr
Conduct Social Media Contests
Conducting social media contests is an excellent way to build social backlinks and increase traffic to your website. This is because people love entering contests, especially if there’s a prize involved.
When conducting a social media contest, ensure it is relevant to your industry and audience. Make sure you promote your contest on social media and include a link to your website. You can use tools like Gleam or Rafflecopter to create social media contests.
Few Tools To Organize Social Media Contests:
- Gleam
- Rafflecopter
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is It Worth Investing In Social Backlinking in 2024?
Ans. The answer is simple: Social backlinks are essential and will continue to be so in 2024. So, if you’re not using any of the above methods to build social backlinks, now is the time to start.
Social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn are excellent for building social backlinks. These platforms allow you to connect with influencers and relevant people in your industry. You can also share your content on these platforms to attract more traffic to your website.
Q2. How Many Social Backlinks Should I Have?
Ans. It’s tough to say how many social backlinks you should have. This number will depend on your website’s size and the content you produce. However, as a general rule, aiming for at least a few weekly social backlinks is a good idea.
Q3. Is It Worth Investing In Social Media Ads For Building Backlinks?
Ans. The answer to this question is a little complicated. Social media ads can be an excellent way to build social backlinks, promote your content, and attract new visitors to your website. However, they can also be expensive and time-consuming.
If you’re on a tight budget, it’s probably not worth investing in social media ads. However, if you have the time and money to invest, social media ads can be a great way to build social backlinks.
Note:
It would help if you also focused on organic methods, such as guest blogging and social media contests. This will help you attract more traffic to your website in the long run.
Conclusion
The above guide might have helped you understand social backlinks and their importance in 2024. Social backlinks are essential, and if you’re not doing any of the above methods to build social backlinks, now is the time to start.
And that’s it! You now know everything there is to know about social backlinks. If you have any questions or comments about social backlinking, please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!
