Your website is only half the battle. The other half happens outside your site. That is called off-page SEO. Off-page SEO is everything you do to make Google trust your site more. The main tool here is backlinks.
Backlinks are like votes. Each link says, “This website is good and trustworthy.” The more strong votes you get, the more Google trusts you.
In this guide, we will explain 25 backlink strategies you can use in 2025. We will also give tips, examples, and step-by-step instructions.
This blog is perfect for beginners and easy to follow.
1. Directory Submission
What it is:
Submitting your website to online directories.
Why it helps:
- Gives your site easy backlinks.
- Helps local SEO by showing Google your business.
Examples:
Justdial, Sulekha, Yellow Pages, Yelp.
How to do it:
- Find trusted directories.
- Fill in your business name, address, phone, website.
- Make info consistent across all directories.
Tips:
- Avoid low-quality directories.
- Use correct categories for your business.
2. Social Bookmarking
What it is:
Sharing your links on sites where people save content.
Why it helps:
- Helps Google find your content faster.
- Can bring visitors.
Examples:
Pinterest, Mix, Slashdot, Flipboard.
How to do it:
- Create accounts on bookmarking sites.
- Add your blog posts or website links.
- Add short descriptions and tags.
Tips:
- Focus on niche-relevant sites.
- Share consistently, not once.
3. Article Submission
What it is:
Write full articles and post them on article platforms.
Why it helps:
- Adds backlinks.
- Brings traffic and authority.
Examples:
Medium, EzineArticles.
How to do it:
- Write unique, helpful content.
- Include a link back to your site naturally.
- Submit to article sites.
Tips:
- Avoid copying content.
- Make articles informative, not spammy.
4. Blog Commenting
What it is:
Commenting on blogs with helpful content and a link.
Why it helps:
- Adds small backlinks.
- Builds relationships with bloggers.
How to do it:
- Find blogs in your niche.
- Read posts carefully.
- Leave meaningful comments with your link.
Tips:
- Don’t spam.
- Comments should add value.
5. Forum Posting
What it is:
Joining forums in your niche.
Why it helps:
- Backlinks from posts and profiles.
- Positions you as an expert.
Examples:
Quora, Reddit, niche forums.
How to do it:
- Sign up for relevant forums.
- Answer questions or start discussions.
- Include link only if helpful.
Tips:
- Focus on helping first.
- Build trust before posting links.
6. Guest Posting
What it is:
Writing blogs for other websites.
Why it helps:
- Gets high-quality backlinks.
- Brings traffic from related audience.
How to do it:
- Find sites that accept guest posts.
- Pitch ideas that match their audience.
- Write unique, helpful content with backlinks.
Tips:
- Target high-authority sites.
- Avoid spammy sites.
7. Business Listing / Local SEO
What it is:
Listing your business on local platforms.
Why it helps:
- Boosts local rankings.
- Adds trusted backlinks.
Examples:
Platforms like Google Business Profile, Bing Places, Yelp, Foursquare, Practo, and Zomato
How to do it:
- Claim or create profiles.
- Fill name, address, phone, website.
- Add images and business hours.
Tips:
- Keep info consistent.
- Encourage customer reviews.
8. Infographic Submission
What it is:
Creating visual content and sharing it online.
Why it helps:
- Infographics get shared and linked naturally.
- Builds brand awareness.
Examples:
Visual.ly, Infographic Journal, Pinterest.
How to do it:
- Make helpful infographic.
- Upload to submission sites.
- Include website link in image or description.
Tips:
- Keep it clear and easy.
- Make it valuable and shareable.
9. Image Submission
What it is:
Uploading images online.
Why it helps:
- Adds backlinks and visibility.
- Google indexes images.
Examples:
Flickr, Imgur, PhotoBucket, Pinterest.
How to do it:
- Create or optimize images.
- Add descriptive title, alt text, link.
- Upload to image platforms.
Tips:
- Use high-quality images.
- Add keywords in alt text.
10. Video Submission
What it is:
Uploading videos about your content.
Why it helps:
- Video backlinks improve SEO.
- Engages visitors.
Examples:
YouTube, Vimeo, DailyMotion.
How to do it:
- Make a helpful or interesting video.
- Add link in description.
- Share on multiple platforms.
Tips:
- Keep videos short and clear.
- Use subtitles and descriptions.
11. PDF / Document Sharing
What it is:
Sharing PDFs or guides online.
Why it helps:
- Adds backlinks.
- Spreads content.
Examples:
SlideShare, Scribd, Academia.edu.
How to do it:
- Convert posts into PDFs.
- Include website link inside.
- Upload to platforms.
Tips:
- PDFs should be informative.
- Share in relevant categories.
12. Podcast Submission
What it is:
Creating or joining podcasts.
Why it helps:
- Backlinks from guest sites.
- Builds authority and traffic.
Examples:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.
How to do it:
- Record podcast or be guest.
- Share on directories.
- Include website in show notes.
Tips:
- Keep podcasts clear.
- Add links naturally.
13. Press Release Submission
What it is:
Sharing news about your business.
Why it helps:
- PR sites boost credibility.
- Can get media coverage.
Examples:
PRWeb, OpenPR.
How to do it:
- Write newsworthy release.
- Include website link.
- Submit to PR sites.
Tips:
- Only real news.
- Keep it professional.
14. Classified Submission
What it is:
Posting small ads online.
Why it helps:
- Adds backlinks.
- Attracts local customers.
Examples:
OLX, Craigslist, Quikr.
How to do it:
- Create clear ad.
- Add website link.
- Post in right category.
Tips:
- Focus on local areas.
- Avoid spammy words.
15. Q&A Sites
What it is:
Answering questions online.
Why it helps:
- Builds backlinks and authority.
- Drives traffic.
Examples:
Quora, Stack Exchange.
How to do it:
- Find niche questions.
- Give helpful answers.
- Include link if relevant.
Tips:
- Don’t just drop links.
- Help first, link second.
16. Web 2.0 Submissions
What it is:
Creating blogs on free platforms.
Why it helps:
- Easy backlinks.
- Adds content diversity.
Examples:
WordPress, Blogger, Medium, Tumblr.
How to do it:
- Create free blog.
- Write helpful content.
- Add backlinks naturally.
Tips:
- Avoid duplicate content.
- Post regularly.
17. Profile Creation
What it is:
Making profiles on websites and social media.
Why it helps:
- Profiles link to your site.
- Builds brand presence.
How to do it:
- Sign up on relevant sites.
- Add bio info and website link.
- Add picture and details.
Tips:
- Keep profiles professional.
- Avoid spammy usernames.
18. Content Syndication
What it is:
Republishing your blogs on other platforms.
Why it helps:
- Reaches bigger audience.
- Can generate backlinks.
Examples:
Medium, LinkedIn Articles.
How to do it:
- Republish blog.
- Use canonical tags.
- Add backlinks.
Tips:
- Syndicate only high-quality posts.
- Avoid too many platforms.
19. Influencer Outreach
What it is:
Collaborating with niche influencers.
Why it helps:
- Influencer mentions bring backlinks.
- Boost traffic and credibility.
How to do it:
- Identify niche influencers.
- Send personal messages.
- Offer collaboration.
Tips:
- Focus on relevant influencers.
- Give value, don’t just ask.
20. Resource Page Links
What it is:
Getting listed on resource pages.
Why it helps:
- High-quality backlinks.
How to do it:
- Find “Top Resources” pages.
- Reach out politely with your site.
Tips:
- Only suggest useful resources.
- Don’t spam pages.
21. Broken Link Building
What it is:
Finding broken links on other sites.
Why it helps:
- You offer a replacement link.
- High-value backlink.
How to do it:
- Use tools to find broken links.
- Point to your content.
- Reach out to site owner.
Tips:
- Be polite and helpful.
- Focus on relevant sites.
22. Testimonials
What it is:
Writing reviews for tools or services.
Why it helps:
- Companies link back to your site.
How to do it:
- Use product or service.
- Write honest testimonial.
- Submit to company website.
Tips:
- Keep reviews honest.
- Avoid fake reviews.
23. Skyscraper Technique
What it is:
Making content better than top posts.
Why it helps:
- Sites may link to your improved content.
How to do it:
- Find top content.
- Make it longer, updated, better.
- Reach out to sites linking old content.
Tips:
- Focus on quality.
- Avoid copying content.
24. Content Sharing Platforms
What it is:
Sharing content on community platforms.
Why it helps:
- Get backlinks and exposure.
Examples:
Reddit, Medium, GrowthHackers.
How to do it:
- Find relevant communities.
- Share useful content.
- Add link naturally.
Tips:
- Participate, don’t spam.
- Make posts helpful.
25. Edu & Gov Backlinks
What it is:
Getting links from educational or government sites.
Why it helps:
- Very high authority backlinks.
- Boosts Google trust.
How to do it:
- Offer scholarships or guides.
- Reach universities or gov pages.
- Ask for a link to your resource.
Tips:
- Make resources useful.
- Build relationships, don’t spam.
Final Tips for Off-Page SEO Success in 2025
- Focus on quality over quantity.
- Keep links relevant to your niche.
- Use multiple strategies, not just one.
- Track backlinks with Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz.
- Be patient—off-page SEO takes time.
10 FAQs on Off-Page SEO 2025
Q1. What is off-page SEO?
Ans: Off-page SEO includes all the actions you take outside your website to earn backlinks, mentions, and build trust.
Q2. Why are backlinks important?
Ans: Backlinks are votes. More strong votes = higher trust with Google.
Q3. Are all backlinks equal?
Ans: No.Links from trusted, high-authority sites are worth more than lots of low-quality links.
Q4. Can I buy backlinks?
Ans: No. Buying backlinks can hurt your site.
Q5. How long does it take for backlinks to help?
Ans: Backlinks take weeks to months to improve rankings.
Q6. What is do-follow vs no-follow?
Ans: Do-follow passes SEO value. No-follow usually doesn’t but can bring traffic.
Q7. Can social media help off-page SEO?
Ans: Yes. Social media can drive traffic and attention, which may lead to backlinks.
Q8. How many backlinks do I need?
Ans: No set number. Focus on quality and relevance.
Q9. How do I track backlinks?
Ans: Use Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz to see who links to you.
Q10. What mistakes to avoid in off-page SEO?
Ans: Buying links, Spamming comments or forums, Submitting to low-quality directories, Overusing anchor text.