As someone who has spent a lot of time in the SEO world, I've seen trends come and go- especially when it comes to link-building. One of the most confusing aspects for beginners (and even experienced SEOs) is figuring out which link-building practices are worth pursuing and which ones you should avoid like the plague. So, in this post, I’m breaking down some clear do’s and don’ts of link building that will help you make better decisions.
Do: Use Press Releases for Visibility, Not SEO
You may have heard people recommend press releases as an SEO tactic. A decade ago, it worked- kind of. But today, press releases no longer have SEO value because they typically include nofollow links. So, don’t waste your time using them just for the sake of backlinks. Instead, use press releases strategically to get your brand in front of journalists or influencers who might share your content, mention you on social media, or even write an article linking to your website. In fact, 55% of journalists still rely on press releases for their stories. Pretty cool, right?
Do: Leverage Infographics (Wisely)
I love a good infographic- they’re fun, visually engaging, and a great way to break down complex information. But (and this is a big “but”) not all infographics are created equal. You have to ensure they’re relevant, accurate, and of high quality. That’s the only way they’ll truly be effective. Bonus: Infographics can drive up to 12% more traffic than text-based content, so when done right, they’re worth the investment.
Do: Syndicate Content on High Authority Sites
Syndication can be a powerful tool for gaining backlinks, but here’s the catch: You have to do it right. Only allow your content to be published on reputable, high-authority sites. And make sure those sites use a rel=canonical tag, which tells search engines that your site is the original source. This way, you avoid duplicate content issues and still get the SEO value. Aim for quality over quantity here, trust me- it pays off in the long run.
Don’t: Use Press Releases for SEO
Here’s a mistake I’ve seen too many people make. They stuff press releases with links, hoping to boost their SEO rankings. I hate to break it to you, but this simply doesn’t work anymore. Those links are marked as “nofollow,” meaning they pass zero SEO value. Focus on the actual benefits of press releases- brand visibility and the chance to attract real, organic backlinks.
Don’t: Fall for Outdated Tactics
I get it, it’s tempting to try shortcuts. But tactics like link exchanges, blog comment spam, or link-stuffing won’t just waste your time- they could actually get you penalized by Google. These tactics were popular in the early days of SEO, but search engines have evolved. In fact, Google’s algorithms now target over 90% of web spam. Trust me, it’s not worth the risk.
Don’t: Chase Irrelevant Links
Building links from sites that have nothing to do with your business is a waste of effort- and it can harm your SEO. Imagine running a local bakery and trying to get backlinks from tech blogs based in countries where you don’t even operate. Not only will these links be irrelevant, but search engines could flag your site as spammy. Relevance is key- 66% of SEOs say it’s the most important factor in link-building.
Don’t: Syndicate on Low-Quality Sites This one’s important: Syndicating your content to tons of low-quality sites will hurt your SEO more than it will help. You need to be selective. Stick to high-authority sites, even if that means fewer placements. After all, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint.
My Final Thoughts
Building quality links takes time and effort, but it’s worth it when done right. Focus on relevance, authority, and long-term value. If you take shortcuts or rely on outdated tactics, you’ll end up wasting time- or worse, getting penalized by Google.
Ready to start building links the right way? Shoot me a message if you have any questions! Let’s connect and grow your site’s authority together.
