A backlink is simply a hyperlink that points to a page on your site. That’s it. Whether it comes from a press release, a social media profile, or even your blogs, if a clickable link leads to your page, that’s a backlink. The link can either be inbound or outbound.
In SEO, backlinks act like pathways that guide both users and search engine crawlers to your site. Some of these paths are smooth and trustworthy. Others? Not so much. And some can even send the wrong signals entirely, dragging your rankings down instead of pushing them up.
In 2025, Google’s gotten a lot smarter. It doesn’t just count backlinks. It also analyzes their context, placement, source, and relevance. So while the basic definition stays the same, the strategy behind earning impactful backlinks has evolved.
So, before you get backlinks, let’s get to know the different variations that exist. In this blog, we will list 20+ types of backlinks. For your ease, we’ve also broken them up into 5 categories:
- Authority Builders
- Contextualizers
- Social Proof and Buzz-Worthy Links
- Strategic Backlink Tactics
- Watch Out for These
Before We Dive In: How to Analyze the Quality of Any Backlink?
Since we are about to dissect different types of backlinks, let’s first discuss quality control. Even though a backlink is fundamentally a hyperlink pointing to a page on your site, its value depends on several factors. Here’s a manual checklist for you:
- Is the linking website relevant to your industry?
- Is the content on the linking page useful?
- Is the backlink a ‘dofollow’ link, or is it marked as ‘nofollow’?
- Does the anchor text appear natural?
- Is the backlink situated within relevant and meaningful content?
Now, you will come across a lot of SEO jargon when researching backlinks. Understanding these terms will give you better context.
Domain Authority (DA) / Domain Rating (DR)
Domain Authority (DA) and Domain Rating (DR) are two important metrics to consider before getting backlinks. These scores tell us how strong a website’s backlink profile is. A higher DA or DR generally means that the site is more authoritative. This means it has a stronger ability to pass valuable SEO “link juice” to your pages.
Organic Traffic
Another crucial factor is the organic traffic of the linking site. A backlink from a site that receives a large amount of organic traffic suggests that the site is trusted by search engines. This trust can be passed along through the backlink.
Relevance
The content of the linking site should be related to your own website. For instance, a backlink from a tech blog to your tech startup’s website makes more sense than one from a fashion or food blog. Search engines give more weight to links that come from sites that are similar to your content.
Link Placement
Links that are embedded within the main content of a page are known as contextual links. They get more attention than those placed in footers or sidebars. Contextual links are seen as more natural by search engines and are also more likely to be clicked by users. This makes them very effective in driving both SEO value and traffic.
Anchor Text
Finally, anchor text is another important consideration. The anchor text is the clickable part of the backlink, and it tells search engines about the content of the linked page. Descriptive anchor text will help your page improve its ranking for specific keywords. Over-optimized or spammy anchor text, however, can harm your SEO efforts and make the backlink look unnatural.
The 20+ Backlink Types You Need to Know About
From guest posts to shady black-hat tactics, there’s a wide spectrum of link types out there, each with its own pros and cons. In this section, we’ll walk you through over 20 different backlink types you’ll come across. Hope this guide will clear things up.
The Authority Builders
Some backlinks are like trust-fund babies. They’re born with privilege, and Google adores them. Others are the SEO equivalent of pyramid schemes. In this section, we’re focusing on the aristocrats.
1. Editorial Backlinks
Editorial backlinks are the gold standard. These are links that appear organically within a piece of content, placed there by someone who genuinely found your page reference-worthy. No begging. No cold emailing. Just pure, earned admiration.
They usually come from well-written articles, blogs, or media content where your page fits perfectly into the narrative. Search engines love them because they mimic real-world recommendations. To earn these, your content needs to stand out. It needs to answer questions or offer something well-presented.
2. Guest Post Backlinks
Despite being a bit overused in the past, guest posting remains a solid tactic. The trick is not to treat it like an opportunity to cram in as many links as possible. Instead, it’s about sharing your expertise with a new audience.
If you contribute a genuinely helpful post that fits the host site’s tone and topic, and you include a contextual backlink to a relevant page on your site, congratulations, you’ve earned a proper guest post backlink. These links work best when the host site has solid authority and when the anchor text feels natural, not forced.
3. Backlinks from Niche Edits
Niche edits are also known as link insertions. These backlinks are added to existing content. You can just add them to blog posts or listicles. Unlike guest posts, they save you the hassle of pumping out entirely new articles.
One of the biggest advantages is that these links are placed in content that’s already indexed and has a good ranking. So, it’s faster to achieve visibility with them. But it’s not just about speed. When these edits come from websites in your niche, they carry even more weight.
Google pays attention to who’s linking to you. For example, if your fitness brand is consistently getting backlinks from nutritionists, wellness coaches, and gym blogs, it starts to connect the dots. These links signal that you’re part of a real network.
4. News & Press Mentions
Getting mentioned by a news outlet or industry publication isn’t just a nice ego boost; it’s a shortcut to building authority. These backlinks usually come from expert commentary, unique data, or a story that hits the right nerve at the right time. They’re tough to crack, but that’s the whole point.
When someone with an actual editorial standard decides your brand is worth referencing, it puts you in a different league. Plus, these links tend to live a long, healthy life. Unlike directory dumps or fly-by-night blogs, they don’t disappear overnight or get wiped out in a redesign. Think of it as compound interest, but for credibility.
One rule of thumb is to stick to natural-sounding anchor text. Branded terms, naked URLs, simple CTAs—they all tend to blend in best. Just remember: most links in press releases are marked as “nofollow,” so don’t count on them for direct SEO juice. They’re more about visibility than rankings.
5. Backlinks from .edu and .gov Sites
Backlinks from .edu and .gov sites are like the rarest loot drops in the SEO game. Super hard to get, but totally worth it. Google loves them, people trust them, and if you manage to score one, it basically screams “this site knows what it’s doing.”
But it’s a give-and-take situation. You don’t just stumble into these. You usually have to offer something like a scholarship, a good resource, or something a school or government org would want to link to. See, you don’t have to stack a bunch of them. Even one legit .edu or .gov link can give your rankings a serious glow-up.
6. Authority Resource Page Backlinks
Some websites keep curated “resource pages.” They are collections of trusted links on specific topics. Getting your content featured there means someone sees it as a helpful guide, not just another post floating around the internet. These pages usually live on educational, nonprofit, or info-heavy sites that actually care about helping people find solid answers.
To earn a spot, your content has to pull its weight. It needs to be clear, in-depth, and genuinely useful. It’s not about flashy titles or hype. It’s about being so helpful, you become the default recommendation.
Contextualizers
Contextual backlinks are the ones that are woven into the content. They help Google read the room. Is the surrounding text relevant to the page it points to? Is it naturally placed, or does it feel wedged in?
In-Content Backlinks are the crème de la crème of link placement. In-content backlinks are the ones nestled right in the middle of a paragraph. Google loves these because they mimic how real people talk and reference things. Think of it like quoting your favorite book in a conversation. It adds value, makes sense in the moment, and doesn’t feel forced.
There are 3 types of contextual backlinks.
- Inbound
- Internal
- Outbound
Placement and surrounding content influence how much SEO juice the backlink actually delivers. The more organic and relevant it feels to a human reader, the more credibility it carries in the eyes of the almighty algorithm. Let’s dig into the most important contextual link types and how to make them work for you.
7. Inbound Links
Inbound links are links from other websites that point to your site. For example, here’s a section from a listicle we wrote about the Best Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) Tools. In the screenshot, Profound received an Inbound backlink from Algomindz.
8. Internal Links
Internal links help users navigate your site and also help search engines understand how your content is structured. These are links that connect one page of your website to another. Look at the screenshot below. The clickable text reads “SEO in healthcare.” It links to one of our pages that discusses Healthcare SEO.
9. Outbound Links
These are links on your site that point to someone else’s website. You might use them to cite a source, recommend a tool, or reference more information. Outbound links can add credibility to your content when used wisely, especially if you’re linking to trusted sources. Below is an example of an Outbound YouTube link we used for reference.
10. Anchor Text Optimized Links
Anchor text optimized links are hyperlinks where the clickable text is deliberately chosen to include keywords you want to rank for.
For example, instead of linking with something generic like “click here,” you’d link with something like “best CMS platforms in 2025” if that’s the phrase you’re targeting.
They can be super effective for SEO when used carefully. But if you overdo it—like stuffing the same keyword-rich anchor text into every link—Google might see it as manipulative and penalize your site. You gotta mix it up using branded terms, partial matches, and natural phrases alongside your keyword anchors to keep everything looking organic.
11. Image Backlinks
Image backlinks are links that come from images rather than text. When someone embeds your image on their website and links it back to your site, that’s an image backlink. These links function the same way as text-based backlinks in terms of SEO value, but they come with a few unique characteristics.
First, the surrounding content and the image’s alt text play a big role in how search engines interpret the context of the link. Google doesn’t “see” images the way humans do, so it relies heavily on cues like the image filename, alt attributes, page title, and nearby text. If those are well-optimized, the image backlink can carry meaningful relevance.
Second, image backlinks can drive referral traffic. In fact, approximately 555% more quality backlinks. Infographics, charts, product photos, and custom illustrations are the most common formats that earn these types of links. People love to share visuals that simplify complex ideas or add value to their content. So, if your image is useful, it stands a good chance of getting picked.
That said, image backlinks are often underutilized. Many site owners forget to watermark their images, and some don’t even bother to monitor where their visuals are being used. Google Reverse Image Search can help you track down uncredited uses of your images.
12. Homepage Backlinks
Homepage backlinks are links that point directly to the main page of your website, not a blog post or inner page. These are typically seen as high-value links, especially when they come from reputable sources, because they pass authority to your entire site rather than just a single page.
Search engines view the homepage as the central hub of your site. So when a trusted domain links to your homepage, it’s like vouching for your whole brand. This kind of backlink signals that your business or organization is worth paying attention to, not just for one piece of content, but in general. That’s why homepage links often show up in press mentions, business directories, resource lists, and partnership pages. For example, here’s Algomindz’s profile on Sortlist.
But they’re not just about SEO. They’re also important for branding and visibility. A homepage link tends to drive curious users who want to explore your full site, not just read one article. And because these links usually sit on high-authority pages themselves, they can send a decent amount of direct traffic too.
The key here is natural placement. A homepage backlink looks best when it’s clearly relevant, like a link to a company after it’s mentioned in an article or cited as a sponsor or contributor. Random homepage links stuffed into low-quality pages can raise red flags with search engines.
Social Proof and Buzz-Worthy Links
Sometimes, backlinks come from the community and crowd. These links might not always be high authority, but they offer something just as valuable: social proof, visibility, and a chance to build buzz organically.
Think of these as the “street cred” of your backlink profile. They might not directly catapult you to the top of the SERPs, but they tell search engines that you’re present where conversations are happening. These links often live in places where trust is earned, not bought. Although many of them are nofollow, they still serve important roles in brand awareness. Let’s dive into the crowd-sourced goldmines of link building.
13. Forum Backlinks
Forum backlinks are links you place on online discussion boards, either in your profile or inside posts and comments. These links usually point back to your site and can help with both SEO and referral traffic when used correctly.
Now, let’s be clear: most forum backlinks are nofollow by default, meaning they don’t pass link equity in the traditional SEO sense. But that doesn’t mean they’re worthless. Google still uses nofollow links as hints, and when a forum is well-moderated, that link can still carry contextual weight. Plus, if the thread gets traction, it can drive consistent traffic from people genuinely interested in your topic.
The catch? These links only work if they’re natural, relevant, and non-spammy. Forums are filled with people who can sniff out self-promotion instantly. If you drop a random link in a thread without offering any value, expect it to be deleted—or worse, flagged. But if you contribute meaningfully to a discussion and drop a link where it actually helps someone, it can establish authority and build trust.
Profile links and forum signatures used to be an old-school black hat SEO move, and in many cases, they still are. But modern SEO isn’t about dropping links everywhere. And if your target audience hangs out on forums, smart engagement can lead to genuine interest, brand recognition, and yes, some SEO benefit too.
14. Blog Comment Backlinks
Ah, yes, the humble blog comment backlink. Often overlooked, mostly nofollow, but still not useless. These links can still drive referral traffic if the blog has an active audience. They also create a chance to show up on the radar of site owners, other readers, and maybe even the writer themselves.
The key here is don’t be a robot. No “Great post! Thanks for sharing.” Instead, add actual insight or ask a follow-up question. You’re joining a conversation, not pasting your business card. Even if the backlink doesn’t directly boost your rankings, it can spark networking opportunities and signal to Google that your domain exists in relevant spaces.
15. Social Media Profile Links
Social media profile links are the links you include in your bio or “about” section. These are one of the easiest backlinks you’ll ever build. They usually point to your homepage or a landing page.
From an SEO perspective, most of these links don’t directly pass link juice. But that doesn’t make them useless. Google still crawls major social platforms, and having consistent, branded links across profiles helps reinforce your online footprint. It’s part of entity building.
Plus, these links can send steady referral traffic, especially if you’re active and growing on those platforms. For example, your Instagram bio link might point to a product page, while your LinkedIn profile sends users to a services page. That traffic is usually highly qualified people.
The real power, though, is in consistency and credibility. A complete and well-linked social presence shows users and search engines that you’re not just a random website floating in a vacuum. You’re part of an interconnected digital presence.
16. Influencer or Thought Leader Mentions
Getting a backlink from someone who has actual clout? That’s a win on every level. These aren’t just backlinks, they’re social signals wrapped in authority and topped with a sprinkle of credibility. Whether it’s a podcast shoutout, a blog mention, or a link in a newsletter, this kind of endorsement is quite telling that you’re the real deal.
Plus, these backlinks are often contextual. They’re also great for branding and even partnerships down the line. So cozy up to your industry thought leaders. You never know who might link to your latest post or mention your tool in their next tweet thread.
Strategic Backlink Tactics
Sometimes, you have to go out and get these links. This section is for the hustlers. Strategic backlink tactics are all about creating the conditions where a link is inevitable.
We’re talking about methods that use leverage, timing, and smart content placement. Whether you’re rewriting the internet’s greatest hits or charming a journalist in their inbox, these are the techniques that reward effort with high-quality backlinks. Ready? Let’s game the system—ethically, of course.
17. Broken Link Building
Broken link building is the digital equivalent of pointing out spinach in someone’s teeth. The idea is to find broken outbound links on other people’s websites and suggest your content as a replacement. Everybody wins: they clean up their site, you get a backlink, and users avoid a 404 dead end.
Once you spot a broken link, don’t just barge in with “Give me a link!” Be helpful. Explain where the broken link is, why it’s outdated or unavailable, and how your content fills the gap. Be polite, brief, and solution-focused—like Brian Dean over here.
18. HARO Backlinks
HARO (Help A Reporter Out) backlinks come from responding to media requests posted on HARO, a platform where journalists, bloggers, and reporters post queries for expert opinions or sources.
The process works like this: You sign up for HARO, choose the queries that match your expertise, and pitch your answer. If a journalist uses it, you get a backlink—simple as that. But here’s the catch: competition is fierce. Thousands of others are looking to score the same backlinks, so your pitch needs to stand out. You can’t just drop a link and hope for the best; you need to offer value and position yourself as an expert.
HARO backlinks also have a high potential for referral traffic. You have to be fast, proactive, and consistently provide quality insights to build relationships with reporters. It’s a lot of effort, but the potential payoff in both backlinks and PR exposure is huge.
19. Round-Up or Listicle Backlinks
Round-up or listicle backlinks come from articles that gather multiple voices, products, or resources around a specific theme, like “Top 15 Marketing Tools for Small Businesses” or “20 Entrepreneurs Share Their Productivity Secrets.” These posts are designed to be skimmable and shareable. And if you’re featured, you usually get a backlink along with a short quote or a mention of your product or service.
What makes these backlinks valuable is how natural and relevant they are. They’re usually placed in the middle of useful content. Plus, readers click on them, especially if the listicle is well-targeted or ranks highly for a popular search term.
To land a spot, you can reach out directly to bloggers or writers, keep an eye on journalist requests, or even build relationships with content creators in your niche. Another smart move? Create your listicle—then include others and encourage them to share or reciprocate in their content.
These backlinks work double duty: they help your SEO by coming from themed, relevant content, and they boost your brand visibility by putting you in front of new, often engaged audiences. Think of them as low-effort PR with long-term SEO benefits.
Watch Out for These
This section is your reality check. These links might be easy to get, but they’re also easy for Google to sniff out. Some can still work if you handle them with nuance. But abuse them, and you’re inviting a penalty to come knocking on your domain (pun intended).
20. Paid Backlinks
Ah yes, the old “money can buy anything” mindset. Paid backlinks are exactly what they sound like—links you buy from a website in exchange for cash. And if they’re not properly tagged with rel=”sponsored” or rel=”nofollow”, they’re a direct violation of Google’s guidelines.
Does that stop people? Not really. 74.3% of link builders admit to paying for links, despite the risks. But here’s the thing: paid backlinks might give you a short-term boost, but they also put you under a magnifying glass. If Google catches you (and they will), say hello to lost rankings, manual penalties, and a very expensive regret.
If you must buy links (we’re all adults here), at least make sure they’re transparently labeled and genuinely relevant. Otherwise, you’re just asking to get smacked.
21. Spammy Directory or Bookmarking Links
Directories and bookmarking sites used to be the go-to backlink farm. Submit your site to 100 low-quality directories and boom—you’re on page one, right? Not anymore. These days, they’re a landfill for lazy link builders.
A good directory can still be useful. But most of what’s out there is spammy junk that hasn’t seen a legit visitor since 2009. They scream “manipulation” to Google, especially if the same anchor text is copied and pasted across hundreds of irrelevant sites.
If you’re still submitting to “freebookmarking123.biz” in 2025, I have some news: you’re not doing SEO. You’re just throwing your domain into a dumpster fire.
22. Sitewide Footer or Sidebar Links
These are the links that show up on every page of a website, usually tucked away in the footer or hanging out in the sidebar. They’re often used for navigation or promoting partner sites, but sometimes, people sneak in backlinks hoping to score big with sheer volume.
At first glance, these might seem like a clever way to build authority. After all, if your link is on every page of a high-traffic site, that’s gotta help, right? Not quite. Google got wise to this trick years ago. When they see hundreds (or thousands) of identical links pointing to the same page, especially from parts of the site that users barely interact with, it starts to look like manipulation.
That doesn’t mean all footer/sidebar links are bad. If they’re contextually relevant—like a web design credit in the footer of a client’s site—they’re usually fine. But when they’re stuffed with keyword-rich anchor text or dumped across irrelevant sites? That’s when the red flags go up.
End Note
Backlinks are trust signals, reputation markers, and, when done right, the SEO fuel that drives your site forward. But not all backlinks pull their weight. Some boost your authority, others drag you down, and a few just sit there doing absolutely nothing.
Understanding the difference between powerful editorial mentions and low-quality spammy links can save you from wasted budgets and stalled growth. Whether you’re building authority through HARO, earning placements in round-ups, or experimenting with digital PR, the real game is strategy, not shortcuts. Quality wins. Relevance matters. And sustainability always beats short-term hacks.
Tired of guessing which backlinks help and which ones hurt? At Algomindz, we don’t just build links—we build your reputation. Our SEO experts craft custom link-building strategies that get results without cutting corners.
