how to get backlinks from top ranking pages

    Why Beg for Backlinks When You Can Borrow Authority?

    One thing I learned early in SEO: not all backlinks are created equal. A link from a random blog is nice, but a link from a page already ranking on Google’s page one? That’s gold. It brings traffic, trust, and search juice all in one shot.

    So how do you earn links from these high-performing pages? Spoiler: you don’t beg. You offer value. And you play smart.

    What Makes a Page One Link So Valuable?

    Pages that rank on page one are already vetted by Google. They’ve passed the algorithm’s tests for quality, relevance, and authority. If that kind of page links to you, it’s like getting a digital endorsement from a teacher’s pet.

    More than that, these pages get traffic. And if your link is placed properly, you benefit not just from SEO, but also from referral visitors.

    My Go-To Strategy: The Value-Add Pitch

    I don’t just email random site owners saying, “Hey, link to my blog please.” I find ways to add value to their content. Here’s what works:

    • Find a missing angle: Offer a statistic, quote, or case study they haven’t covered yet.
    • Update an outdated section: Point out recent changes in tools, prices, or methods.
    • Fix broken links: Offer your content as a replacement.

    I once got a backlink from a Moz blog post using this exact method—just by spotting a missing tool update and suggesting a paragraph rewrite with my guide linked in. The result? A DA 90+ contextual backlink that pushed my post to position #4.

    How to Find Pages Already Ranking

    There’s no need to guess. Use tools like:

    • Ahrefs → Site Explorer → Top Pages
    • SEMrush → Organic Research → Pages
    • Google itself → site:domain.com “your keyword”

    Look for pages that already rank for the topic your content covers. Check if they link to external sources—and what kind of content they reference.

    What to Offer Them So They Actually Say Yes

    Everyone’s busy. The key is to make your value obvious. Here’s what you can offer in exchange for a contextual link:

    • Original data or infographic
    • Expert insight or personal experience
    • Content enhancement or media (like video walkthroughs)
    • Traffic trade: “I’ll share this to my email list too”

    I once offered a site owner a 500-word bonus section for their high-traffic guide. They accepted it, included my backlink, and even let me write it under my name. Instant thought leadership.

    Timing Matters: Reach Out When It’s Hot

    The best time to ask? When the content is freshly published or updated. Authors are still engaged and open to improvements. I’ve found response rates double if I reach out within 7 days of a post going live.

    Set up Google Alerts for keywords you target and monitor new ranking content weekly. Speed = opportunity.

    Link Placement: Get In the Main Body

    Backlinks in footers or contributor bios are okay—but they’re not power links. Aim for contextual inclusion inside a paragraph. Preferably near the top third of the content, where Google assigns higher weight.

    If they say, “Sure, I’ll add it to the bottom,” push back politely: “Any chance it could fit in the section where you mention [topic]? That’s where it would help readers most.”

    Success Story: From Cold Pitch to Page One Link

    I once found a guide on “SEO Chrome extensions” ranking #3 on Google. It didn’t include my tool, which had just added a killer feature. I emailed the author, pitched the update, sent a quick screencast of how it worked, and offered to help update their screenshot section.

    They added my tool with a backlink and a short shoutout. That single link helped us rank #5 for a super competitive keyword within two weeks. Organic traffic? Up 34% that month.

    Bonus Tip: Don’t Pitch Junk

    This sounds obvious, but don’t pitch weak content. If your page isn’t visually clean, well-written, and actually helpful, even the nicest site owners won’t link to it. Before pitching, ask yourself: would YOU link to this?

    Spend the time making your content better than what they’ve already linked to. That’s the only pitch you need.

    Final Thought: Smart SEO Leverages Other People’s Momentum

    You don’t have to build all the traffic yourself. Tap into pages that already perform and ride their wave. With the right value, the right timing, and the right ask—you can earn backlinks from top-ranking pages without begging or spamming.

    Backlinks aren't about numbers—they're about quality. And quality begins with strategic targeting.