how to get backlinks without writing guest posts

    Why Guest Posting Isn’t Always the Answer

    Guest posting is everywhere. It’s one of the most talked-about backlink strategies. But let’s be honest—it’s time-consuming, often unrewarding, and sometimes feels like free labor for someone else’s blog.

    So what if you could build quality backlinks without typing a single guest post? You can. I’ve done it. Multiple times. And I’ll show you exactly how.

    1. Create Linkable Assets That Sell Themselves

    People love to link to resources that make them look smarter or help their readers. That’s where “linkable assets” come in. Think:

    • Free tools
    • Data reports
    • Original research
    • Interactive calculators

    I once built a “Marketing Budget Calculator” for a client. We promoted it for one week—and it picked up 34 organic backlinks, all without a single guest post.

    2. Use HARO and Similar Journalist Services

    Help A Reporter Out (HARO) connects journalists with sources. You sign up, scan daily emails, and pitch answers to specific questions. If accepted, you get featured—with a backlink to your site.

    I’ve been quoted in HubSpot and Search Engine Journal this way. It takes 5 minutes a day. Way easier than pitching guest blogs with uncertain returns.

    3. Turn Broken Links Into Backlinks

    This is one of the most underrated tactics. Find broken links in your niche using tools like Ahrefs, BrokenLinkChecker, or Screaming Frog. Then, offer your working content as a replacement.

    Outreach becomes a service—not a request. And site owners appreciate the heads-up more than you’d think.

    4. Get Featured in Roundups or Listicles

    Instead of writing a full post, pitch to be *included* in one. Search Google for things like:

    • “best tools for [your niche]”
    • “top experts on [topic]”
    • “weekly industry roundups”

    Reach out and ask if they’re open to updating their list with a new tool, quote, or expert. A single inclusion can bring multiple backlinks—and traffic.

    5. Repurpose Content Into Embeddable Assets

    Convert your blog content into:

    • Infographics
    • Slide decks (for Slideshare)
    • YouTube videos with backlinks in the description
    • Short visual summaries for Pinterest or Instagram

    Include a small “embed this” snippet so other blogs can share it with a backlink. One infographic I made for a client earned links from 18 domains in two weeks—without pitching anyone.

    6. Start a Newsletter Worth Quoting

    When your newsletter contains insights, stats, or frameworks, bloggers link back to it as a source. I’ve had people quote my newsletter emails in blog posts just because the content was fresh and un-googleable.

    It’s like creating exclusive content that spreads organically—while building backlinks quietly in the background.

    7. Do Joint Ventures With Other Creators

    Team up with influencers, podcasters, YouTubers, or other niche brands. Co-create something together—a free toolkit, guide, or challenge—and cross-link to each other’s sites.

    This creates contextual backlinks from relevant audiences, and both sides win. No need to beg. Just build together.

    Case Study: From 0 to 46 Backlinks Without Guest Posts

    One startup I worked with had no blog team, no budget for guest posting, and zero brand awareness. We:

    • Created a simple productivity quiz with shareable results
    • Posted results as embeddable cards
    • Used Reddit, IndieHackers, and Twitter to promote

    The quiz went mini-viral. In 2 months, we got 46 backlinks from blogs, newsletters, and even a local news site. All that—without writing a single blog post for another site.

    What to Avoid When Skipping Guest Posts

    • Don’t send empty outreach without value
    • Don’t rely only on automation or cold templates
    • Don’t assume your content will be shared “just because it’s good”

    Without guest posts, your content has to work harder. But that also means your strategy will be leaner and more targeted.

    Final Thought: There’s More Than One Path to Backlinks

    Guest posting is fine—but it’s not the only route. In fact, you might find greater success doing the opposite. Focus on assets, connections, and relevance. Be visible, helpful, and original.

    Because when you stop chasing backlinks and start attracting them, everything changes.