Editorial Backlinks: What They Are and How to Get Them Naturally

Editorial backlinks are one of the most powerful types of links you can earn in SEO. Unlike paid or self-created links, they’re given voluntarily by other websites because they genuinely value your content. In this blog, we’ll explore what editorial backlinks are, why they’re important, and how to build them the right way.

What Are Editorial Backlinks?

Editorial backlinks are links that other websites add to their content voluntarily because they find your content useful, trustworthy, or relevant to their topic. These links are not requested or paid for — they’re earned because your content naturally fits into someone else’s article or resource.

Key Features of Editorial Backlinks

• Unpaid and organic: No compensation or exchange involved.
• Contextual: Usually placed within the content body, not footers or sidebars.
• Relevant: Come from sites within your niche or closely related topics.
• Trust-based: Given by authors who see value in your content.

H3: Examples of Editorial Backlinks

• A health blog linking to a medical study you published.
• A digital marketing site referencing your SEO case study.
• A news outlet quoting your industry insights with a link.

Why Editorial Backlinks Matter for SEO

Editorial backlinks are highly valuable in Google’s eyes because they serve as a vote of confidence. They signal that your content is authoritative, trustworthy, and useful enough to be cited by others.

SEO Benefits of Editorial Links

• Improved Domain Authority: Backlinks from authoritative sources improve your domain’s credibility.
• Higher Search Rankings: They boost your chances of ranking on the first page of Google.
• Referral Traffic: You can gain qualified visitors from the linking sites.
• Increased Brand Visibility: Being mentioned on respected platforms raises brand awareness.

What Google Says About Editorial Links

Google favors editorial backlinks because they’re not manipulated or paid for. Google’s Search Essentials discourages link schemes and considers editorial links a natural part of the web ecosystem.

How to Editorial Backlinks Naturally

Now that we know what they are and why they matter, let’s explore practical strategies to earn editorial backlinks without violating search engine guidelines.

1. Create Exceptional, Link-Worthy Content

The foundation of editorial backlinks is great content. If your content doesn’t offer value, others won’t link to it.

Types of Content That Attract Editorial Links

• Original research: Data-driven insights and statistics
• In-depth guides: Comprehensive resources and how-tos
• Infographics: Visually compelling data or processes
• Thought leadership: Expert opinions and trend analysis

2. Build Authority in Your Niche

People link to sources they trust. Building personal or brand authority makes it more likely that others will cite your work.

Authority Building Tactics

• Guest posting on high-authority sites
• Speaking at industry events or webinars
• Publishing on platforms like Medium, LinkedIn, or Substack
• Consistent social media engagement

3. Leverage Digital PR and Outreach

Proactively reaching out to journalists, bloggers, and influencers can help your content get in front of the right eyes.

Outreach Tips

• Personalize your emails
• Offer exclusive data or expert opinions
• Use platforms like Help a Reporter Out (HARO)
• Build relationships, not just backlinks

4. Use Strategic Content Promotion

If you build it and nobody sees it, they won’t link to it. Promote your content across various channels.

Content Promotion Channels

• Email newsletters
• Reddit and Quora (relevant threads)
• Niche forums or communities
• LinkedIn groups
• Paid social media ads (boosting posts with link potential)

5. Identify and Fill Content Gaps

Use tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Ubersuggest to find what your competitors are getting linked for — and then create something better.

Editorial vs. Other Types of Backlinks

Not all backlinks are created equal. Here’s how editorial backlinks compare to other common types.

Editorial vs. Guest Post Backlinks

• Editorial: Given freely without your request.
• Guest Post: You write the content, often with a link to your site.

Editorial vs. Paid Backlinks

• Editorial: Natural and Google-approved.
• Paid: Risky and penalized by search engines.

Editorial vs. Directory Links

• Editorial: Contextual and high-quality.
• Directory: Often low-value and not always relevant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Editorial Links

Trying to game the system can backfire. Here are mistakes to avoid if you’re focused on long-term SEO success.

1. Buying Links or Using Link Farms

This violates Google’s guidelines and can get your site penalized.

2. Publishing Low-Quality Content

Thin content doesn’t attract links — it repels them.

3. Mass Outreach Without Value

Sending templated, generic emails won’t get you real backlinks. Build relationships instead.

4. Ignoring On-Page SEO

Even if you earn backlinks, your content needs to be optimized to benefit fully.

How to Track and Measure Editorial Backlinks

Tracking the links you’ve earned helps you see what’s working and where to double down.

Recommended Tools

• Google Search Console: View incoming links under “Links.”
• Ahrefs: Track backlinks, anchor text, and authority metrics.
• Semrush: Monitor your backlink profile and compare it to competitors.
• BuzzSumo: See who’s linking to or sharing your content.

Key Metrics to Track

• Number of referring domains
• Authority of linking pages
• Anchor text diversity
• Organic traffic generated
• Keyword movement after links

Final Thoughts: Editorial Backlinks Are Earned, Not Built

Editorial backlinks represent the gold standard of link building. They are difficult to earn — but that’s exactly why they’re so valuable. If you focus on creating great content, building relationships, and positioning yourself as an authority, you’ll earn links that move the SEO needle in a sustainable, future-proof way. click here