The Only Link Building Strategy I Use in 2024 for My Shopify and SaaS SEO Projects
As you might already know, I’ve been in the SEO game for about 7 years now and have tried and tested everything under the sun when it comes to link building. From useless web 2.0s and “entity stacking” that some people still swear by to this day (wtf… I literally just had a call with a client of ours, who showed me those were the types of links their previous SEO agency was building)... to HARO and digital PR links on the other end of the spectrum.
All things considered, at the end of the day, all you’re looking for is the most SEO power, for the best price, and LONGEVITY (how long the link remains live, which is often forgotten about.)
Why Traditional Link Building Strategies Often Fail
The Downside of Web 2.0s and Entity Stacking
From the start, web 2.0s and entity stacking were supposed to revolutionize SEO. However, after years of experience, I’ve found that these methods often lead to low-quality links that add little value. It’s frustrating to see clients misled by agencies still using these outdated tactics.
The High Cost of HARO and Digital PR Links
On the other end of the spectrum, HARO (Help A Reporter Out) and digital PR links can be incredibly effective but come at a high cost. While these links are valuable, they aren’t always sustainable for long-term SEO strategies due to their high price and the effort required to secure them.
The Ultimate Link Building Strategy for 2024
Criteria for Effective Link Building
Here’s what I do: I focus on DR50+ links, placed on the main domain (no subdomains), with at least 10,000 monthly domain traffic, and with the MAJORITY of the traffic coming from our target market. If we’re trying to rank in the US, I want to see at least 80% of all traffic coming from the US - no ifs or buts about it.
Achieving High-Quality Links
You can get these links through HARO, digital PR campaigns, or you can just bribe journalists who work at PR agencies or magazines as in-house writers - which is what we do… :))
The Potential of PBNs: An Unconventional Approach
Understanding PBNs
On the other hand, I do still see potential in PBNs (Private Blog Networks), and WAIT, give me a minute to explain, before you start raging in the comments.
Benefits of PBNs
With PBNs, you get a homepage link… You can make the site 100% relevant to your niche… You can make the site look as legit as possible… And at the end of the day, you have full control over it.
Real-World Applications and Future Testing
I have SO many active projects that still heavily rely on PBNs, and for some reason haven’t gotten hit by algorithm updates (as long as they have branded search and diversified traffic across multiple channels).
Upcoming Experiments with Shopify Projects
I’m DEFINITELY going to be utilizing PBNs and testing them further with my three Shopify exact-match domain projects, and I’ll keep you posted on the results, so you can apply the lessons to your own projects.
Conclusion: Optimizing Your Link Building Strategy for 2024
Link building in 2024 requires a balanced approach, leveraging high-quality DR50+ links while not completely dismissing the potential benefits of PBNs. By focusing on longevity, relevance, and targeted traffic, you can create an effective and sustainable link-building strategy.
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