Elena Hrychyna
Head of Link Building
SaaS companies rely on organic traffic to grow, and strong backlinks play a huge role in making that happen. The right links can improve your search rankings, bring in qualified leads, and establish your brand as an authority in your space. But not all backlinks are created equal. Quality matters more than quantity.
For over four years, we’ve partnered with over 100 SaaS brands and helped them scale with smart link-building strategies. One thing we’ve learned? The difference between a high-quality backlink and a worthless one is huge. Our team knows what works, what doesn’t, and how to secure the kind of links that move the needle.
Curious about how we do it? We’re taking you behind the scenes to explore the go-to link-building techniques and strategies our team uses to deliver success.
Understanding link building outreach for SaaS business
SaaS link building isn’t just about getting backlinks, it’s about earning links that drive relevant organic traffic and improve your search rankings. Unlike eCommerce or local businesses, SaaS companies rely heavily on organic traffic to attract users, making high-quality backlinks a critical part of growth.
SaaS companies operate in competitive, often niche markets where traditional link-building tactics don’t always work. Since there’s no physical product, backlinks need to be built around educational content, product comparisons, and data-driven insights.
Another challenge is the long sales cycle. Users don’t make impulse purchases, they research, compare, and evaluate before committing to a subscription. This means your backlinks should come from sources that help potential customers in their decision-making process, like industry blogs, review sites, and expert roundups.
Let’s understand the different types of link building for SaaS businesses.
Related: SaaS Link Building: What Really Works in 2025?
What is white-hat link-building technique?
White-hat link building refers to strategies that follow Google’s guidelines and focus on earning backlinks naturally. These techniques prioritize quality, relevance, and ethical practices. Unlike black-hat tactics that rely on spammy, manipulative methods to game the system.
For SaaS companies, white-hat link building means creating valuable content, building genuine relationships, and earning links from reputable websites. This not only helps with search rankings but also strengthens your brand’s credibility.
Some of the most effective white-hat techniques include guest blogging on relevant SaaS and industry blogs, earning links through HARO (Help a Reporter Out), getting featured on resource pages that list useful SaaS tools, creating shareable content, like original research or free tools.
The key to white-hat link building is to focus on long-term growth rather than quick wins. High-quality backlinks take time and effort, but they deliver lasting SEO benefits.
What is black-hat link building technique?
Black-hat link building involves tactics that go against Google’s guidelines in an attempt to manipulate search rankings. These methods focus on shortcuts rather than earning backlinks naturally. While they might deliver quick results, they come with serious risks, including penalties that can tank your rankings.
Common black-hat techniques include buying backlinks from link farms and low-quality sites, automated link building using bots to spam comment sections and forums, PBNs (Private Blog Networks), and creating fake websites just to link back to your SaaS site.
Search engines have become smarter at detecting these tactics, and sites caught using them often face deindexing or ranking drops. For SaaS companies focused on long-term growth, black-hat link building isn’t worth the risk. Instead, investing in high-quality, white-hat strategies will deliver sustainable results.
When Google rolls out its next update, all that effort could vanish in an instant. Worse, your site might end up in a tougher spot than if you hadn’t built those links at all.
That’s exactly what happened after the March 2024 core update. Some of the top-ranking sites got hit with penalties, both manual and algorithmic, while 9.38% of the pages that suddenly climbed to the top hadn’t even cracked the top 20 before.
The takeaway? Stick to white-hat strategies, and you’ll see long-term gains. Take shortcuts, and you’re gambling with your rankings.
What is grey-hat link building technique?
Grey-hat link building falls somewhere between white-hat and black-hat tactics. These strategies aren’t outright forbidden by Google, but they push the boundaries of what’s considered ethical. They can work in the short term, but there’s always a risk that future algorithm updates will crack down on them.
Common grey-hat techniques include:
- Link exchanges with other websites (Google discourages excessive link exchange)
- Buying expired domains with existing backlinks and redirecting them to your site
- Paying for guest posts on sites that don’t disclose sponsorships
- Content spinning which means repurposing the same article across multiple sites with slight edits
Unlike black-hat methods, grey-hat techniques aren’t guaranteed to get your site penalized, but they carry risks. If Google detects manipulative intent, your rankings could take a hit. SaaS companies aiming for long-term growth should focus on white-hat strategies that build authority naturally, rather than gambling on tactics that might backfire later.
Which ‘hat’ should you ‘wear’ for building links?
If you’re thinking long-term, white-hat link building is the way to go. It follows Google’s guidelines, keeps your rankings safe, and helps you build a solid reputation. After the March 2025 core update, Google doubled down on rewarding high-quality, useful content while pushing low-value, SEO-driven pages further down.
That means backlinks should serve a real purpose, whether they point to a valuable resource, guide, or case study, rather than just existing to boost rankings. Google can spot the difference, and so can your audience.
White-hat SEO takes more time, but it’s a sustainable strategy that builds trust with both search engines and real people. That’s why at Quoleady, we focus on earning links the right way because in the end, trust and credibility are what drive real growth.
Read also: Top SaaS Link Building Strategies to Boost Your Traffic and Authority
Foundational SaaS link-building strategies
Before jumping into advanced techniques, it’s important to get the basics right. These foundational strategies are proven methods to build high-quality backlinks for your SaaS companies.
Guest blogging on relevant SaaS websites
Guest blogging is one of the most effective ways to earn backlinks while showcasing your expertise. The key is to write for industry-relevant and authoritative websites that attract your target audience.
How to do write a SaaS guest post:
- Find SaaS blogs that accept guest posts using Google searches like: “write for us” SaaS or “guest post” B2B software
- Pitch unique content ideas that provide real value and avoid overly promotional topics.
- Include a natural backlink to your site within the content or author bio.
When done right, guest blogging not only earns backlinks but also helps drive referral traffic from engaged readers.
HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
Building relationships with journalists who have expert sources for HARO guest posts. SaaS founders, marketers, and subject matter experts can use it to get featured in top-tier publications like TechCrunch, Forbes and Entrepreneur that will give solid online presence.
How to do it:
- Sign up for HARO and monitor queries related to SaaS, startups, or your industry.
- Respond quickly with concise, valuable insights as journalists receive hundreds of pitches.
- If your quote gets published, you’ll usually get a backlink to your website.
This method takes consistency, but even a few high-quality links from authoritative sites can make a big impact. Want to get high-authority backlinks without the hassle? Quoleady’s SaaS Digital PR service helps SaaS companies land mentions in top-tier publications like Forbes, TechCrunch, and HubSpot. We handle HARO responses, media outreach, and PR strategy, so you get quality backlinks that drive real results
Resource page link building
Many websites have resource pages that list useful SaaS tools and industry insights. These are great opportunities for earning backlinks.
How to do it:
- Search for resource pages using Google queries like: “best [your SaaS category] tools” or “[your industry] resources”
- Reach out to site owners and suggest adding your tool if it’s relevant.
- Keep the email short and highlight why your SaaS is a good fit for their list.
This strategy works well if you have a unique SaaS product that solves a specific problem.
You might be interested in: Effective SaaS Link Building Tips: Proven Strategies to Boost Your SEO in 2025
Unlinked brand mentions
Sometimes, websites mention your SaaS without linking back to you. These are easy link opportunities, you just need to ask.
How to do it:
- Use tools like Google Alerts or Ahrefs to track brand mentions.
- Reach out to the site owner and politely ask for a link.
- Since they’ve already mentioned you, there’s a high chance they’ll add the link.
Unlinked mentions are low-hanging fruit with dofollow links and should be part of any link-building strategy for most SaaS companies.
Broken link building
Websites often link to outdated or misleading links or broken resources. You can replace those dead links with your content.
How to do it:
- Use tools like Ahrefs or Check My Links to find broken links on relevant websites.
- Create (or already have) a similar, high-quality resource.
- Contact the site owner and suggest replacing the broken link with your content.
This strategy benefits both parties, you get a backlink, and they improve their content.
SaaS-specific content that attracts links
Building backlinks is easier when you create content that people want to link to. For SaaS companies, certain types of content naturally attract backlinks because they provide valuable insights, solve industry problems, or help users make informed decisions. Here are the best types of SaaS content for earning links.
1. In-depth guides & evergreen content
Comprehensive guides that answer industry questions tend to attract links over time. These long-form resources get referenced in blog posts, forums, and discussion groups because they provide lasting value and increase domain rating.
Examples:
- “The Complete Guide to Customer Onboarding for SaaS”
- “How to Reduce Churn in Your Subscription-Based Business”
Why it works: People prefer linking to one detailed resource rather than explaining everything themselves. The more useful your guide, the more backlinks it will earn.
2. Original research & data studies
Publishing unique data makes your SaaS site a go-to source for industry insights. Journalists, bloggers, and businesses often cite original research in their content, leading to natural backlinks.
Examples:
- Conducting a survey on SaaS pricing trends and publishing key findings
- Analyzing user behavior across SaaS platforms and turning it into an industry report
Why it works: People love fresh insights backed by data. The more unique and relevant your research, the more links you’ll attract.
3. Comparison & alternative pages
Many users search for alternatives before choosing a SaaS tool. Creating “vs.” and “alternative” pages helps them compare options while also earning backlinks from discussions and reviews.
Examples:
- “Asana vs. Trello: Which Project Management Tool is Better?”
- “Best Slack Alternatives for Remote Teams”
Why it works: Users searching for comparisons are close to making a decision, and blogs often link to these pages in their content. If you want to maximize the results of your content efforts, check out our SEO content guidance service.
4. Case studies & success stories
A well-written case study not only attracts potential customers but also earns backlinks from industry blogs discussing best practices.
Examples:
- “How [Company] Increased Retention by 40% Using Our SaaS”
- “How We Scaled to 10,000 Users in 6 Months”
Why it works: Case studies provide real-world results, making them credible sources for articles, presentations, and reports.
5. Free tools & templates
Offering free tools, calculators, or templates is a proven way to get backlinks. These resources get shared widely, increasing brand visibility and earning organic links.
Examples:
- ROI calculators for SaaS pricing models
- Free project management templates
- Email outreach scripts for sales teams
Why it works: People naturally link to free resources they find useful, especially if they help streamline a common task.
Related: Top SaaS Link Building Agencies in 2025: Who Delivers the Best Results?
4 in-depth link-building strategies we use for our SaaS clients
If you’re here, you’ve decided to skip the shortcuts and commit to a link-building strategy that actually works. It takes time, but the payoff is worth it – stronger rankings, better authority, and links that actually help your SaaS grow.
Building links isn’t just about following a checklist. It’s part strategy, part creativity, and a little bit of trial and error. You need to stay on top of trends, experiment with proven techniques, and always be on the lookout for new opportunities. And where’s the best place to start? Google search engine.
Google prompts:
Google search engine is your best friend when it comes to link prospecting, as long as you know how to search smart. The key is to find websites that cover topics relevant to your SaaS clients without being direct competitors.
For example, let’s say your client is in the LLC space, offering tools for business formation, legal services, and website building. Their ideal backlinks would come from sites covering topics like starting a business, writing a business plan, or tax planning, but not from other LLC formation services.
1. Finding non-competing domains
A simple Google search operator like “intitle” can help. For example, intitle:”LLC” -site:yourdomain.com will pull up relevant content while filtering out your client’s site.
Want to get more specific? Just add terms like “business” or “legal” to refine the results.
Need more details? Use “related:” to find sites similar to competitors, without running into direct rivals.
This is just the first step. Once you’ve built a solid list of potential sites, it’s time to start reaching out and securing those links. Let’s break down the next steps.
2. Exploring domains already linking to you
You can also explore domains already linking to your client. For example, search for “cliently similar websites” on Google to find similar domains. These referring domains could make perfect link partners too.
3. Searching with long-tail keywords
Another handy trick is to search using site:/blog/ [your client’s target keyword], like site:/blog/ keyword rank tracker if that’s what they’re targeting. This helps uncover blog posts that might not show up in a basic search.
And don’t overlook long-tail keywords, they can lead you to hidden opportunities that others might miss.
Ahrefs’ insights
1. Checking out competitor backlinks
One of the easiest ways to find strong link opportunities is by looking at where your competitors are getting their backlinks. Ahrefs makes this process simple.
Start by identifying a few direct competitors with a quick Google search. If your client is in the LLC space, you’d check out companies like ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, or RocketLawyer.
Once you have a list, head to Ahrefs’ Site Explorer and enter a competitor’s domain. From there:
- Navigate to “Subdomains” and “Backlinks”
- Use filters to focus on keywords relevant to your niche
- Manually review the domains to weed out low-quality or overly competitive sites
This method can uncover solid link prospects, especially from sites that have already linked to businesses like yours.
2. Using Content Explorer
Ahrefs Content Explorer is a powerful tool for discovering content related to the client’s niche. Enter a keyword that the client ranks for or wishes to rank for, such as “establishing an LLC.”
You’ll see a list of pages that rank for the specific keyword or are related to the topic. By clicking on each page, you can view important stats like “Referring domains” and “Backlinks.”
Focus on the pages with the highest numbers embedded links in these categories, and then go to “Show all domains in Site Explorer.”
Next, select the dofollow option to generate a list of potential domains for outreach.
Pro Tip: Make your life easier with a little help from ChatGPT.
First, export your list of domains into a CSV file and grab a chunk of them. Then, give ChatGPT a little nudge with this prompt:
“Look through these URLs and give me the list of the most relevant articles related to ‘LLC’ and remove or identify spammy links if they don’t look good for my link-building outreach campaign.”
This trick helps you skip the spammy domains and gives you a clean, easy-to-manage shortlist. If you’re already feeling on top of the world, give your virtual assistant another job: “Find the SaaS domains and ditch the rest.”
3. Combining Site Explorer and Keywords Explorer
Ahrefs is also great for finding domains that rank for the same keywords as your client’s site. Start by going to the Site Explorer and entering the “cliently” site (which already links to your client X). Check which other domains are ranking for the same keywords as “cliently.”
This will give you a list of potential outreach targets. For instance, if “cliently” ranks for “customer outreach,” use the Keywords Explorer to see who else ranks for that keyword.
Reddit: a goldmine for link opportunities
Forget Slack communities for link exchanges—Reddit is where real conversations happen. It might not be the first platform that comes to mind for link-building, but considering Google paid big money for access to its content, it’s clear there’s value here.
Subreddits like r/SEO and r/TechSEO are packed with discussions on link-building strategies. Here’s how to use them to your advantage:
Join Relevant Subreddits
Become a member of subreddits focused on SEO and link-building. Engage with posts and discussions to grow your network.
Search for Link Exchange Discussions
Use the subreddit’s search function to find posts related to link exchanges.
You’ll often find members sharing their contact details and looking for collaboration opportunities. Once you spot potential partners, reach out with a personalized message to explore working together.
LinkedIn: your professional networking playground
1.LinkedIn groups
Join LinkedIn and find groups like “SEO Link Building Strategies” and “SEO and Digital Marketing.” Request to join them, start discussions, and share your opinions.
Even if you don’t see direct posts about link exchanges, you can always check out group members’ profiles and make the first move by reaching out.
2.LinkedIn follow-up and creative outreach strategies
Cold outreach is a tried-and-true method for getting attention, whether you’re pitching your services or proposing a collaboration. But what happens when you send a few emails and hear nothing back?
That’s where LinkedIn comes in. If email outreach isn’t getting the response you hoped for, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for following up and making connections.
If you’ve already reached out through email, maybe using tools like Ahrefs to analyze competitors or search for potential partners, and haven’t gotten a reply, it’s time to change platforms.
Use LinkedIn’s filters to search for people by job title. For example, if you want to pitch a guest post to Quoleady, you’d likely want to connect with people in content-related roles, like content managers, writers, or editors.
A search like (“Marketing Manager” OR “Content Writer” OR “Content Manager”) AND “Quoleady” should help you find the right people. Just make sure they’re still with the company before reaching out, you don’t want to waste your time contacting someone who’s no longer there.
Now, let’s say you want to pitch to HubSpot. Here’s what you have to do: go to HubSpot’s company page on LinkedIn. Click on the “People” tab to see the list of employees. Use the search bar within the “People” section to pull some Boolean search strings: (“Editor” OR “Content Manager” OR “Marketing Manager”) AND “HubSpot”
And you’ll refine the search to only HubSpot employees, giving you a more targeted result.
Once you’ve tracked down the right contact, send them a connection request. When they accept, drop them a friendly message that’s a snappier version of your original email. Keep it short and professional.
Proactive outreach through your LinkedIn network
Sometimes it’s worth exploring your own LinkedIn connections. Filter by job titles, check where they work, and see if their domain aligns with your needs.
If you find someone whose domain fits, reach out with a message to explore potential collaboration. It may not always lead to a partnership, but it’s a great way to discover new opportunities.
A touch of humor or an unexpected twist can also help make your message stand out and catch attention.
3. Connecting with SEO agencies for collaboration opportunities
Another approach involves identifying employees at other SEO agencies or link-building agencies on LinkedIn and reaching out to propose link exchanges.
While some agencies may decline due to competition, others may be open to collaboration. Engaging with these professionals can open doors to some pretty rewarding partnerships.
Proven results: success stories from our SaaS clients
Now that you’ve explored various strategies, you might have already found your approach or you could still be weighing your options. Either way, it’s time to take a look at what you can achieve with the right approach and some patience.
To demonstrate the power of our methods, we’re sharing real success stories from our SaaS clients. These case studies highlight the results of our white-hat link-building strategies and show you the value of investing in SaaS link-building services.
Case #1
We recently onboarded a client in the productivity niche, helping them improve their search rankings with just eight strategic links. In under three months, we were able to move them up significantly.
The first five links were built in our first month together, and the remaining three were added over the next two months. This is a great example of how simple, well-executed link-building techniques, despite the common belief that it’s “dead”, can still deliver strong results without breaking the bank.
Google search console shows the total clicks increased from 137 to 2.8k, representing a substantial growth. Total impressions expanded from 14.3k to 113k, indicating a significant rise in visibility.
Case #2
In just two months, with a tight budget allowing for only two more links made per month (four in total), we helped a client jump from the 40th position to the 9th on Google’s search engine results pages for a specific high-intent key search term.
The results from the Google search console speak for themselves: total clicks increased from 0 to 23, and impressions skyrocketed from 0 to 21.3k. It shows how even small-scale link-building can make a big impact on search visibility.
Case #3
One of our long-term clients recently shifted their whole solid link building strategy to-building focus, and in just a couple of months, with only three high-quality backlinks, we’re already seeing growth.
They’ve moved from the 8th position (towards the bottom of the first page) to the 5th position (much closer to the top).
Clicks have surged from 73 to 303, while total impressions jumped from 4.45k to 23.3k. And this is just the beginning of what white-hat links can achieve.
Are you impressed by our expertise? You might be thinking, “Wow, these strategies are solid!” and wondering whether you should dive into link building yourself or leave it to a specialized agency.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. SEO is both a journey and a mindset. If you’re eager to experiment with your SaaS blog and have the resources to try things out, go ahead and implement some of the strategies we’ve shared. And feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to share your progress!
However, if you’d prefer to focus on your business while letting the pros handle the link-building, we’ve got you covered. Our SaaS link-building services are designed to help you grow your domain without breaking the bank or missing deadlines.
Common SaaS link-building mistakes to avoid
Link building can drive real growth for your SaaS, but only if done right. Many companies waste time on ineffective strategies or even harm their rankings with bad practices. If you decide to start your own link building campaign, here are the key mistakes to avoid.
1. Relying on low-quality link farms
Some services promise hundreds of backlinks for a low price but these links often come from spammy sites with no real organic traffic. Google’s algorithms can detect unnatural link patterns, and getting caught could mean a ranking drop or even a penalty.
What to do instead: Focus on earning links from high-authority, relevant websites. One quality backlink from a trusted SaaS blog is worth more than dozens from random directories.
2. Over-optimizing anchor text
It’s tempting to stuff your target keywords into every backlink’s anchor text, but this can raise red flags on search engines. Don’t force links with over-optimized anchor text like “best project management software”, it looks unnatural.
What to do instead: Keep anchor text natural and varied. A mix of branded links (“Check out Asana”), generic text (“this article”), and relevant phrases (“SaaS project management”) works best.
3. Ignoring internal linking
Many SaaS companies focus on external backlinks but neglect internal links in their blog articles. A strong internal linking strategy helps distribute link equity across your site and improves rankings.
What to do instead: Whenever you publish a new article or page, link to relevant existing content. This makes it easier for Google to understand your site structure and helps users navigate.
4. Not tracking link-building efforts
Without tracking, it’s hard to know which strategies are working for building links. Many SaaS companies spend time on the link building campaign but don’t measure the impact.
What to do instead: Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Search Console to track multiple links:
- New backlinks earned
- Referral traffic from backlinks
- Keyword improvements after link acquisition
Regular tracking helps refine your approach and focus on what delivers the best results.
5. Using the same outreach templates for every pitch
If your link-building outreach looks like a generic copy-paste email, expect low response rates. Website owners get flooded with broken link building requests, so a personalized approach is key.
What to do instead:
- Mention specific details about their content in your pitch.
- Offer something valuable such as a guest post, collaboration, or updated resource.
- Keep it short and direct as long, generic emails often get ignored.
6. Expecting instant results
Link building is a long-term strategy, not a quick fix. Some SaaS companies expect rankings to jump after getting a few backlinks, but SEO takes time.
What to do instead: Stay consistent. Link-building efforts pay off over months, not days. The more high-quality backlinks you earn, the stronger your authority grows.
Final thoughts
To wrap things up, choosing the right approach is key. White-hat link-building isn’t just about playing it safe; it’s about investing in sustainable, long-term success. With every Google’s guidelines update, the rules may shift, but if you stick to ethical practices, you’ll stay ahead of the game without risking everything.
Once you’ve set your course, focus on organic ways of building links: such as acquiring contextual backlinks, conducting competitor keyword research, identifying relevant domains, exploring communities like LinkedIn, Reddit, and Slack, and even building links through real relationships. Keep an eye out for broken links on relevant websites, as they can be valuable opportunities for link-building too. If things don’t go perfectly immediately, don’t get discouraged because perseverance pays off.
And when the road gets tough, remember: trusting professionals who know the ins and outs of white-hat search engine optimization can be the game-changer your SaaS business needs.
Building high-quality backlinks takes time, strategy, and the right approach. Instead of struggling with outreach and content promotion on your own, let the experts handle it.
🚀 Book a 1-1 SaaS Content Marketing Strategy Call with Quoleady to get a custom SaaS link-building plan that drives traffic, improves rankings, and helps your business grow.
FAQ
How to make link worthy content to build backlinks?
For SaaS companies, the best way to attract links is to create valuable content that people actually want to reference. Some of the best content types for earning links include in-depth guides that answer common industry questions, original research and reports that provide new insights, comparison pages that help users decide between software options, and interactive tools and templates that solve a specific problem. When your content is genuinely useful, other websites will naturally link to it—making link building easier and more effective in the long run.
Why high-quality backlinks matter more than quantity?
Not all backlinks help your rankings. A few links from relevant, high-authority sites carry far more weight than dozens more backlinks from low-quality directories. Google prioritizes links from trusted sources, so focus on:
- SaaS-specific blogs and publications that discuss software solutions
- Tech and startup websites where your target audience hangs out
- Industry resource pages that recommend useful SaaS tools
- Guest posts on authoritative sites where you can provide real value
Spammy, irrelevant backlinks can do more harm than good. Avoid shady link-building services that promise hundreds of links overnight—Google’s algorithms are quick to penalize unnatural patterns.
How much does white-hat link building cost?
White-hat link-building service takes more effort than quick-fix black-hat SEO techniques, so naturally, the cost reflects that. It’s all about the long game—researching competitors, analyzing domain metrics, reaching out, and building relationships, genuine relationships to secure high-quality, relevant links that fit seamlessly into content. Or it could involve writing well-crafted guest posts that stand the test of time (and algorithm updates). It requires time and patience, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Check out our competitive pricing options, from our Lite package to the popular Pro package, trusted by many of our clients.
When should I start link building?
You’ll want to start your main link building strategies as soon as your website is live and you’re ready to attract leads. Along with that, focusing on your blog is key—promoting informational high-quality content is a proven way to drive both leads and revenue. At Quoleady, we’re dedicated to helping with all of that, from content creation and link building to overall SEO optimization.
How can I measure the success of my link-building effort?
Success can be measured through metrics such as keyword rankings, total clicks, and impressions. For instance, keep an eye on how your site moves in search engine rankings and track any referral traffic increases. These insights will help you understand how effective your link-building techniques are and where you might need to make adjustments.
