Elena Hrychyna
Head of Link Building
For over four years, we’ve partnered with over 100 SaaS brands, earning their trust by helping them scale and thrive. If there’s one lesson we’ve learned, it’s that quality links are powerful tools for giving your domain a quick boost.
Thanks to our skilled link-building team, even clients new to the world of SEO can now easily distinguish between top-tier quality backlinks and those that just don’t make the cut.
Curious about how we do it? Let’s take you behind the scenes to explore the go-to link-building techniques and strategies our team uses to deliver success!
What is white-hat link-building?
Picture link building like you’re on a quest, navigating different paths. The treasure? Ranking on Google’s top 10 for your target keyword. But, there are plenty of obstacles— search engine guidelines, updates and policies—waiting to trip you up along the way. The safer your path, the fewer bumps and roadblocks you’ll hit.
Now, white-hat link building? That’s the scenic route. It’s the slowest and longest path you can take, but in the end, totally worth the journey. It might take some time, but the results are solid and sustainable and won’t leave you sweating over a sudden update of search engine algorithms.
Behind white-hat backlinks are a range of approaches that help Google recognize your efforts as trustworthy, not sketchy, and worthy of a higher ranking.
Simply put, white-hat link building is about creating organic, natural links that fit seamlessly into content. Whether you’re working with an existing blog post or pitching fresh, high-quality content, the idea is to make those links look like they belong there—and they do.
What is black-hat link building?
Now, let’s say you’re not the patient type. Long paths, time-consuming tasks? Not your style. You spot a shortcut promising to get you to the treasure faster. It’s tempting, right? But, this is where we introduce black-hat link building—a classic case of quantity over quality.
Getting 100 links in a day? Piece of cake. How? By buying links from private blog networks, spammy sites, expired domains, and cranking out low-quality, often AI-generated content. They end up on sites that churn out many low-quality posts daily. Sure, this shortcut might seem like it’s speeding you toward the prize, but the progress won’t stick around for long.
Once Google rolls out its next update, all those efforts could disappear faster than a puff of smoke. Not only that, but your site could end up in worse shape than if you’d done nothing at all.
And that’s exactly what unfolded after the March 2024 core update. Some of the top-performing websites faced penalties, whether manual or algorithmic and 9.38% of the sites that soared to the top after the update hadn’t even made it into the top 20 before.
So, the takeaway here is pretty clear: if you play by the rules, you’ll eventually see the rewards. But if you try to cut corners, expect to face the consequences.
What is grey-hat link building?
Grey-hat link building falls somewhere between the slow and steady path and the tempting shortcut. While it produces more relevant content than black-hat link-building methods, it still falls short in terms of true quality and cuts a few corners along the way.
In simple terms, it’s a mix of both strategies we’ve mentioned—blending a bit of white-hat and a bit of black-hat.
Which ‘hat’ should you ‘wear’?
White-hat link-building is the safest bet for long-term growth because it aligns with Google’s core principles and doesn’t try to game the system. With the most recent August 2024 core update, Google continues to focus on promoting high-quality, genuinely useful content while demoting low-value, SEO-driven pages.
That means when you link to a resource or gain links, they should be informative, helpful, and educational—never just a link for the sake of boosting SEO.
White-hat SEO is a slower burn, but it’s the ethical and sustainable way to do things. Instead of risking penalties, the Quoleady team builds a relationship with Google and your audience based on trust and honesty. And in the end, that’s what really matters.
4 in-depth link-building strategies we use for our SaaS clients
Now that you’ve bravely decided to skip the quick and easy paths and embrace the long (but rewarding, we promise) road, let’s discuss the techniques we rely on.
As a link builder, you’ve got to be part ninja, part juggler. You’re constantly balancing the latest trends with tried and tested methods, all while working every possible angle. The first stop? Google, of course.
Google prompts:
Googling might sound easy, like a walk in the park, but it helps to have a map so you know which spots are worth checking out. You should focus on hunting down domains that talk about topics similar to what your clients do. Important thing: they can’t be direct competitors.
Picture this, your client is in the LLC space, offering everything from website builders to legal services. Their dream keywords? Stuff like LLC formation, starting a business, writing a business plan… you get the idea.
1. Finding non-competing domains
A first map mark would be old but gold Google’s “intitle” operator. Let’s say you’re after LLC-related pages. A search like intitle:”LLC” -site:yourdomain.com will pull up relevant content while conveniently ignoring anything from your client’s own site. Magic!
Want to get more specific? Just add extra terms like “business” or “legal” to fine-tune those results.
Feeling a bit cheeky? Use “related:” to find sites similar to your competitors. Minus the direct competition drama.
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 could make perfect link partners too.
3. Searching with long-tail keywords
Nope, we’re not done with Google just yet! Another smart move is to use the format site:/blog/ keyword rank tracker, where “keyword rank tracker” is your client’s target keyword. This helps you uncover a blog post that might otherwise fly under the radar.
And don’t forget about those long-tail keywords; they can reveal some real hidden gems.
Ahrefs’ insights
1. Checking out competitor backlinks
Snooping on your client’s competitors is a great way to uncover new potential domains. Ahrefs can make this process pretty straightforward.
Start by identifying a few direct competitors through a quick Google search. if you’re in the LLC space, look at companies like ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, or RocketLawyer.
Once you’ve got a list, go to Ahrefs’ Site Explorer. Enter one of the competitor’s domains, then check out “Subdomains” and “Backlinks.” Use filters to focus on keywords relevant to your niche.
From there, it’s a bit of detective work: sift through the domains manually, and filter out anything that looks too competitive or of poor quality.
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 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 – planet landing
Instead of diving into Slack communities for link exchanges or relationship building, let’s look at Reddit. It might not be the first place you think of for link-building, but Google wouldn’t have paid Reddit a hefty sum for access to its content if it wasn’t valuable, right?
Subreddits like r/SEO and r/TechSEO are great for link-building discussions. Here’s how to make the most of them:
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
Hop onto LinkedIn and find groups like “SEO Link Building Strategies” and “SEO and Digital Marketing.” Join them, jump into discussions, and share your two cents.
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 classic way to get people’s attention, whether you’re pitching your services or suggesting a collaboration. So, you’ve sent out some emails and heard… crickets.
Good old LinkedIn steps in to save the day and your link-building campaign. If your emails aren’t getting the love you hoped for, LinkedIn could be your secret weapon for making those connections.
So, if you’ve already tried reaching out via email (say, using Ahrefs to check out competitors or hunting for a new partner), and if the inbox silence is deafening, move to LinkedIn instead.
Use LinkedIn’s filters and throw in some keywords related to the job title of the person you’re trying to reach. Kind of like you did with Google prompts several sections ago, remember?
For instance, if you’re looking to pitch a guest post to Quoleady (and let’s be honest, we’re tough guys to please), you’d want to find folks involved with content, like a content manager, writer, or editor.
Try searching for something like (“Marketing Manager” OR “Content Writer” OR “Content Manager”) AND “Quoleady” in the general search bar, and voilà!
Just make sure the person is still working at that company. We don’t want to bother someone who’s long gone.
Now, let’s say you got too ambitious and want to try your luck with HubSpot. Here’s what you 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 sweet. LinkedIn loves brevity (and who doesn’t?).
Proactive outreach through your LinkedIn network
Sometimes it’s worth digging through your own LinkedIn connections. Filter them by job titles, check where they work, and see if their domain fits what you’re looking for.
If someone’s domain ticks the right boxes, shoot them a message to explore possible collaboration. It might not always be a home run, but it’s a chance to try something new and potentially uncover some hidden opportunities.
Why not add a teeny-tiny tad of humour or throw in an unexpected twist? It might just be the secret ingredient to grabbing people’s 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
You’ve made it to our favorite part—seeing the results in action! After exploring different strategies, maybe you’ve already chosen your path or still hesitating. Now, let’s take a look at what you can achieve with a little patience and the right approach.
To back up our methods, we’re, of course, sharing some real success stories from our SaaS clients. These case studies showcase the impact of our white-hat link-building strategies and give you one more reason to consider 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 links 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 link-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.
What’s that look on your face? Are you impressed by our expertise? I bet you are! Now, you’re probably asking yourself: should I dive into the world of link-building myself or leave it to the pros of a link-building agency who are truly passionate about it?
There’s no right or wrong answer. SEO is a journey and a mindset. If you’re feeling inspired to experiment with your SaaS blog or have limited resources, try out the strategies we’ve discussed here. And don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or share your results!
But if you’d rather take that weight off your shoulders without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place. Our SaaS link-building services can help you grow your domain, even with a tight budget and deadlines.
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 research, identifying relevant domains, exploring communities like LinkedIn, Reddit, and Slack, and building 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—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.
FAQ
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 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 link building 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 efforts?
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.
