Starting my blogging journey in 2024 has been an exciting adventure, filled with learning experiences and challenges. One of the key elements I quickly realised was crucial for my blog’s success was acquiring backlinks. For those who might be new to this concept, a backlink is essentially a link from one website to another.
Backlinks are crucial for SEO because they help search engines see your site as trustworthy and valuable. When a reputable website links to your content, it’s like a vote of confidence, showing search engines that your content is worth reading. Research by Backlinko found that pages with more backlinks from different domains tend to rank higher in search results. Similarly, Moz’s annual study on Search Engine Ranking Factors highlights that backlinks are one of the top influences on how well a page ranks. So, for both new and established bloggers, having a strong backlink profile is key to improving search engine rankings and attracting more visitors. (Read my blog post about how I got my first traffic from Google!)
Initial Struggles in Getting Backlinks as a New Blogger
However, as a new blogger, I found the process of getting backlinks difficult. I had no idea where to begin and felt overwhelmed by the task of getting other websites to link to my content. My initial strategy was to reach out to big media companies and popular websites in travel niche. I wrote emails, highlighting the value of my content and how it could benefit their readers. But to my disappointment, I received no replies. It was quite disappointing and disheartening personally, and made me question if I was ever going to succeed in getting any backlinks!
Discovering Facebook Groups
I can’t remember where, but I heard a suggestion about joining Facebook groups. These are especially easy for travel bloggers, because there are quite a few Facebook groups specialising on link swap and/or for travel bloggers. There’s even Women Travel Blogger group! I joined several link swap and travel blogger groups on Facebook. These groups turned out to be a game-changer for me. Within these communities, bloggers frequently posted about their need for backlinks and the specific articles they were looking to promote. It was here that I discovered an easier and more efficient way to build backlinks.
The Process of Swapping Links
Whenever someone posted about needing backlinks, I would simply reply, expressing my interest in swapping links. This led to direct connections with other bloggers who were in the same boat as me. We would agree to feature each other’s content on our respective blogs, creating a win-win situation for both parties. Not only did this method help me gain backlinks, but it also introduced me to a network of supportive and like-minded individuals.
The Benefits of Using Facebook Groups
The ease and efficiency of using Facebook groups to acquire backlinks was a revelation. Today alone, I managed to secure two backlinks through this method! The process was straightforward and required minimal effort compared to my previous attempts at reaching out to larger, more established sites.
Note about DA (Domain Authority)
Note that in these facebook groups, many people prefer to exchange backlinks only with websites that have a Domain Authority (DA) of 15 or higher. Domain Authority is a metric developed by Moz that predicts how well a website will rank on search engine result pages (SERPs). It ranges from 1 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater ability to rank. Note that it’s not gospel – it’s just an indication. To check a website’s DA, you can use the Moz DA Checker, a free tool that provides insights into a site’s authority and potential ranking strength.
I understand the appeal of seeking high DA backlinks, and I am in the same boat. However, it’s important to remember that there are also many bloggers who are happy to swap links with lower DA sites, especially newer blogs. These bloggers understand that everyone starts somewhere and are willing to collaborate and grow together. So, stay patient and keep reaching out—the right opportunities will come your way.
Tips for New Bloggers
For any new blogger out there struggling with getting backlinks, I highly recommend joining niche-specific Facebook groups. Engage with the community, be genuine in your interactions, and you’ll find that many people are willing to help each other out. This approach not only boosts your SEO but also helps you build valuable connections within the blogging world.
Conclusion: Getting Backlinks as a New Blogger
In conclusion, while the journey to acquiring backlinks as a new blogger can be challenging, persistence and adaptability are key. By leveraging the power of online communities like Facebook groups, I’ve found an effective strategy that has significantly improved my blog’s SEO and expanded my network. If I can do it, so can you! Happy blogging!