Link Building – Email Outreach
Strategy – Blueprint – Best Practices – Guideline | Reading Time: 25 Minutes
Identify Your Industry
Before starting your email outreach campaign, it’s essential to understand your client’s industry. Rather than focusing on a narrow slot, focus on identifying the broader industry category. For example, if your client is Mitey AV, the relevant super industry would be Events & Entertainment.
Explore Keywords
Next is compiling a list of keywords related to your client’s website and industry. Make it a target to identify at least 25 relevant keywords. For example, If Mitey AV specializes in audio-visual equipment rentals, but not specifically in lighting, terms like “Event Lighting Rentals” are still relevant due to their connection to the AV rental industry.
List your competitors
Use the keywords from your research to identify the significant players in the industry. Conduct searches on Google to form a comprehensive list of competitors and other industry-related websites. Your goal is to create a list of at least 100 websites to target for your outreach campaign.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to launch a successful email outreach campaign that targets the right websites and leverages industry-relevant keywords effectively.
Look for broken pages (broken links within)
Try utilizing resources like as Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, or AtomSEO to find any 404 pages or broken internal links on your website. These tools assist in locating any blogs or content sites that give a 404 (not found) error.
List the broken pages and then determine which websites are linking to them, or their referring domains. Limit your attention to referring domains that have at least a 40 domain authority (DA) or domain score.
Send out an email outreach to these referring domains and provide an appropriate link from your client’s website to take the place of the broken one.
Subject: [Website] has a broken link that I found.
Hello [Name]
I am Ankan, and I am in charge of Hire4SEO’s content marketing.
I discovered an out-of-date external link going to [Broken Link] when I was reading your blog article [Referring Domain Blog’s Link].
We have a detailed blog article [Your Blog-article] that addresses this subject and would be a fantastic substitute. We would be very grateful if you could update the broken link with ours.
Kindly notify me as soon as the update is available, and I will post the blog on our social media accounts to increase website visitors.
PS: Could you help point me in the direction of the proper person if you’re not the right contact for this?
Find External Broken Links
Use resources like AtomSEO, Dead Link Checker, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest to look for external broken links. Look for any pages where external links are broken.
Provide a list of these pages together with the referring domains for them, giving special attention to those that have a domain authority or score of 40 or above.
Make contact with the primary website from where you discovered the broken external connection, and suggest replacing it with a pertinent link from your client’s website.
Subject: [Website] has a broken link that I found.
Hello [Name]
My name is Ankan. I manage Hire4SEO’s content marketing initiatives.
When I arrived to your site [Referring Domain site’s Link], I saw that there was an out-of-date external link leading to [Broken Link].
We have a comparable blog article that might work well in its place: [Your Blog-article]. If you could replace the broken link with this updated one, that would be fantastic.
Once it’s updated, let me know, and I’ll promote the blog on our social media accounts to get more visibility.
If you are able to obtain the link, make sure to express your gratitude to them as this may lead to other chances in the future, such guest blog articles.
Maintain a record of every outreach effort, as successful evaluation depends on keeping your tracker updated.
Wikipedia Dead Links
Even if it’s a no-follow connection, getting a link from Wikipedia will actively tell Google that your website is relevant, even if it won’t immediately help your SEO efforts.
To find dead links on Wikipedia, use the following search string on Google: site: wikipedia.org “Main Keyword” intext: “dead link”. For instance, if you’re working with Hire4SEO, you can search: site: wikipedia.org “SEO Services” intext: “dead link”. Alternatively, you can use WikiGrabber for similar results.
This search will reveal Wikipedia pages containing dead links. You can then create or utilize existing content to suggest edits to Wikipedia, replacing the dead links with links with your content.
Additionally, you can reach out to the referring domains of these dead links and suggest replacing the old link with a link to your relevant blog post.
Subject: Found a Dead Link on Wikipedia
Hi [Name],
I’m Ankan, handling content marketing for Hire4SEO.
While reviewing Wikipedia, I discovered that the page [Wikipedia Page Link] contains a dead link pointing to [Dead Link]. We have a blog post [Your Blog-Post] that thoroughly covers the same topic and could be a great replacement.
If you could update the page with our link, it would be greatly appreciated. Let me know once the update is made, and I’ll promote the blog on our social media channels to drive additional traffic to your site.
PS: If you’re not the right person to handle this, could you please direct me to the appropriate contact?
Out of Business – Competitor
Start with finding competitors or industry players who are going out of business. This strategy helps you to contact their referring domains and request that they replace the external links that will soon become broken.
Search for news about your industry using Google News or BuzzSumo, and look for any reports on businesses shutting down. If you identify any such businesses, check their referring domains and reach out to them.
For example, if you discover that a major player like “FTD” is going out of business, you can use this opportunity to contact their referring domains before the links go dead.
Subject: Heads up – Upcoming Broken Link
Hi [Name],
I’m Ankan from Hire4SEO, managing our content marketing.
I noticed that [Competitor Website] is closing down, as reported here [News Link]. I also found that you have linked to their content [Competitor Website Blog Link] on your blog post [Blog Post].
We have a blog post [Your Blog-Post] that provides comprehensive coverage on the same topic and would make a suitable replacement. If you could update the link before it goes dead, it would be greatly appreciated.
Please let me know once the change is made, and I’ll share the blog on our social media to provide some additional exposure.
Cheers!
PS: If you’re not the appropriate contact for this, could you please direct me to the right person?
Expired Domains
Visit Expired Domains and enter your main keyword to find domains that include your keyword in their names. The site will display relevant expired domains along with details such as referring domains and Alexa rank.
Sort the list by referring domains (DP) and contact the referring domains associated with content or blog posts to suggest replacing broken links with yours.
Note: Avoid contacting forums, classifieds, directories, or similar sources.
Resources Pages
Many websites offer resource or link directories to help their visitors. These resource pages are excellent opportunities for link placements. You can often find a submission form to add your link. Use the following search strings to locate relevant websites with resource pages:
- “resource page” + [Your Industry]
- “useful links” + [Your Industry]
- “links we love” + [Your Industry]
On these pages, you might also find external broken links. Identify the referring domains for these links and reach out to them to suggest replacing the broken link with yours.
Link Placement (Business Websites’ Blogs)
1. Create Valuable Content
Always make sure you have 2-3 high-quality blog posts published either on your own or client’s website, or on reputable platforms like Medium.com, before you initiate a link exchange with business websites. This determines the quality of your work.
2. Find Business Websites
Search for websites that sell products or services, rather than just informational blogs. These sites often have committed content teams. Use related keywords for your search, and tools like BuzzSumo or UberSuggest can help with it.
3. Engage authentically
Leave a thoughtful comment on their blog post using your name, without mentioning your website, before you reach out to them. You can also connect with them on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.
4. Initiate Contact
Send an email requesting link placemen, a few days after that. Mention your previous comment and explain how your blog post is appropriate for their content. Offer to share their blog post on your social media in return.
Subject: Hi
Hi [Name],
I’m Ankan from Hire4SEO, managing our content marketing.
I recently read your blog post [Blog Link] and found it very insightful. I left a comment sharing my thoughts.
We have a related blog post [Your Blog-Post] that complements your article. I’d greatly appreciate if you could include a link to it within your post, perhaps on [Text] or [Text].
Once the link is added, please let me know, and I’ll promote your article across our social media channels to drive more traffic.
PS: If I should contact someone else regarding this, please let me know.
5. Follow Up
If you don’t receive a response, follow up after 3-4 days. In your follow-up, focus on the potential for link exchange. Offer a link to your content in return if needed.
Subject: Re: Hi
Hi [Name],
I’m following up to see if my previous email reached you.
I’d like to add a link to your blog post [Blog Post Link] on our site [Your Blog Post Link] and would appreciate any specific anchor texts you prefer or if you’d like to select from the existing content.
In return, I’m requesting a link to our post on [Your Blog Post Link] on [Blog Post].
Looking forward to your thoughts.
PS: If you’re not the right contact, could you please direct me to the appropriate person
6. Thank You Email
Always send a thank you email after securing a link. Expressing gratitude helps preserve a positive relationship and can enable future collaborations, especially if you work with more clients in the same industry. This method can make it easier to secure links in the future.
Guest Blog Posting
Guest blogging is a well-established method for securing valuable links. While it requires patience, effort, and quality content, it can be highly effective. Follow these steps to maximize the benefits of guest blogging:
1. Find the Websites
Identifying relevant websites for guest blogging involves several methods:
A. Search on Google
This is straightforward. Use specific search strings to find sites that accept guest posts. For example, search terms like “write for us,” “guest post guidelines,” and “submit a guest post” combined with your industry keywords will yield numerous opportunities.
B. Readymade Guest Blog Posting Lists
Many resources compile lists of websites that accept guest posts. Find these lists and add new sites to your own list.
C. Reverse Image Search on Google
An interesting way is to use reverse image search. Find a leading industry website that accepts guest bloggers and locate their guest bloggers’ images. Upload these images to Google Images to discover other sites where these bloggers contribute. For example, SEMRush has a dedicated Guest Bloggers section with profiles and images.
D. Register on HARO
Sign up for HARO (https://www.helpareporter.com) or similar platforms that send requests for expert quotes. You can mention your website in your responses, and potentially earn backlinks when your quotes are used.
E. Identify ‘Active’ Competitors
Track competitors who are actively securing guest blog posts and other link-building opportunities. Use tools like UberSuggest to analyze their backlinks or perform a Google search with: link .com. Following their strategies can reveal new guest blogging opportunities.
If you can’t find directly relevant competitors, explore other industry websites to uncover potential guest posting opportunities.
F. Set Google Alerts
Utilize Google Alerts (https://www.google.com/alerts) to stay ahead in the game. Enter relevant keywords, and you’ll receive notifications whenever new content related to those keywords is published. This allows you to proactively reach out to bloggers for link exchanges or guest blogging opportunities before your competitors.
2. Categorize the Websites
When targeting websites for guest blog posts, focus on those within your industry with high Domain Authority (DA), ideally 40+. Differentiate websites based on relevance and DA. For instance, a site with a DA of 20 might be suitable if it’s highly relevant, whereas a site with DA 80+ is valuable regardless of its industry relevance. Organize your list by contact method—manual outreach for specific contacts and automated approaches for sites with clear guest post guidelines. Also, consider traffic sources; use Alexa (https://www.alexa.com) to target sites with significant traffic from your client’s region, like the USA.
3. Find the Email
Finding the correct email address is important. Reach out to the person managing guest blog posts, usually an Editor, Content Manager, or Marketing Manager. Use tools like Email Hunter (100 Credits), Sell Hack (10 Credits), Clearbit Connect (100 Credits), Voila Norbert (50 Credits), Hunter.io (200 Credits), or Snovi.io (50 Credits) to locate the right contact. If you can’t find an email, use contact forms or generic addresses to request the appropriate contact information.
Subject: Hi
Hi [Name]
My name is Ankan, and I’m looking for the contact who handles Guest Blog Posts on your website [Website].
I couldn’t find this information myself. Could you please provide the correct contact and email address?
Thanks
4. Email Outreach
Crafting a compelling outreach email is key. Personalize your approach and avoid generic templates. Limit links to 3 and maintain a human tone.
Subject: Can I Write for You?
Hi [Name]
I hope you’re doing well.
My name is Ankan, and I work with [Client Name]. I’ve enjoyed your blog posts on [Website].
I have some content ideas that could be valuable to your readers. I’m interested in contributing regularly and would like to know how to proceed.
Here are some articles I’ve written that you might find relevant:
[Link 1]
[Link 2]
Looking forward to the opportunity.
PS: If you’re not the right person, please let me know whom I should contact.
5. Follow Up
If you don’t receive a response, follow up once more. Keep it simple and express your continued interest.
Subject: Re: Can I Write for You?
Hi [Name]
I’m following up to see if my previous email reached you. I’m keen to write a guest post for your site and have some interesting ideas.
Please let me know your thoughts.
PS: If you’re not the right contact, could you direct me to the appropriate person?
6. Content Ideas
Once approved, propose 3-4 compelling content ideas. Aim for engaging and professional topics that will attract a positive response. Examples include “Top 7 Chat Tools in 2024” or “10 Essential SEO Practices You Can’t Miss.”
7. Getting Content Published
Ensure your content meets the site’s guidelines. Provide well-researched, high-quality material and include your client’s website link as required. Adhere to submission guidelines and word limits to avoid rejection.
8. Thank You Email & Sharing on Social Media
After your guest post goes live, send a thank-you email and request that they share it on their social media channels. Social sharing can drive additional traction.
Bonus Tip for Link Placements: Theory of Getting Featured
Create lists of top industry players or notable figures and contact them to feature their names on your blog. Offer to include their name and logo in exchange for a link back.
Email 1
Subject: You’re Featured on [Website]
Hi [Name]
Hope all is well at [Business Name].
We’re compiling a list of top live chat software and think [Website] would be a great addition.
Would you be interested in being featured on our blog?
PS: If you’re not the right contact, please let me know whom I should reach out to.
Email 2 (Once Positive Reply)
Subject: Re: You’re featured on [Website]
Hi [Name]
Great to hear! We’ll feature your site in this blog post [Link]. In return, could you link to us from one of your posts [Blog Post Link] using this anchor text [Text]?
Please share a 100-word description and logo for inclusion. We’d also love to mention you in future posts.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Cheers
Simple but Great Hacks & Tips
- Use an email signature with a professional photo via tools like https://www.wisestamp.com/gmail-email-signature/.
- Craft a professional bio for guest blogging profiles.
- Aim for do-follow links when possible; no-follow links are secondary.
- Ensure links use the correct format (http/https or www/non-www).
- Utilize Grammarly to correct typos and grammar issues.
- Contact via social media if feasible for better response rates.
- Verify email deliverability with tools like https://neverbounce.com/.
- Use WayBackMachine to check cache of broken pages.
- Start with a gradual increase in email outreach volume.
- Monitor email reputation at https://gmail.com/postmaster/ or https://www.mail-tester.com/.
- Use BuzzSumo or UberSuggest for content ideas.
- Employ Ninja Outreach or BuzzStream for finding websites/bloggers/influencers.
Check domain authority in bulk using https://rankz.io/tools/check-domain-authority.
