SEO is a complex process where backlinks are key. According to an article in Backlinko, the number of domains linking to a page correlates with rankings more than any other factor, which means backlinks are vital if you want to improve your site’s SEO. Images are essential when it comes to backlinking opportunities. In this blog, we’ll explain how inbound links work and show you six ways to build effective backlinks using simple images.
Building a backlink strategy is a tricky business. It takes a lot of effort to accumulate so many backlinks. According to Monitor Backlinks, the average page in the number one position has over 35,000 external backlinks. It is a colossal figure that you can’t get publishing text-based content alone.
What are backlinks?
Backlinks (also known as external backlinks or inbound links) are links from outside domains that link to pages on your domain. In other words, you get a backlink every time a website directs users to your content.
To get a backlink, once you submit a pitch, publications review whether your content can supplement and/or augment their site. Think of it as proof that your content creation efforts are successful, and the higher-ranked the website, Google ranks you higher on its search page.
Before we get into how to build backlinks using images, let’s define some key themes:
Backlink relevance: The best backlinks are those directly related to your industry on a credible 3rd-party site. Backlinks that aren’t related to your industry won’t be considered credible to Google.
Website authority: You want to achieve getting backlinks from highly authoritative websites. These websites rank highly for industry-related searches based on the most relevant keywords.
Backlink quality: Finding credible 3rd-party sites is only one side of the coin. You also need to check the site’s backlink quality. Do some digging to see if these sites link to other top sites with engaging content, or if they direct users to low-quality content. Then you can make your decision!
Website traffic: Using backlinks cumulates in website traffic which naturally attracts more new users. This makes creating fresh content and backlinking this content to sites critical to your marketing strategy.
Now for the fun part! Here are six ways to use images for backlinking:
1. Create top-notch images
Samantha Rushford, the SEO expert at AssignmentGeek, says the most important thing here is to create attractive images and memes or make relevant industry charts and infographics:
“Try to create evergreen content that has the potential to preserve credibility and stick around for a long time. Combine it with great textual content, and most users will bump into it while searching for the corresponding keywords.”
Another great way to get backlinks is to offer your images for free. You should allow sharing as long as you tell the company to add a link that leads to your site when it uses your image.
2. Image bookmarking
A lot of SEO professionals use image bookmarking as a valuable source of image-based backlinks. This tactic is posting your images on third-party websites such as Flickr or Fotolog. There you can add a photo, description, a keyword-rich title and your website’s link. Users who like your content can post it on their websites and (hopefully) add your link.
3. Use badges and awards
There are millions of websites out there dedicated to specific businesses, brands, products or services. If you are managing one of those websites, you might be using features like badges or awards to establish professional relationships with other niche sites in your industry. By giving awards or trust badges, you confirm those websites are worth visiting. You get a backlink to your site in return, making it a win-win situation.
4. Use “How-To” posts with illustrations
Many websites publish “How-To” posts with tips accompanied by compelling illustrations. This creates a great backlinking opportunity since other content creators can share your images with backlinks in their captions. If you’re producing great content, you’re more likely to be referenced by other organizations and influencers.
5. Find unclaimed images and ask for credits
Google Images is a superb platform that allows you to perform a reversed image search. This tool enables you to find information about visual content simply by uploading your photo, chart or illustration.
With this tool, you can find all the websites that published your images with or without references. You should test original images this way and search for unknown links. Once you see the targeted sources, kindly request for them to credit your company with a link to your site.
6. Analyze competitors
By continuously monitoring your most prominent competitors you can learn how they earn so many backlinks. This is one of the best ways to generate fresh ideas for your website and improve SEO.
Until next time!
Critical Mention
Alexandra Reay
Alexandra Reay has been working as a journalist and editor at one of the finest Melbourne publishing agencies for three years. She is also a professional content writer who writes on topics about self-improvement, technology innovations and global education development. Feel free to contact her at Twitter.
