Optimizing Backlink Strategies: Seeking Expert Insights
Hello, SEO Enthusiasts!
I’m currently developing a backlink strategy for one of my clients and I’m eager to gather feedback, particularly from seasoned professionals in the SEO community. Rather than delving into debates about link marketplaces or assessing every minute detail, my goal here is to share my overall approach and determine if it resonates with experts. I’m especially interested in insights regarding the initial phases of link acquisition.
Here’s the framework I’ve established:
1. Initial Data Collection
I start by identifying 5-20 of the top competitors in the SERP and extracting their backlink data using Semrush. This gives me a solid foundation of links to analyze.
2. Setting Baseline Standards
From there, I establish baseline thresholds based on the competitors’ data. I consider factors like Trust Flow, Citation Flow/Trust Flow ratios, Authority Score, topical relevance, and reasonable pricing structures based on these metrics.
3. First Round Filtering
Next, I conduct a preliminary filter of potential link prospects. This involves excluding any candidates that fall below a specified Authority Score or have no keyword matches, as well as ignoring those that do not fit the relevant TLD, geography, or topic.
4. Root-Level Assessment
The remaining prospects undergo a more extensive audit using Majestic, allowing me to categorize them into three groups: acceptable, borderline, or unsuitable based on the established guardrails.
5. Price Evaluation
I then compare marketplace pricing, utilizing resources such as SurferLink. I analyze the cost per Trust Flow and categorize the prospects as great deals, average, or overpriced.
6. Page-Level Assessment
For those that look promising, I perform detailed checks on the hosting page to ensure it meets key criteria (Trust Flow above the threshold, fewer than 30 outgoing links, dofollow status, and indexability).
7. Gradual Link Implementation
I recommend a steady approach to link acquisition, suggesting a drip-feed of 1-2 links per week. This can be combined with publishing or supplying guest posts, and using Google Search Console to prompt indexing post-publication.
8. Comprehensive Tracking
It’s vital to maintain a log for each live link, noting details such as the URL, anchor text, cost, and date. Additionally, I focus on the distribution between homepage, service, and blog links.
9. Continuous Monitoring
I advocate for regular monitoring