Key Takeaways
- Editorial backlinks remain the highest-value links for SEO credibility and trust.
- Guest posting, digital PR, and expert commentary build authority through strategic placements.
- Directory and profile links support local SEO and brand presence.
- Contextual links inside relevant content outperform sidebar or footer links.
- Use a backlink checker tool to audit and monitor link quality and growth opportunities.
Table of Contents
What Are the Main Types of SEO Backlinks?
Not all backlinks are created equal. Understanding the main types helps you build a sustainable SEO strategy.
Backlinks are links from one website to another. Search engines like Google use them to determine the credibility, relevance, and trustworthiness of your website. Below are the 10 backlink types you should focus on in 2025.
1. Editorial (Natural) Backlinks
These are the gold standard of SEO backlinks.
Editorial backlinks occur when another site links to your content naturally because it offers value, such as original research, insights, or tools. These links carry high trust and are often placed in top-tier publications or niche blogs.
Ideal for: Educational content, tools, data reports.
2. Guest Post Backlinks
You contribute content to another site and include a link to your own.
This allows you to control the anchor text and context of the link. When done on reputable, niche-relevant sites, guest posting can be a reliable way to build backlinks and thought leadership.
Use case: A digital agency writing about SEO trends for a tech blog.
3. Digital PR & News Mentions
Backlinks earned through media coverage, press releases, or brand features.
Appearing in digital news platforms or being mentioned in trending topics not only earns backlinks but also boosts brand awareness.
Example: A fintech startup featured in a news article with a backlink to their homepage.
4. HARO / Expert Commentary Links
Earned by responding to journalist queries or providing expert quotes.
Using platforms like HARO or local media networks, SMEs can secure high-authority backlinks by offering credible insights.
Tip: Keep a prepared founder bio and website link handy for submissions.
5. Contextual (In-Content) Backlinks
Links placed within the body of a relevant article.
These links carry more weight than those placed in footers, sidebars, or author bios. Search engines consider them more organic and aligned with the topic.
Best for: Blog collaborations, article mentions, whitepaper citations.
6. Business Directory & Profile Links
Foundational links that support local SEO.
These come from platforms like Google Business Profile, Yelp, Yellow Pages, and local chambers of commerce. While lower in authority, they help build brand consistency and citations.
Local Tip: Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency across all profiles.
7. Forum, Comment & UGC Links
User-generated links from forums, blog comments, or community posts.
Most of these are “no follow” and carry low SEO value. However, they can generate referral traffic and help diversify your link profile.
Use case: Answering questions on Quora or Reddit with a contextual link.
8. Niche Edit (Link Insertion) Backlinks
Adding your link to existing content on another site.
This involves contacting webmasters and suggesting your resource as an addition to their already-ranking pages. If relevant and non-spammy, it’s a quick way to gain contextual links.
Example: Getting your marketing tool linked in a “Top Tools” blog post.
9. Dofollow vs Nofollow Backlinks
Attributes that determine if a backlink passes SEO value.
- Dofollow: Default setting that passes link equity (“link juice”).
- Nofollow: Tells Google not to pass value (used in comments, ads, or sponsored posts).
- UGC / Sponsored: Markers for user-generated content or paid links.
A balanced backlink profile should contain a mix of both.
10. Influencer & Partnership Backlinks
Earned through collaborations, sponsorships, or co-created content with industry influencers or partners. These combine referral traffic with SEO value.
Example: Partnering with a university or NGO on a research project and being cited on their official site.
Bonus: These often bring both high authority and strong referral traffic.
Using Backlink Checker Tools in 2025
Backlink checkers help track, audit, and improve your SEO performance.
A backlink checker tool scans your website and shows you who’s linking to you, how strong those links are, and what anchor texts are used. This is crucial for:
- Identifying high-quality backlinks
- Spotting toxic or spammy links to disavow
- Tracking competitor backlink profiles
- Finding new outreach or link-building opportunities
Comparison Table: Popular Backlink Checker Tools
Tool | Best For | Key Features |
Ahrefs | In-depth backlink analysis | Live index, anchor text analysis, disavow tool |
SEMrush | All-in-one SEO & marketing | Backlink audit, toxic score, competitor gap |
Moz Pro | Simpler interface, easy start | Spam score, DA/PA metrics, link tracking |
SE Ranking | Budget-friendly SEO monitoring | Link monitoring, alerts, link profile changes |
Ubersuggest | Beginners & SMEs | Historical data, exportable reports |
BuzzSumo | Influencer & content outreach | Tracks influencer mentions, social engagement |
BrandMentions | Brand & partnership tracking | Monitors backlinks, brand mentions, competitor alerts |
Tip: Use a backlink checker monthly to maintain a healthy link profile.
Conclusion: Build Smarter, Not Just More
Backlinks still matter in 2025, but Google now values relevance and quality far more than sheer volume. The key is to focus on authentic, editorially earned links while diversifying your backlink profile. Pair this with a reliable backlink checker tool to keep your strategy effective and penalty-free.
If you’re ready to take your link-building to the next level, Rankpage’s SEO experts can help you craft a smarter, sustainable backlink strategy that drives real rankings and traffic.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes and general SEO insights only. All brand names, trademarks, and logos displayed on this website are the intellectual property of their respective owners. Their use herein is solely for identification purposes without written consent or direct affiliation from the respective owner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backlink Type
What are the best types of backlinks for SEO in 2025?
Editorial, contextual, and high-authority guest post links offer the most SEO value.
Are directory backlinks still useful?
Yes, especially for local SEO, but they carry low authority and should not be your main strategy.
Do nofollow links help SEO?
Indirectly, yes. They don’t pass authority but still drive traffic and diversify your backlink profile.
What is the difference between niche edits and guest posts?
Guest posts are new articles; niche edits insert your link into existing content.
How can I avoid bad backlinks?
Avoid spammy sites, irrelevant content, or paid links that violate Google’s guidelines.
Can I do backlink building myself or outsource it?
You can do both. Just ensure outsourced links are from reputable, relevant sources and not automated schemes.
