Methods I use
This cluster is the backbone of everything I write about. It’s not a theoretical list of every possible way to build links — it’s a living collection of the tactics I’ve actually run, scaled, or decided to skip. Each method is documented with my own experience: what worked, what didn’t, and why I made the call.
I’ve split them into 30 focused guides because one-size-fits-all advice frustrates me. A tactic that works for a SaaS blog might fail for a local business. I’ve organized them by mechanism (outreach, content, partnerships) and by where they fit in your workflow. You’ll find both entry-level methods and advanced plays.
Every guide includes my decision criteria — when I reach for this tactic, when I avoid it, and what signals I look for before investing time. I separate evidence (from my own campaigns) from experience (patterns I’ve observed) and speculation (things I’m still testing). No guarantees, just honest notes.
At a glance
- Guides in this cluster
- 30
- Methods I run regularly
- 12
- Methods I avoid
- 5
- Estimated time to read the whole cluster
- 2 hours
In this topic
How I use these guides
I built this cluster as a reference for myself first — and then realized others might find it useful too. Each guide is a deep dive into one tactic. I use them to:
- Remind myself of the exact steps I’ve followed before (e.g., for broken link building, I always check the backlink profile of the broken page first).
- Compare tactics side-by-side when planning a campaign (e.g., link insertions vs. resource page link building).
- Share with clients or colleagues who want to understand my approach (like brand mentions or niche edits).
I also link to these guides from other parts of the blog, so you can jump straight to the method you need without reading the full cluster.
Start with these three
If you’re new to my work, or just want to see what I consider the most reliable tactics, start here:
1. Broken Link Building — my go-to for scaling links with a clear signal (broken 404). I’ve got a repeatable process.
2. Link Insertions — the most underrated method for sites with existing content. I explain when to reach out and how to pitch.
3. Resource Page Link Building — a classic, but I’ve refined it to avoid the spammy directories. I focus on high-quality, curated lists.
What I skip or push back on
Not every popular method belongs in my toolbox. I’ve skipped link exchanges for most projects because the signal-to-noise ratio is too low — they rarely pass value unless you find a truly relevant partner. I also push back on newsjacking for most niches: it’s time-sensitive, often low intent, and the links tend to be temporary. And I’m skeptical of infographic link building unless you have a genuinely unique data set — most infographics are ignored because they’re too generic. My advice: if you can’t explain why a site would link to your content without a reciprocal deal, skip it.
Related clusters
These guides work best when combined with other parts of the blog. Check out:
- Outreach & PR — how I actually contact editors and webmasters, because a method is only as good as your pitch.
- How I judge links — my criteria for evaluating link quality, so you know what I’m looking for before I build.
- Tools I rely on — the software I use to find prospects, check relevance, and track results.
Frequently asked questions
Why did you split methods into 30 guides instead of one long post?
Each tactic has its own nuances. A single post would be too shallow or too long. Splitting them lets me go deep on each one and update them independently as I learn new things.
How often do you update these guides?
I review them every 3–6 months based on new campaigns, tool changes, and algorithm updates. I note the last update date at the top of each guide.
Which method is most effective for a brand-new site?
For a new site, I’d start with broken link building and link insertions on relevant content. They don’t require your site to have existing authority, and you can target pages with real traffic.
Do you include paid link building methods?
Yes, but I separate them clearly. Methods like link insertions sometimes involve payment, but I focus on the ethics and risk. Paid links are covered in the /market/ cluster.