For startups, getting noticed online can be tough. One of the most effective ways to boost your visibility and rank higher on Google is through link building. But what exactly is link building, and how can a new business do it without spending too much money?

This guide will show you the best link building tactics for startups, in simple and practical steps.

1. What is Link Building?

Link building means getting other websites to link back to your website. These backlinks act as “votes of trust” in the eyes of Google.

  • The more quality backlinks you have, the higher your website can rank.
  • For startups, link building is important for SEO growth, brand visibility, and traffic generation.

2. Why Link Building Matters for Startups

  • Builds authority and credibility.
  • Helps you rank faster for competitive keywords.
  • Drives referral traffic from other sites.
  • Levels the playing field with bigger competitors.

3. Best Link Building Tactics for Startups

a. Guest Blogging

Write helpful articles for popular websites in your industry and include a link back to your site.

  • Find blogs that accept guest posts (e.g., “Write for us + [your industry]”).
  • Share valuable tips, not just promotions.
  • Example: A startup in fintech can write on “Top Digital Payment Trends in Nigeria” for a business blog.

b. Business Directories and Listings

List your startup in trusted local directories and industry platforms.

  • Google Business Profile
  • VConnect, Nigerian Yellow Pages, Crunchbase
  • Industry-specific directories

These links build trust and improve local SEO.

c. Broken Link Building

Find broken (dead) links on other websites and suggest your content as a replacement.

  • Use tools like Ahrefs or Check My Links (Chrome extension).
  • Example: If a blog links to an outdated resource about “Digital Marketing for Startups,” you can pitch your updated guide.

d. Collaborations and Partnerships

Team up with other startups, influencers, or nonprofits.

  • Co-create blog posts, infographics, or research reports.
  • Exchange value, not spammy links.

Example: A health-tech startup can partner with a fitness blogger for joint content.

e. Content Marketing for Natural Links

Create high-quality content that people want to link to.

  • Case studies
  • How-to guides
  • Infographics
  • Research reports

Original data or statistics get linked to often because people love citing them.

f. HARO (Help a Reporter Out) & PR

Sign up for HARO or connect with journalists on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Share expert insights, and you may get featured in news sites with a backlink.

Example: A startup founder can answer, “What are the biggest challenges for Nigerian startups in 2025?” and get cited in a business article.

g. Social Media and Community Engagement

  • Share your content on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook groups.
  • Join discussions on Quora or Nairaland and link back to your site when relevant.
  • Build relationships, not just links.

h. Testimonials and Reviews

Offer testimonials to tools or services you use. Many companies feature customer testimonials on their sites — with a backlink.

Example: If you use a payment gateway, write a short testimonial. They may feature it on their homepage with a link to your startup.

4. Link Building Mistakes to Avoid

– Buying spammy links from low-quality sites.
– Using automated link farms.
– Over-optimizing with exact match keywords in every link.
– Ignoring content quality (links work only if your content is worth linking to).

Conclusion

For startups, link building doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Focus on value-driven tactics like:

  • Guest blogging
  • Business listings
  • Collaborations
  • High-quality content
  • Broken link outreach

Over time, these strategies will build your authority, trust, and rankings — helping your startup compete with bigger brands.