Types of Backlinks: A Complete Guide to What Works and What Hurts SEO

When it comes to SEO, backlinks still carry weight. But not all backlinks work the same way. Some boost your rankings. Others might do nothing—or worse, drag you down. That’s why understanding the types of backlinks is more than just SEO theory—it’s a smart move for anyone trying to grow online visibility.

So, how many types of backlinks are there? Plenty. But this guide breaks them down in a way that actually makes sense. Whether you’re new to link building or trying to clean up your backlink profile, we’ll walk you through the different types of backlinks in SEO, what works, what doesn’t, and what to focus on.

What are Backlinks and Why Do They Matter?

Backlinks, or inbound or incoming links, come from one website to another. Think of them as digital recommendations. When another site links to yours, it tells search engines, “This content is worth checking out.”

Search engines like Google use backlinks to evaluate the credibility and relevance of a webpage. The more high-quality backlinks your page receives, the more trustworthy it appears—and the better its chances of ranking well in search results.

Now, here’s why backlinks matter:

• They act as a ranking factor. Backlinks have been one of Google’s core ranking signals for years. A page with quality backlinks usually performs better in search rankings compared to one without.
• They bring in referral traffic. If a blog, article, or directory links to your page, there’s a good chance people will click through. This can lead to new users discovering your content, product, or service.
• They help search engines discover your pages. Backlinks help bots crawl and index your website. If a well-established site links to your new blog post, it speeds up how quickly that post gets found by search engines.
• They build authority. A backlink from a respected source in your niche can boost your domain authority, making it easier for your other pages to rank as well.
• They increase credibility. Visitors are more likely to trust your site when they see it cited or linked from reliable sources.

However, not every backlink is helpful. While some can lift your rankings, others might be completely ignored—or worse, trigger a penalty. That’s why knowing the different types of backlinks in SEO is crucial. It helps you avoid common pitfalls and focus your strategy on the best types of backlinks that genuinely add value.

How Many Types of Backlinks Are There in SEO?

If you’ve ever wondered how many types of backlinks in SEO are worth paying attention to, here’s the short answer: quite a few. But not all are helpful. Some build authority. Others could invite penalties. So, it’s better to group them smartly.

Generally, backlinks fall into three broad buckets:

• Natural Backlinks: These happen when people find your content valuable enough to link to it without any push from your side. For example, someone might reference your blog in their article as a trusted source.
• Manual Backlinks: These are the ones you earn through outreach—guest posting, partnerships, or PR activities. You’re actively involved in securing them, but they still add value when done right.
• Self-Created Backlinks: These links come from directories, blog comments, forums, and similar platforms where you add the link. If they appear manipulative or spammy, Google’s not a big fan of these.

So, how many types of backlinks are there in practice? You’ll come across about 8 to 10 types in most strategies. These include editorial links, guest post links, business directory links, forum links, and contextual links.

You don’t need every type—but understanding the different types of backlinks in SEO helps you build a cleaner, more effective backlink profile. A mix of high-authority, relevant backlinks often works best.

Next up, let’s look at each backlink type more closely.

Different Types of Backlinks in SEO (with Examples)

Understanding the different types of backlinks in SEO is essential if you want to build a strong, penalty-free, and high-performing backlink profile. Each type plays a different role—some improve rankings, others support indexing or brand awareness. Let’s take a closer look at all types of backlinks you might come across, with examples and use cases.

1. Editorial Backlinks

These are the best types of backlinks from an SEO perspective. Editorial backlinks are earned when another website voluntarily links to your content. You don’t ask for it—they do it because your content adds value to their readers.

Why it’s valuable: It sends a strong trust signal to search engines. Editorial links from authoritative, niche-relevant websites often boost rankings more than any other link type.

Example: Suppose you published a research piece on “e-commerce buying patterns.” A popular industry blog references your study and links to it as a source within their article.

Pro Tip: To earn these naturally, create original research, expert roundups, or in-depth guides.

2. Guest Post Backlinks

Guest posting is a manual but effective way to get backlinks. You write articles for other websites in your industry, and within that content, you earn a backlink—usually in the author bio or naturally placed within the text.

Why it works: It combines SEO with content marketing and branding. If the site is relevant, authoritative, and has good traffic, the link carries weight and drives visits.

Example: A startup founder writes a guest post on “Top CRM tools” for a SaaS blog and links to their own CRM tool’s comparison page.

Warning: Avoid guest posting on low-quality or irrelevant websites. Focus on topical alignment and user value.

3. Business Profile Backlinks

Whenever you create an online profile for your business—on directories, social networks, or review platforms—you often get a backlink to your website. These are considered different types of backlinks in SEO and are essential for local and brand SEO.

Why it’s useful: Google uses this information to verify your business presence and location. Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) details across platforms strengthen your credibility.

Example: Listing your company on platforms like Crunchbase, Product Hunt, GoodFirms, or Clutch with a link to your homepage.

Extra tip: Start with high-authority directories. Don’t overdo it with spammy ones just for the sake of links.

4. Forum and Blog Comment Backlinks

These are backlinks you place manually on forums or blog comment sections. While many of these links are “nofollow” (which means they don’t pass ranking power), they can still have value if used strategically.

Why it matters: When used sparingly and relevantly, these links help with brand visibility and indexing. But too many irrelevant or spammy links can harm your site.

Example: You leave a helpful comment on a Moz article about link building and reference your own SEO guide as a deeper resource.

Use case: Good for building awareness in niche communities, but not as reliable for ranking improvements.

5. Social Media and Web 2.0 Backlinks

Social media links and Web 2.0 platforms (like Medium, Tumblr, or Blogger) offer another set of backlinks. These are often “nofollow,” but they still help search engines discover your content and reinforce your brand.

Why it helps: These links won’t directly boost rankings, but they’re useful for content distribution and early indexing.

Example: Publishing an article on Medium about financial planning that links to your main blog.

Pro Tip: Don’t rely on these as a main strategy, but use them to supplement your SEO and content promotion.

6. PBN (Private Blog Network) Backlinks

PBNs are networks of websites owned by the same person or entity, built specifically to pass link juice. They’re typically used to manipulate search rankings.

Why it’s risky: If Google detects a network, it can penalize all the sites involved. PBNs go against Google’s guidelines, and although they may work short-term, they are not sustainable.

Example: A network of old domains built just to insert backlinks to your money site.

Warning: Not recommended for long-term SEO strategies. Use only if you fully understand the risks.

7. Image Backlinks

If you create original graphics, charts, or infographics, others might use them on their websites and credit you with a backlink.

Why it’s powerful: This can be a hidden gem for image-focused websites or those producing original visual content. It also helps diversify your backlink profile.

Example: A news blog uses your visual timeline of “evolution of smartphones” and links to your site in the caption.

Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Reverse Image Search or TinEye to track image usage and request proper credit.

8. Niche Edit or Contextual Backlinks

These backlinks are added to existing content that’s already indexed and ranking. Instead of writing a new post, your link is added within a relevant article that fits your content naturally.

Why it’s effective: You’re tapping into an already-established page’s authority. If done right, these links pass context, authority, and relevance.

Example: A blog post on “remote work culture” adds a link to your guide on remote employee engagement as a helpful resource.

Pro Tip: Make sure the content surrounding the link aligns with your linked page. Google cares about context.

These different types of backlinks in SEO each serve a purpose. Some directly help rankings, others build trust or diversify your profile. How you earn these links and where they come from matters most.

Best Types of Backlinks You Should Focus On

When people ask, “What are the best types of backlinks?”, the answer lies in one word: quality. High-quality backlinks from authoritative, relevant sources are the ones that consistently deliver results. They build credibility, improve search rankings, and bring relevant traffic. Instead of spreading your energy across every backlink type, it’s smarter to focus on a few that actually move the needle.

Here are the best types of backlinks in SEO you should prioritize:

1. Editorial Backlinks from Authority Sites

These are often seen as the gold standard in link building. Editorial backlinks come naturally when a trustworthy website links to your content because it finds it genuinely helpful. You don’t pay or beg for them—they’re earned through quality.

Search engines love them because they reflect absolute trust from other site owners. You can increase your chances of earning editorial links by publishing original research, insightful blogs, or data-driven resources that others want to reference.

2. Contextual Links Placed Within Relevant Content

Context matters in SEO. A backlink placed inside a paragraph that discusses a similar topic is far more potent than one that appears in a footer or author bio. These contextual links signal to search engines that the content around the link supports and relates to your page.

If the referring page ranks well and gets good traffic, your link inherits some of that value. Focus on earning links within relevant articles through genuine collaborations, guest blogging, or outreach.

3. Guest Post Backlinks on Topically Relevant Sites

When done with the right intent, guest blogging remains a reliable method to build backlinks. The key is contributing to websites that cover topics related to your niche and have a loyal readership.

These backlinks work well because they sit in quality content and often use targeted anchor text. Besides SEO, guest posts position you as an expert and build referral traffic from engaged audiences.

4. Business Profile Links from High-Authority Platforms

You usually get a link back to your website when you create business listings on platforms like Crunchbase, Clutch, G2, or even Google Business Profile. While many of these are nofollow, they still offer value.

These backlinks help with local SEO and act as trust signals for search engines. Plus, consistent listings across major platforms create a solid brand footprint online, which supports your site’s credibility.

5. Attribution Links from Infographics and Visual Content

If you produce original visuals—like charts, infographics, or templates—there’s a good chance others will want to use them in their content. If they credit your work properly, you get a backlink.

This type of link is beneficial for content creators, agencies, and data-driven brands. You can track how your visuals are being used and ask for credit if someone uses your image without linking to you.

6. Links Earned Through Interviews or Expert Roundups

You usually receive a backlink to your website when you’re featured in a podcast, interview, or expert roundup. These links boost SEO and improve personal branding and trust among your audience.

They tend to come from reputable publications or industry blogs, making them valuable from an authority and visibility standpoint. Getting featured often requires building relationships or responding to media queries through platforms like HARO or Qwoted.

7. Links from Curated Lists or Resource Pages

Many websites maintain resource pages that link to valuable tools, blogs, templates, or products. If your content is genuinely helpful, you can ask to be included in such lists. These backlinks are robust when the resource page ranks well and attracts regular visitors. The key is identifying pages that are actively maintained and contextually aligned with your content.

Focusing on these specific types of backlinks will help you create a more effective SEO strategy. Instead of chasing every link opportunity, build a few high-quality, niche-relevant links that bring lasting value.

Types of Backlinks You Should Avoid

Not all backlinks help you rank better. Some can actually hurt your SEO. Search engines have become much smarter at detecting manipulative link-building tactics. So while it might be tempting to get as many backlinks as possible, focusing on the wrong ones can trigger penalties, loss of rankings, or even manual action by Google.

Below are the types of backlinks in SEO that are better left alone:

1. Low-Quality Directory Backlinks

There was a time when submitting your website to hundreds of online directories was seen as a shortcut to SEO success. But today, most of those directories have little or no editorial control, which means they’re filled with spammy listings.

Backlinks from these platforms don’t carry any real value, and if used in bulk, can damage your site’s credibility.

2. Spammy Blog Comment Links

Commenting on blogs just to drop a backlink is an outdated tactic. Especially when the comment isn’t relevant or adds no value to the conversation.

Most modern blogs automatically make comment links “nofollow,” which means they pass no SEO authority. Worse, if done carelessly, they make your site look spammy to search engines and readers alike.

While participating in niche forums can sometimes bring traffic, overusing signature links can backfire. If you only intend to join a forum to drop links in every post, it’s a red flag for Google.

These links are usually low-authority, repetitive, and unrelated to the discussion, making them useless from an SEO perspective.

4. Paid Links Without Proper Disclosure

Buying backlinks is against Google’s guidelines unless the links are correctly tagged using “nofollow” or “sponsored.” Many sites sell and follow links under the radar, which might temporarily boost rankings but is extremely risky.

If a site selling you links gets penalized, your website could be next.

5. Private Blog Network (PBN) Links

PBNs are a network of websites created solely to pass link equity. While they may work in the short term, Google has advanced algorithms that can detect unnatural link patterns. When caught, the PBN and the websites benefiting from it will likely be penalized. These links might look powerful initially, but they’re rarely worth the risk.

6. Links from Irrelevant or Non-Niche Sites

Context matters a lot in SEO. If you run a health blog and get a backlink from a website about car maintenance, that link won’t do much. A pattern of irrelevant backlinks can confuse search engines and lower your authority in your niche. Always aim for links from sites that cover related topics.

7. Auto-Generated Backlinks from Tools or Bots

Some tools claim to build hundreds of backlinks with the click of a button. They spam forums, blogs, and directories with links—most of which get deleted or flagged. These links rarely provide long-term value and often leave a lousy footprint that search engines can track.

The key takeaway? Focus on quality, not quantity. Avoid shortcuts that might seem tempting but come with long-term risks. A clean backlink profile improves your SEO performance and builds trust with search engines.

Hiring a Freelance Backlink Expert from Konker

If you’re looking to enhance your website’s SEO through quality backlinks, hiring a freelance backlink expert from Konker can be a strategic move. Konker offers a marketplace where skilled freelancers provide specialized link-building services tailored to your needs.

Why Choose Konker for Backlink Services?

• High-Quality Backlinks: Konker freelancers focus on securing backlinks from high Domain Authority (DA) sites with significant traffic, ensuring that your website gains valuable link equity.
• Customized Strategies: Services are often tailored to your niche and SEO goals, providing a personalized link-building approach.​
• Transparent Practices: Freelancers on Konker are encouraged to use ethical, white-hat SEO techniques, avoiding risky methods like private blog networks (PBNs). ​konker.io
• Flexible Engagements: Whether you need a one-time project or ongoing link-building efforts, Konker’s platform allows you to find freelancers who can accommodate your requirements.​

By leveraging Konker’s platform, you can connect with experienced backlink experts who can help improve your website’s authority and search engine rankings through strategic link-building efforts.

Final Thoughts: Building a Healthy Backlink Profile

Understanding the different types of backlinks in SEO is one thing—using that knowledge to build a healthy, high-performing backlink profile is what really matters. Not every backlink needs to be from a top-tier site, but every link should have a purpose. Whether it’s to boost rankings, drive traffic, or build brand visibility, each backlink should fit into your broader SEO strategy.

A balanced link profile will have a mix of dofollow and nofollow links, contextual placements, mentions on authoritative directories, and organic editorial coverage. This kind of natural-looking diversity is what search engines want to see.

Focus more on links that:

• Come from relevant, trusted sources
• Appear naturally within useful content
• Use anchor text that aligns with your page’s content
• Add value to the reader, not just the algorithm

Avoid chasing volume or manipulating your link structure. Building links the right way takes time, but the payoff is long-term visibility and stability in search rankings.

To summarize: If you’re still asking how many types of backlinks are there, the number isn’t as important as knowing which ones matter. Quality, relevance, and trust are what count. Stick to what helps users and aligns with search engine guidelines—and your SEO will thank you for it.

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