5 Underrated Tactics That Build Links and Authority

Sharing is caring!

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Everyone talks about guest posts, broken link outreach, and asking for backlinks like it’s 2015. But most of those standard tactics are overused, time-consuming, and easy to ignore.

If you want to stand out and actually earn links that move the needle, you need to think differently. There are strategies that don’t require cold emails or begging for mentions. They’re just not talked about as often, which is exactly why they work.

Here are five underrated tactics that build real links and lasting authority.

1. Join an Ad Network That Offers SEO-Friendly Placements

Most think of ad networks as purely pay-to-play traffic tools. But when used strategically, they can also support your link building efforts.

Here’s how.

Some of the best ad networks for advertisers will distribute your content across high-authority media websites, niche blogs, or publisher platforms. If those placements include followed links, you’re gaining backlinks while getting exposure. Even nofollow links still help with visibility and can lead to organic mentions down the line.

The key is to choose placements that match your audience and appear naturally within editorial-style content. Not all networks are equal; some offer nothing more than sidebar widgets, while others feature your content as part of an article or roundup.

Done right, this gives you:

• Referral traffic – more visitors who are already interested
• Brand exposure – consistent visibility across trusted sites
• Passive backlinks – placements that continue to generate links over time

Think of it as link building without chasing anyone. You're paying for reach, but you're also planting seeds for long-term authority.

2. Use Journalist Request Platforms Strategically

There are platforms where journalists and writers actively request expert input. This could be for quotes, insights, stats, or professional opinions they need for their stories. Instead of cold-pitching editors or chasing backlinks, you’re simply responding to a request that’s already been made.

To get the most out of this, speed and relevance matter. Journalists are usually on tight deadlines, so replies need to be quick and focused. You don’t need to overthink it. Stick to your area of expertise, provide a clear answer, and include your credentials and website link when appropriate.

Done consistently, this builds backlinks from credible, high-authority sources with far less effort than traditional outreach. It also increases your visibility as a go-to voice in your space, which can lead to even more organic mentions over time.

3. Build a Publicly Available Statistics Page

Writers and content creators are always on the lookout for current statistics they can reference in their own work. If your website can provide that information in a clear, reliable format, you naturally become a link source.

You don’t need to produce original data. You can curate publicly available stats from trusted sources, organise them into categories, and cite everything properly. Make the page scannable with headers, charts, and summaries. Keep it up to date, and clearly state when it was last refreshed.

Once the page is live, promote it to bloggers, forums, and content creators in your niche. Over time, it will start earning links passively, especially from writers looking to support their arguments with credible numbers.

4. Turn Your Best Content into a Reference Piece

If you already have a piece of content that brings in steady traffic or ranks reasonably well, it’s worth turning that into a more comprehensive reference guide. These types of pages are ideal for link building because they provide everything someone needs in one place.

Start by expanding on what’s already working. Add depth, structure, examples, and visual aids. Include supporting links to related topics within your site to improve usability and keep readers engaged longer. When the content is clearly the best version of its type, others will begin linking to it in their own articles.

You can also share the updated version in communities or email newsletters, and even suggest it to resource pages or curated link roundups. This helps secure new backlinks while reinforcing your authority on the topic.

5. Create Shareable Tools or Templates

Resources that offer practical value tend to earn links naturally. If your site features something people can use, save, or share with others, it becomes a go-to asset. Think beyond blog content and consider building:

• Templates – ready-to-use documents for planning, emails, social content, or strategy
• Calculators – tools for budgeting, timelines, or cost estimates
• Cheat sheets – quick-reference guides packed with helpful info
• Downloadable kits – curated collections of tools, worksheets, or planners
• Generators – simple tools that produce customised outputs for your niche

Make sure each tool lives on its own dedicated landing page, with clear instructions and branding. Promote them within your niche, and keep improving them based on user feedback. These assets have a long shelf life and continue to attract backlinks as they’re shared, cited, and bookmarked.

One Strong Link Is Worth More Than Dozens of Weak Ones

A lot of people get distracted chasing volume. But 50 low-quality backlinks won’t do what one high-authority link can.

Instead of mass-pitching websites or stuffing keywords into thin content, try a different approach. Focus on smart visibility. Share things that are actually helpful. Position your site as a source worth referencing.

Whether you’re paying for placements that offer SEO value, responding to media calls, or building tools that people want to bookmark, the goal is the same: earn links that mean something.

Authority isn’t built overnight, but it is built with intention. And the most effective tactics aren’t always the most obvious ones.

Sharing is caring!