How to Build Backlinks for eCommerce?

Backlinks are critical for e-commerce SEO, but not all strategies are worth your time. You need a targeted approach focused on high-quality, relevant links that actually move the needle.

Here we’re diving deep into strategies that drive results – and cutting out anything that doesn’t.

Let’s get practical.

1. Product Reviews and Influencer Outreach for E-commerce Backlinks

One of the most effective ways to get e-commerce backlinks is by working with influencers. But the reality is that it only works if you’re strategic.

How to Do It:

1. Identify the Right Influencers: Start by finding influencers who actually engage with their audience (not just a high follower count). Micro-influencers are often best – they may have fewer followers, but they’re more likely to engage deeply and link to your site. Check their past posts for engagement rates and see if they’ve linked to products before.
2. Be Direct with Your Offer: Offer your product for free in exchange for a review and, ideally, a backlink. But be clear from the start that you’re interested in a link. If they’re uncomfortable linking, move on.
3. Target Niche-Specific Influencers: Focus on influencers within your exact niche. An influencer who posts about home decor won’t help much if you’re selling athletic wear. The closer they are to your niche, the more likely they are to have a relevant, engaged audience.

Quick Tip: Don’t send out product samples blindly. Vet each influencer and make sure they’re worth the investment.

2. Guest Posting on Industry Blogs for Backlinks for E-commerce Sites

Guest posting is about quality over quantity.

You don’t need 50 guest posts – you need a few targeted posts on high-authority sites in your industry.

How to Do It:

1. Find High-Authority Blogs: Use search terms like “guest post [your niche]” to find blogs that accept submissions. Make sure these blogs have actual authority and reach in your niche, not just low-traffic “guest post farms.” Ahrefs or Moz can help you check a site’s domain authority and traffic.
2. Pitch Unique, Targeted Content: Your content needs to offer something new. If you’re pitching a “top skincare tips” post, think of an angle they haven’t covered yet, like “Best Skincare Tips for Post-Workout” if they target fitness enthusiasts.
3. Include a Natural, Relevant Link: Find a way to link back to a relevant product page or a helpful resource on your site. But don’t force it – if the link doesn’t add genuine value to the post, skip it. Google’s smarter than you think.

Quick Tip: Target blogs with real traffic and active audiences. If a site’s traffic is low or stagnant, it won’t bring much value, even if it has a high domain rating.

3. Resource Page Link Building for E-commerce Backlinks

Resource pages are curated lists on other sites, usually linking out to valuable information or tools within a niche.

The key here is finding the right resource pages and making a strong case for why your link deserves a spot.

How to Do It:

1. Use Targeted Searches: Search Google with terms like “best [your product type] resources” or “recommended [your niche] tools.” Add “inurl:resources” to narrow it down to true resource pages.
2. Evaluate the Page’s Quality: Check the resource page’s authority, traffic, and relevance. A link on a low-traffic page won’t help your rankings or bring in any clicks.
3. Reach Out with a Direct Ask: Contact the page owner with a specific reason why your page should be included. Don’t just say “add my link.” Show them what makes your content or product unique and valuable for their audience.

4. Broken Link Building for E-commerce Sites

Broken link building is effective but time-intensive. The idea is simple: find dead links on sites in your niche and suggest replacing them with a link to your page. 

How to Do It:

1. Find Broken Links on Authority Sites: Use Ahrefs to scan relevant sites in your niche for broken links. 
2. Create or Repurpose Content to Match: If the broken link was to a specific resource or topic, make sure you have content on your site that covers it just as well, ideally better.
3. Send a Polite, Useful Outreach Email: Let the webmaster know about the broken link and offer your link as a replacement. 

Quick Tip: Track your outreach and follow up if you don’t hear back.

5. High-Quality Content Creation to Earn E-commerce Backlinks

Quality content earns natural backlinks, especially if it provides something unique or highly useful. And creating generic blog posts won’t cut it.

You need in-depth, valuable content that other sites want to link to.

How to Do It:

1. Answer Specific Questions: Think about what your customers are searching for, like “How to Choose the Best Running Shoes” or “What’s the Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin?” Address these topics in detailed guides.
2. Use Data and Visuals: Infographics, charts, and unique data make your content more linkable. If you can add a statistic, visual breakdown, or step-by-step guide, do it.
3. Promote the Content Actively: Share your content through every channel possible. Send it to relevant influencers, share it in niche forums, and promote it on social media.

Quick Tip: Spend as much time promoting your content as you do creating it. Content without promotion won’t get the links it deserves.

6. Competitor Backlink Analysis for E-commerce Sites

Why reinvent the wheel? If a link worked for your competitor, there’s a good chance it can work for you too. Competitor analysis helps you find quality link opportunities without starting from scratch.

How to Do It:

1. Use a Tool Like Ahrefs or SEMrush: Plug your competitors’ domains into these tools and look at their backlink profiles. Focus on high-authority sites that link to their product or resource pages.
2. Identify Reputable Sources: Don’t blindly chase every link. Look for credible sites that make sense for your brand. Avoid links from spammy or irrelevant sites.
3. Replicate Their Content (and Make It Better): If they’re getting links to a specific type of content, create a more comprehensive, up-to-date, or visually engaging version. Then reach out to the sites linking to them and pitch your version as an improvement.

Quick Tip: Prioritize high-authority links that you can realistically replicate. Not every competitor link is worth pursuing.

7. Ask Partners to Link to Your Site for E-commerce Backlinks

Sometimes, the best link opportunities are right under your nose.

If you have partnerships with suppliers, distributors, or industry colleagues, they might be willing to link to your site – especially if it’s mutually beneficial.

How to Do It:

1. Identify Partners with Strong Domains: Make a list of any partners, suppliers, or distributors with high-authority sites. Prioritize those with active “Partner” or “Client” pages.
2. Send a Simple, Personalized Request: A straightforward email works best. Let them know you’d appreciate a link on their “Partners” or “Clients” page. If they agree, ask them to link to a specific, relevant page on your site (not just the homepage).
3. Offer to Link Back (If Relevant): If a partner site is valuable and relevant to your customers, consider a reciprocal link. Just don’t overdo it.

Quick Tip: Don’t go overboard with partner links. A handful of relevant, high-authority links will help, too many unrelated ones will dilute your profile.

There you have it.

Each of these strategies can help you build a powerful backlink profile for your e-commerce site.

And if you’re ready to supercharge your link-building efforts, reach out to our team.

We specialize in e-commerce backlink strategies that actually work, driving real results for sites like yours.