Digital PR is the highest-ROI link building approach available in 2026. It earns links from genuine news publications — the highest-authority, most Google-trusted link sources.

1. Create a data story: Survey 100 Indian SMBs, analyse Core Web Vitals across Indian eCommerce sites, or publish an industry benchmark report
2. Package as a press release: 400–600 words, most interesting finding as headline, 2–3 key statistics, methodology notes
3. Build a targeted media list: YourStory, Inc42, Economic Times Tech, Hindustan Times Tech, regional business publications — 20–40 journalists
4. Pitch individually: Personal, relevant emails under 200 words. Reference why this specific publication's readers would care
5. Follow up once: One polite follow-up after 5 business days if no response

Broken link building is systematic and consistently delivers results. The principle: find broken links on authoritative pages and offer your content as a replacement.

1. Find link-worthy pages in your niche: Ahrefs Content Explorer — search for topic-relevant pages with 20+ referring domains
2. Check for broken outbound links: Install the "Check My Links" Chrome extension — broken links appear highlighted in red
3. Verify the broken link's topic: Use Wayback Machine to see what the broken URL previously contained
4. Identify your best replacement content
5. Outreach: Short, helpful email — "I noticed this link is broken, here's a replacement that covers the same topic"

"Hi [Name],

I was reading your [page title] resource and noticed the link to
[broken URL] is returning a 404 error.

I recently published a comprehensive guide on the same topic
that might be a good replacement: [your URL]

Happy to help if you have any questions!
Best, [Your name]"

Response rates for broken link outreach typically run 5–15%.

Many websites maintain "resources" pages linking to the best tools, guides, and references in their field. Getting listed on relevant resource pages earns genuine editorial links.

How to find resource pages — search Google for:

• [topic] "useful resources"
• [topic] inurl:resources
• [topic] "recommended reading"
• wordpress development "resources"
• wordpress developer "recommended tools"

Conversion rates are typically 3–8%. Lower than broken link building but requires less prerequisite work.

HARO (Help a Reporter Out) and Qwoted connect journalists with expert sources. When a journalist includes your quote, you earn a link.

1. Sign up at helpareporter.com or qwoted.com
2. Monitor daily emails for queries in your expertise area
3. Respond within hours — journalists work on deadlines
4. Keep responses 150–300 words, directly answering the specific question
5. Include your full name, title, company, and relevant credential

Guest contributions to established publications build both links and author authority. The key word is "strategic" — target genuinely authoritative, topically relevant publications.

Your competitors have spent years building their backlink profiles. Use their work as a roadmap.

1. In Ahrefs or SEMrush, analyse the backlink profiles of your top 3–5 organic competitors
2. Find pages linking to them that don't link to you
3. Identify the types of links: resource pages, editorial mentions, directory listings, expert quotes
4. Evaluate whether your content could earn a similar link from each source
5. Reach out with relevant content or contribution pitches

While generic web directories have minimal value, specific high-quality directories remain worthwhile — they drive direct referral traffic and business enquiries alongside the SEO signal.

• Indian businesses: Just Dial, IndiaMART, Sulekha, NASSCOM directory
• Agencies internationally: Clutch.co (B2B services), G2 (SaaS and services)