Building an online presence that stands out takes more than simply creating great content. You need other trusted sites to vouch for you to establish your website as an authority. This is where editorial links come in. They aren’t just a nice-to-have feature of your SEO strategy; they’re a fundamental piece of the everchanging puzzle.
So, what are editorial links? Why are they so valuable? And how can you earn them to benefit your website over the long term? Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Editorial Links?
Editorial links are hyperlinks placed within content by another website, referencing your content naturally. Unlike links you can buy, trade, or self-create, editorial links are given freely because your content adds genuine value to the topic being discussed.
For example, let’s say you run a technology company and publish a detailed report about emerging trends in artificial intelligence. A journalist from a well-known publication comes across your report and decides to include a link to it in their article. That link is editorial.
This kind of link is a powerful indicator that your content is credible and worth referencing. It’s not about algorithms or shortcuts; it’s about earning recognition from real people who see value in what you’ve created.
Why Editorial Links Are So Important
Not all backlinks are equal. While any link to your site might give you a minor boost, editorial links have an outsized impact. They provide a level of trust and authority that other types of links simply can’t match.
They Signal Trust & Authority
When a respected website links to yours, it’s like a stamp of approval. It tells readers—and search engines—that your content is reliable, useful, and relevant. Over time, accumulating these endorsements establishes your site as a trusted resource in your niche.
For search engines, trust is a major factor in determining rankings. Editorial links act as a strong signal that your site deserves visibility.
They Attract Valuable Referral Traffic
The people clicking on editorial links are not casual visitors. They’re actively engaged with the content they’re reading and are interested enough to follow a link to learn more. This type of audience is much more likely to explore your site, interact with your content, and even become potential customers.
Because editorial links are often embedded in high-quality content, they tend to drive traffic that’s both relevant and valuable.
They Offer Long-Term Benefits
One of the best things about editorial links is their staying power. Unlike some marketing strategies that deliver results for a short period, editorial links continue to work for you indefinitely. As long as the content they’re part of remains live, they’ll keep driving traffic and reinforcing your authority.
How to Earn Editorial Links
Earning editorial links isn’t something you can do overnight. It requires a combination of great content, relationship-building, and strategic outreach. While the process takes time, the rewards are well worth the effort.
Create Content People Want to Reference
At the heart of every editorial link is genuinely useful, engaging, or insightful content. This could take many forms—an in-depth guide, a stat-packed study, a thought-provoking opinion piece, or even an entertaining video. The key is to create something so valuable that people feel compelled to share it. You’re the expert in your field and this is your chance to demonstrate that.
For example, if you publish an article answering a question that no one else in your industry has addressed, you’re positioning yourself as a go-to resource. Other websites will naturally want to link to you when they cover related topics.
Build Relationships with Industry Publishers
Establishing connections with writers, editors, and publishers in your field can open the door to more editorial link opportunities. They’re more likely to reference your work when you’re on their radar as a knowledgeable and trustworthy source.
This doesn’t mean spamming people with requests. Instead, focus on fostering genuine relationships—engage with their content, make connections through LinkedIn, share helpful insights, and offer to collaborate when appropriate.
Position Yourself as an Expert
Journalists and content creators are always looking for experts to quote or reference. By positioning yourself or your business as a thought leader, you increase your chances of being featured in their work.
This might mean speaking at industry events, publishing original research, or contributing to articles in respected publications. The more visible and credible you are, the more likely others are to link back to your site.
Use Digital PR to Earn Coverage
Digital PR can be a powerful way to secure editorial links. By pitching stories, press releases, or unique insights to media outlets, you increase the likelihood of your business being featured. If your pitch aligns with their audience’s interests, they’ll not only cover your story but also include links to your website. Win win.
The Challenges of Earning Editorial Links
While the benefits of editorial links are undeniable, earning them isn’t easy. It takes time, effort, and a deep understanding of what publishers are really looking for.
One of the biggest challenges is standing out in a crowded field. Every business wants to earn editorial links, but only those offering valuable content will succeed. This is why having a clear strategy—and sometimes, expert help—can make all the difference.
How We Can Help
At Octiv Digital, we specialize in helping businesses earn editorial links that deliver real results. We understand what publishers want, and we know how to create content that gets noticed. We work with a number of publishers representing different industries and fields, allowing us access to different types of placements for your content. And as an SEO agency, we’re always thinking about how content placement can help with your site’s organic search rankings.
If editorial links are missing from your SEO strategy, let’s chat. We’ll take a look at your website, the types of links you have been earning, and provide guidance on where we can step in to help you achieve organic search rankings.
Why Editorial Links Are Worth the Effort
Editorial links aren’t just about improving your rankings. They’re about building your reputation, attracting the right audience, and creating a foundation for long-term success. If you take the SEO hat off for a minute, editorial link building is simply a way to enhance your brand’s footprint online.
If you’re ready to take your SEO strategy to the next level, we’re here to help. Let’s work together to earn the kind of links that make a lasting impact. Reach out today to learn more about how we can elevate your online presence.
