Types of backlinks in SEO are different kinds of links from other websites that point to your site. They matter because some backlinks can support rankings, some help visibility, and some can hurt your link profile if they look spammy or unnatural.
In this guide, you will learn the main backlink types, how to judge backlink quality, and which links beginners should prioritize.
What Are Backlinks in SEO?
Backlinks are links from one website to another. They are also called inbound links or external links, depending on where you view them from.
For example, if a food blog links to your recipe website, that link is a backlink for your site. Because of this, backlinks can help search engines and users discover your content.
However, not every backlink has the same value. A link from a relevant industry website is usually stronger than a random link from an unrelated page.
Why Different Types of Backlinks in SEO Matter
Understanding the types of backlinks in SEO helps you avoid chasing the wrong links. Many beginners focus only on the number of backlinks, but link quality matters more than link count.
Ahrefs reports that 96.55% of pages get zero organic search traffic from Google. This shows why content often needs promotion, strong search intent, and useful backlinks to gain visibility.
In addition, Backlinko analyzed 11.8 million Google search results and found that link authority and referring domains correlate with stronger rankings. Therefore, your goal should not be “more links.” Your goal should be better, more relevant SEO backlinks.
Dofollow vs Nofollow Backlinks
Before looking at backlink types, beginners should understand link attributes. The two most common terms are dofollow backlinks and nofollow backlinks.
A dofollow backlink is a normal link that search engines may use as a ranking signal. In contrast, a nofollow backlink tells search engines not to treat the link the same way as a normal editorial vote.
However, nofollow backlinks are not useless. They can still bring referral traffic, brand visibility, and trust if they come from a real website with real readers.
Google also supports sponsored and UGC link attributes. Sponsored links are used for paid or sponsored placements, while UGC links are used for user-generated content such as comments or forum posts.
Main Types of Backlinks in SEO
The most useful way to understand backlink types is to group them by how they are earned. Some are editorial, some are manual, and some are self-created.
1. Editorial Backlinks
Editorial backlinks happen when another website links to your content because it is useful. These are often the strongest natural backlinks because you did not force the link.
For example, a blogger may cite your original data, checklist, or guide as a helpful resource. As a result, editorial backlinks usually signal strong content value.
To earn more editorial backlinks, create linkable assets such as templates, statistics pages, calculators, tools, and original examples.
2. Guest Post Backlinks
Guest post backlinks come from articles you write for another website. They can be useful when the website has real readers and the content is relevant.
However, guest post backlinks become risky when they are low-quality, repeated at scale, or built only for exact match anchor text. Therefore, prioritize guest posts that help the audience first.
A simple rule helps here: if the article would still be useful without the backlink, it is usually a better opportunity.
3. Resource Page Backlinks
Resource page backlinks come from pages that list helpful tools, guides, templates, or references. These links are useful because the page is already designed to recommend resources.
For example, an SEO blog may have a page called “Best SEO Resources for Beginners.” If your guide or template fits that page, you can suggest it.
This type of link building works best when your page gives readers something practical, such as a checklist, worksheet, or beginner guide.
4. Directory Backlinks
Directory backlinks come from business directories, niche directories, or local citation sites. These can help visibility, especially for local businesses.
For example, a local plumber may appear on Yelp, a Chamber of Commerce website, or a local business directory. However, not every directory link is valuable.
Avoid spam directories that list random websites with no quality control. Instead, choose directories that are relevant to your industry, location, or audience.
5. Broken Link Building Backlinks
Broken link building backlinks are earned by finding dead links on another website and suggesting your working page as a replacement.
This works because you are helping the site owner fix a broken resource. In addition, your content must match the missing page closely.
For example, if a dead link pointed to an old backlink audit checklist, your updated backlink audit guide may be a useful replacement.
6. Unlinked Mention Backlinks
Unlinked mention backlinks come from websites that mention your brand, product, or content but do not link to you yet.
For example, a blogger may mention Scale Xpert in an article without linking to the website. You can politely ask them to add a link if it helps readers find the source.
This is usually easier than cold outreach because the website already knows your brand.
7. Digital PR Backlinks
Digital PR backlinks come from news sites, industry publications, podcasts, research coverage, or expert quotes. These links can be powerful because they often come from trusted websites.
However, digital PR usually needs a strong story. Original data, surveys, tools, and expert commentary can make your pitch more link-worthy.
For beginners, start small. A niche industry blog can be more realistic than a national publication.
8. Forum and Community Backlinks
Forum and community backlinks come from platforms where users discuss topics. These links are often nofollow or UGC, but they can still bring visibility.
For example, a helpful answer on Reddit, Quora, or a niche forum may send visitors to your guide. However, dropping links without value can look spammy.
Use community links only when they genuinely answer the question. Otherwise, skip the link.
9. Partner and Supplier Backlinks
Partner backlinks come from real business relationships. Supplier backlinks, sponsor links, and customer story links can also fit here.
For example, a software partner may list your agency on an integration page. Meanwhile, a supplier may feature your business as a verified partner.
These links are usually stronger when the relationship is real and the page helps users.
10. Paid or Sponsored Backlinks
Paid backlinks are links you pay for directly or indirectly. Google’s guidance says paid or sponsored links should be qualified properly, such as with rel="sponsored" or nofollow.
This does not mean every sponsorship is bad. However, paid links that pass ranking signals can create risk if they are used to manipulate search results.
Because of this, beginners should be very careful with paid link offers.
Good Backlinks vs Bad Backlinks
The best types of backlinks in SEO usually share a few traits: relevance, trust, natural placement, and helpful context.
| Good backlinks | Bad backlinks |
|---|---|
| Relevant to your niche | Unrelated to your topic |
| Placed inside useful content | Placed on thin or spammy pages |
| Natural anchor text | Over-optimized anchor text |
| From real websites | From link farms or networks |
| Helpful for readers | Built only to manipulate rankings |
Google’s spam policies warn against link spam, including manipulative link practices. Therefore, backlink quality should always come before quantity.
Which Types of Backlinks Should Beginners Prioritize?
Beginners should focus on links that are realistic, relevant, and safe. You do not need every backlink type at once.
A good priority order is:
- Editorial backlinks
- Resource page backlinks
- Guest post backlinks
- Broken link building backlinks
- Unlinked mention backlinks
- Relevant directory backlinks
- Partner or supplier backlinks
This order works because it starts with useful content and real relevance. In addition, it avoids risky shortcuts like spammy backlinks, toxic backlinks, and low-quality backlinks.
FAQs About Types of Backlinks in SEO
What are the main types of backlinks in SEO?
The main types include editorial backlinks, guest post backlinks, resource page backlinks, directory backlinks, broken link building links, unlinked mention links, digital PR links, and partner links.
What is the best type of backlink?
Editorial backlinks are usually the best because they are earned naturally. However, resource page links, guest posts, and digital PR links can also be valuable when they are relevant.
Are nofollow backlinks useless?
No, nofollow backlinks are not useless. They may not work like normal dofollow backlinks, but they can still bring referral traffic, visibility, and brand trust.
Are directory backlinks good for SEO?
Directory backlinks can be useful when the directory is relevant, trusted, and real. However, spam directories with random links should be avoided.
Are guest post backlinks safe?
Guest post backlinks can be safe when the content is useful, original, and relevant. They become risky when used at scale with thin content and exact match anchor text.
What backlinks should beginners avoid?
Beginners should avoid link farms, spam directories, automated comment links, paid links that pass ranking signals, and backlinks from unrelated websites.
Conclusion
Types of backlinks in SEO are important because not every link helps your website in the same way. Some SEO backlinks support rankings, some improve visibility, and some can damage your backlink profile if they are spammy or unnatural.
Start with high-quality backlinks that are relevant, useful, and placed inside real content. Then, review backlink quality, anchor text, referring domains, and link placement before chasing more links.
If you want feedback on your link building strategy, join the Scale Xpert community here.
