🏆 What Are Editorial Backlinks? How to Get Them and Why They Matter for SEO

In the world of SEO, not all backlinks are created equal. Among the most powerful — and sought-after — are editorial backlinks. These are the links that Google loves, because they’re earned naturally and signal genuine trust in your content.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• ✅ What editorial backlinks are

• ✅ Why they’re important

• ✅ Real-world examples

• ✅ How to get editorial backlinks

• ✅ Strategies to create link-worthy content

• ✅ FAQs about editorial links

Let’s dive in.

🔗 What Are Editorial Backlinks?

Editorial backlinks are natural links placed within the content of a website, blog, or article because the author found your content valuable and relevant.

Unlike paid or self-created links, these backlinks are earned organically — which is why search engines like Google place a high value on them.

✅ Example: Imagine a tech blogger writing an article titled “Top SEO Tools for 2025” and linking to your SEO tool because it genuinely helps users. That’s an editorial backlink.

🚀 Why Editorial Backlinks Are So Powerful

Editorial backlinks offer strong SEO benefits because they check all the boxes Google looks for:

⚠️ Fun Fact: Sites with strong editorial backlinks often outperform competitors with higher domain authority but weaker link quality.

📊 Editorial Backlinks vs Other Backlink Types

🛠️ How to Get Editorial Backlinks

Unlike guest post links or profile backlinks, editorial links can’t be simply built. They must be earned.

Here are some of the most effective ways to attract editorial backlinks in 2025:

1. 🎯 Publish Original Research or Data

Stats are backlink magnets.

• Create industry reports or surveys

• Share actionable data with visuals

• Pitch them to journalists or bloggers

Example: “We analyzed 2,000 SEO tools — here’s what 73% of marketers prefer.”

2. 📚 Create In-Depth, Evergreen Content

High-quality, timeless content gets cited repeatedly.

• Aim for 2,000+ words

• Include visuals, case studies, and expert quotes

• Use Skyscraper or 10x content strategies

Tip: Update old posts regularly to stay fresh in rankings and backlinks.

3. 🧩 Offer Unique Tools or Calculators

If you build a free tool, SEO calculator, or template — other sites will reference it.

Example: A “Backlink ROI Calculator” gets linked in articles discussing link-building ROI.

4. 🗞️ Get Featured in Roundups & Lists

Journalists and bloggers love showcasing the best tools, experts, or resources.

• Reach out to writers covering your niche

• Pitch yourself for inclusion in roundups

Example: “Top SEO Experts to Follow in 2025” or “Best Free SEO Tools for Bloggers”

5. 🧠 Contribute Expert Insights

Share valuable quotes or insights for articles.

• Use HARO (Help A Reporter Out)

• Try Terkel or Featured.com

• Be concise and quote-worthy

Being cited as an expert often comes with a backlink to your website.

💡 Suggestions for Creating Valuable Content That Attracts Editorial Backlinks

Here’s how to make your content so good others want to link to it:

🔍 Keyword Strategy for Editorial Backlink Pages

To rank your content and attract links, target low-competition, high-intent keywords like:

Use tools like Ahrefs, Ubersuggest, or SEMrush to find more long-tail keywords related to backlinks.

🧭 Editorial Backlink Checklist

✅ Is the content valuable and original?
✅ Does it answer real user questions?
✅ Are you using visuals and stats?
✅ Are you promoting it to the right audience?
✅ Are you pitching it to bloggers and journalists?

❓FAQs About Editorial Backlinks

Q1: Can I buy editorial backlinks?

Buying editorial backlinks is technically against Google’s guidelines. If discovered, this could lead to penalties. However, some digital PR services ethically earn editorial links through outreach and content marketing.

Q2: How many editorial backlinks do I need?

There’s no fixed number. Even 5–10 high-quality editorial links can significantly move rankings — especially for low to medium competition keywords.

Q3: Are editorial backlinks better than guest posts?

Yes. While both have value, editorial backlinks are more natural, trusted, and powerful in Google’s eyes.

✅ Final Thoughts: The Power of Editorial Backlinks

If you want to dominate Google rankings in 2025, investing in content that naturally earns editorial backlinks is essential.

They’re not easy to get — but they’re worth every effort.

Focus on value-driven content, original insights, and strategic outreach, and you’ll start attracting the kinds of backlinks that truly move the needle.

📩 Want a downloadable PDF version of this guide or a backlink strategy session?
Let me know — I can generate a ready-to-share resource or help with outreach templates.