Off-page SEO optimization
Senior SEO-specialist
Getting started with off-page SEO optimization? Check out my checklist and roadmap on this page and get started right away.
Off-page SEO checklist
Use this off-page SEO checklist as input for your own link-building strategy. Each website will differ, so these are global points that a link building program can meet to maximize the chances of success.
| Link building optimization checklist | Importance (1-100) | Difficulty level (1-100) | Time for Implementation (1-100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Conduct thorough backlink research | 95 | 75 | 70 |
| 2. Build high-quality, relevant backlinks | 95 | 90 | 85 |
| 3. Make use of natural anchor texts | 85 | 70 | 70 |
| 4. Avoid A-B swapping of links | 90 | 80 | 70 |
| 5. Avoid (cheap) paid links | 85 | 70 | 60 |
| 6. Use internal links strategically | 85 | 70 | 70 |
| 7. Build relationships with relevant bloggers and influencers | 90 | 85 | 80 |
| 8. Create content that is shareable | 90 | 80 | 80 |
| 9. Do guest blogging on relevant websites | 85 | 80 | 80 |
| 10. Use social media to promote your content | 85 | 70 | 70 |
| 11. Check regularly for broken links | 85 | 70 | 70 |
| 12. Use a subdivision of link types (no-follow, do-follow) | 80 | 70 | 60 |
| 13. Write and distribute press releases on relevant platforms | 80 | 75 | 70 |
| 14. Use infographics to attract links | 80 | 80 | 75 |
| 15. Engage in online PR and brand promotion. | 85 | 80 | 80 |
| 16. Make use of industry and business directories | 80 | 70 | 65 |
| 17. Take advantage of forums and communities within your niche | 80 | 70 | 70 |
| 18. Submit your website to relevant web directories | 75 | 65 | 60 |
| 19. Provide a linkable and valuable ‘about us’ and ‘contact us’ page | 80 | 60 | 60 |
| 20. Monitor your backlink profile regularly | 90 | 75 | 75 |
Getting started with all facets of SEO optimization? Read more.
Link building roadmap
Here is a global link building roadmap you can get started with. Should you want to outsource the entire link building process, check out this page.
| Month | Roadmap | Stakeholders/Resources | Priority | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Conduct thorough backlink research | SEO Specialist | High | 2 weeks |
| 1 | Build high-quality, relevant backlinks | SEO specialist, PR team | High | 4 weeks |
| 2 | Make use of natural anchor texts | SEO specialist, content team | High | 2 weeks |
| 2 | Avoid link exchange programs | SEO Specialist | High | 2 weeks |
| 3 | Use internal links strategically | SEO specialist, content team | Middle | 2 weeks |
| 3 | Build relationships with relevant bloggers and influencers | SEO specialist, PR team | Middle | 4 weeks |
| 4 | Create shareable content | Content team, SEO specialist | Middle | 3 weeks |
| 4 | Do guest blogging on relevant websites | SEO specialist, content team | Middle | 3 weeks |
| 5 | Check regularly for broken links | SEO specialist, web developer | Middle | 2 weeks |
| 5 | Use a diversity of link types (no-follow, do-follow) | SEO Specialist | Middle | 2 weeks |
| 6 | Write and distribute press releases on relevant platforms | PR team, SEO specialist | Middle | 3 weeks |
| 6 | Use infographics to attract links | Content team, graphic designer, SEO specialist | Middle | 3 weeks |
The length of time is based on general estimates and may vary depending on the size of the site, the availability of resources, and the technical complexity of each task. The roadmap is designed to reflect an order of priority of tasks, but some tasks can be performed in parallel to reduce overall implementation time.
Conclusion
Get started with the checklist and roadmap to get the most out of your link building. Note that link building takes time to have a full effect on findability. Patience is key here, especially when starting a new website.