It can be quite tricky to build quality backlinks for online stores. Unlike blogs or news websites that publish content, eCommerce sites mainly have static product and category pages. This makes it difficult to attract high-quality backlinks to sites naturally.
Not having enough linkable content can be a problem, too. Quality content takes a lot of time to make.
Also, since many eCommerce sites offer similar products, it's a struggle to differentiate and persuade websites to link back to you.
Additionally, some website owners and bloggers hesitate to link to eCommerce sites without real-time experience. Also, they view it as an endorsement or promotion of products or brands. They may want to avoid conflicts of interest or biases.
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Why Do Links Matter for eCommerce Sites?
eCommerce is a competitive world, and having a strong online presence and ranking high in search results can make or break a business. Good quality backlinks boost your search engine visibility.
How is eCommerce Different From Other Niches in Link Building?
eCommerce sites differ from other niches as they aim to drive sales and conversions, not just pageviews. That means the links you get need to be super relevant and targeted to your specific products and keywords your potential customers are searching for.
How Effective is Broken Link-building for eCommerce?
Broken link-building is one of the best link-building SEO strategies. It involves finding broken links on reputable sites in your niche and requesting to replace them with your existing link. This strategy can be effective in building high-quality backlinks. However, it requires a significant time investment. First, you need to identify the authoritative websites in its niche. Then you'd need to dig in the text to find a broken link on the website.
While this seems to be a daunting task, tools like DA PA checker help you determine whether a website is authoritative.
This can be tiresome at times, as you need to identify broken links on authoritative websites first.
Contacting the site owners and convincing them to replace those dead links with links to your eCommerce site is an arduous task.
Many site owners will be hesitant to do this. They may view replacing broken links with commercial links as a conflict of interest. Some may see it as going against their site's policies.
Even if site owners are open to replacing broken links, they may not choose your eCommerce pages. They may opt for other relevant, non-commercial pages instead.
Despite these challenges, broken link-building can still be an effective link-building tactic for eCommerce sites. But it requires significant effort and persistence.
Linkable Assets To Build Links for eCommerce Site - (With Examples)
In-depth, unbiased product reviews and comparisons are valuable linkable assets. Other websites might link to these as resources. For example, a tech review site comparing the latest laptops, smartphones, etc.
Detailed buying guides can also attract links to an eCommerce site. These guides help customers make informed purchasing decisions like a guide on "Best Cameras for Beginners" from a camera store.
How-to tutorials related to the products you sell make great linkable assets. For instance, a furniture eCommerce site has tutorials on home DIY projects.
Other educational content about your niche can get links too like articles or courses on gardening from a plant nursery website.
Original research and industry reports with new data are linkable assets. For example, a fitness eCommerce brand publishing a report on workout trends.
Free tools or calculators solving a problem for your audience can attract links. A jewelry site could have a ring-size calculator tool.
How to Use Affiliate Partnerships to Build Links for eCommerce?
Affiliate partnerships are very valuable for eCommerce sites. They help build quality backlinks and drive referral traffic.
- Identify bloggers, influencers, or niche websites aligned with your customer persona. It could be YouTubers, Instagram influencers, or popular niche bloggers.
- Set up an affiliate program for these partners. Give each a unique affiliate link or coupon code. This allows them to earn commissions from links they bring you.
- Encourage affiliates to create content using their affiliate links naturally. Reviews, tutorials, buying guides - anything valuable for their audience. This promotes your store, too.
Offer competitive commission rates to motivate your affiliate partners. The more they promote you, the more they earn. It benefits both sides.
Communication is key after starting the affiliate program. Keep partners updated and offer them exclusive promotions and deals. This keeps them engaged with your brand.
How To Leverage Influencer Product Reviews to Build Links for eCommerce?
Influencer product reviews are slowly becoming a powerful link-building strategy. First, you need to identify influencers in your niche with loyal followings. Always look for high engagement rates on their blogs, social media, and YouTube.
Reach out and offer to send them free products. You should ask for honest, in-depth reviews in exchange. Encourage multimedia content like blog posts, videos, and social posts.
Importantly, ask them to include natural links back to your online store. It helps build backlinks while promoting products.
Share and promote the influencer reviews on your channels too. It will amplify their reach and visibility.
Build long-term relationships with influencers, giving authentic, valuable reviews. Consider setting up ambassador or affiliate programs with them.
Their credibility and existing fan bases are very valuable. This helps drive targeted traffic and boosts search rankings.
Don't just do one-off reviews. Cultivate lasting influencer partnerships. Their influential voices and backlinks provide compounding benefits.
