How to get authority backlinks and boost your domain rating

Why Authority Backlinks Matter More Than You Think

If you’re serious about scaling your organic visibility, then boosting your domain rating (DR) isn’t optional—it’s essential. At its core, your DR is a reflection of your backlink profile: not how many links you have, but how strong and reputable those linking domains are.

The difference between a site with 50 average backlinks and another with 10 links from high-authority sites is night and day. Search engines don’t just count links—they weigh them. Authority backlinks act like SEO fuel: they don’t just push individual pages, they power up your entire domain’s ability to rank.

So, how do you actually get those authority links without blowing your entire budget or cold-emailing 500 editors a week? Let’s break it down.

Start by Building Link-Worthy Assets (No, Not Just Another Blog Post)

You don’t attract links—you earn them. And to earn links from authoritative domains, you need to give them a reason. That’s where link-worthy assets come in. But let’s be clear: not all content is link-worthy.

Here’s what actually works:

• Original Research: Think “2024 SEO Industry Trends”—with actual data. If you can run surveys or leverage proprietary data, you’re gold.
• Interactive Tools: Calculators, graders, quizzes—anything that serves utility and can be embedded or cited.
• Resource Hubs: Create a definitive, continually updated guide like “The Ultimate Link Building Playbook.” Long, exhaustive and packed with value.

I recently helped a SaaS startup build a Social Media ROI Calculator. After some targeted outreach, the page landed natural mentions from HubSpot, Content Marketing Institute, and 30+ other domains with DR 70+. One asset → dozens of authority links. That’s ROI.

Use Strategic Guest Posting (Not Spammy Blog Networks)

Guest posting still works—if you do it surgically. This isn’t about churning out low-effort posts for obscure domains. You’re looking for contextual, editorial backlinks from respectable blogs in your industry. That means:

• No PBNs
• No Fiverr gigs offering “100 guest posts”
• No duplicated content-copying madness

What works instead? Identify 20 trusted, niche-relevant blogs. Use tools like Ahrefs or BuzzSumo to filter by DR and traffic. Then don’t pitch them cold with a generic “Can I write for you?” Instead, audit their content, identify gaps, and offer value. For example:

« I noticed your SaaS marketing guide doesn’t go into retention tactics—would you be open to a contribution focused on reducing churn through onboarding emails? »

That’s how you start a real editorial relationship. Punchy idea, relevant to their audience, and shows you did your homework. Editors respect that—and that respect turns into links.

Steal Authority Links Using Content Gap + Broken Link Building

Sometimes, the smartest move isn’t building new assets—it’s finding the gaps in your competitors’ backlink profile and capitalizing on them. Two techniques here:

Broken Link Building

Here’s the playbook:

• Use Ahrefs or Screaming Frog to find 404 pages on high-authority sites
• Identify what content used to be on that page (Wayback Machine is great)
• Recreate or improve on that content
• Outreach to everyone linking to the dead resource with your link as a replacement

It sounds simple, but broken link building still has one of the highest conversion rates (especially when links are topically relevant). One SEO campaign I ran replaced a dead resource on Moz with a stronger, more up-to-date piece. Result? Six DR70+ backlinks with just nine emails.

Content Gap Link Building

Take your competitors’ top linked pages (use Ahrefs’ “Best by links” filter), and analyze:

• What topics dominate?
• What style gets cited—guides, data, lists?
• Can you do it better, more recent, or more complete?

Then recreate something stronger. Reach out to everyone who linked to the original, and don’t just say “Hey, link to mine instead.” Instead:

“I saw you linked to [competitor’s article] in your [page title] post. I’ve just published a significantly updated resource covering the same topic with recent data, a downloadable checklist, and templates. Would it be helpful to your audience?”

It’s not about replacing—it’s about enhancing.

Leverage Digital PR to Earn Links from Tier-1 Media

If you’re aiming for DR90+ backlinks from Forbes, HubSpot, or CNBC, traditional link building won’t cut it. Enter: Digital PR.

This requires newsworthy content with a strong hook. Think of:

• Trend reports (“AI Tools Usage in Startups – 2024”)
• Industry predictions from experts
• Controversial angles (“X% of Managers Still Ban ChatGPT – Study Reveals”)

Once you’ve got something news-friendly, pitch it like a journalist, not a link builder. This means:

• Killer headline
• Punchy lead paragraph
• Clear benefit to their readership

If you’re new to Digital PR or don’t have internal data, use third-party surveys or collaborate with influencers who carry weight in your niche. Strategic partnerships open doors.

Build Relationships, Not Just Links

This isn’t fluff—relationships are the difference between struggling to get 10 backlinks vs getting offered 10 backlinks. Here are a few rapid-fire tactics:

• Engage Meaningfully on LinkedIn: Comment thoughtfully on posts from niche bloggers and founders
• Join Private SEO & Marketing Slack Communities: Pitch collaborations
• Host Roundups: “15 Experts on Where SEO is Headed in 2025” – tag everyone, let them promote it (and that’s 15 backlink opportunities right there)

When webmasters know you, trust you, and see consistent value from your work—that’s the key to links on autopilot.

Keep Your Authority Links Clean and Sustainable

If you’re thinking about taking shortcuts—don’t. One spammy, paid, irrelevant backlink can poison the well. Maintain a clean backlink profile by following this rule:

If you wouldn’t proudly show the linking domain to a client or Google itself, don’t pursue the link.

Use Ahrefs or SEMrush to track your referring domains weekly. Disavow if you notice:

• Sudden spikes from foreign or unrelated domains
• Link patterns resembling link farms or private blogs networks (PBNs)

Authority backlinks are a long game. Focus on relevance, trust, and context. Build slowly and strategically, and your domain rating (and rankings) will climb predictably.

Key Takeaways to Get Started

• Invest first in link-worthy content—tools, original research, and ultimate guides
• Guest post only on sites with editorial standards and topical alignment
• Use broken and content gap tactics to earn links with less effort
• Leverage digital PR to grab attention from high-tier media
• Build real connections—it compounds over time

Authority backlinks aren’t mythical. They’re methodical. With the right systems and mindset, you won’t just increase your domain score—you’ll build lasting SEO equity.

Need help spotting quick-win authority backlink opportunities for your site? Drop a comment or hit me up—always happy to talk ROI-focused link building.