A natural link is an editorially given backlink earned without asking, manipulating, or exchanging—purely based on content quality and value.
What Is a Natural Link?
A natural link is a backlink that’s earned organically, without any direct request, monetary exchange, or manipulative SEO tactics. These links are typically given by webmasters, bloggers, or journalists who genuinely find your content valuable, relevant, or authoritative and decide to link to it naturally within their own content.
Natural links are highly trusted by search engines like Google because they reflect real endorsements and authentic trust from others on the web.
Why Are Natural Links Important for SEO?
- High trust value: Search engines consider them a strong ranking signal
- Safe from penalties: No risk of violating Google’s guidelines
- Long-term impact: They continue to drive traffic and authority over time
- Boosts domain authority: Especially when earned from authoritative and relevant sources
- Improves brand visibility: Natural links often come from editorial mentions and earned media
How to Earn Natural Links:
- Create High-Quality Content:
Publish valuable, original, and insightful content that solves problems or adds new perspectives. - Publish Data or Research:
Original studies, surveys, or statistics attract journalists and bloggers looking for credible sources to cite. - Build Authority in a Niche:
Thought leadership through consistent blogging or content can position your brand as link-worthy. - Use Digital PR:
Get featured in articles, podcasts, or interviews through authentic outreach and storytelling. - Promote Content Smartly:
Share on social platforms, engage in relevant communities, and network with industry voices.
Example of a Natural Link:
If a marketing blog links to your SEO case study because it offers real value to their readers—without you asking—that’s a natural link.