Link building remains one of the most frustrating and misunderstood parts of SEO. Why?
Because it’s not just about getting backlinks, it’s about getting the right ones.
One wrong move, like joining a shady link scheme, and your rankings can tank.
Worse? You might even get hit with a manual action from Google.
But here’s the good news.
When done right, link building is one of the fastest ways to climb to the top of search results.
That brings us to the big question: How do you learn to do it right?
Simple by taking a solid link-building course.
Whether you’re growing your blog, managing SEO at an agency, or running content for a startup, a step-by-step course helps you avoid costly mistakes.
It teaches you how to build authority safely, scale your outreach, and follow Google’s guidelines so your results last.
We’ve rounded up 8 of the best link-building courses available today.
Each one is practical, easy to follow, and built by industry professionals.
Let’s jump in.
What are link building courses?
Link building is one of the most essential and challenging parts of SEO. When done correctly, it helps your website rank higher, attract qualified traffic, and build long-term authority.
Proven tactics like niche edits, where your link is added to relevant content on an existing page, can bring strong SEO value when used strategically.
But when handled poorly, it can result in search penalties that are difficult to reverse.
For instance, if your site gets involved in a link scheme or acquires links from spammy sources, Google may issue a manual action.
This can cause your website to lose rankings, traffic, and even visibility in search results. That’s why it’s important to understand the rules before starting, and that’s where a link-building course can help.
A link-building course offers structured online training that teaches you how to acquire backlinks the right way.
It’s typically broken down into modules or lessons covering a wide range of topics, everything from identifying high-quality link opportunities to executing outreach campaigns and avoiding penalties.
Here’s what a good link-building course usually covers:
- Types of backlinks and how each impacts your rankings
- Safe and scalable strategies like organic link building, guest posting, and broken link building
- How to execute resource page link building to earn links from curated pages in your niche
- Google’s link guidelines to avoid penalties and algorithmic hits
- Outreach techniques to build real relationships with editors, site owners, and webmasters
These courses can be helpful whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned marketer looking to sharpen your approach.
Supporting Data:
- According to a study found that the top-ranking page on Google has 3.8x more backlinks than pages ranked #2 to #10 combined.
- According to our recent survey, 65.2% of link builders believe links will hold the same or even more impact on rankings over the next five years. Only 33.6% expect their influence to decline.
Taking a link-building course equips you with practical knowledge, real-world tactics, and a proven framework to run your campaigns confidently, without risking penalties or wasting resources.
Don’t want to go it alone?
Explore our link-building services, and we’ll help you earn high-quality backlinks that improve rankings without risking penalties.
The 8 best link-building courses for you to choose from
As professionals in the field of link building, we’ve done the hard work of researching top courses online, so you don’t have to spend your valuable time trying to figure out which one is right for you.
We’ve selected courses that are trusted and taught by experienced instructors who know their craft.
In this section, we’ll walk you through each course so you can decide which one fits your current skill level, schedule, and learning preferences.
Let’s jump into the eight best link-building training courses out there!
1) Ahrefs Academy: Advanced Link Building
Ahrefs, known for one of the most powerful SEO tools in the industry, also runs a free educational platform, Ahrefs Academy. Among its offerings is a standout Advanced Link Building course for those ready to move beyond basic strategies.
Why take this course?
If you’re looking to elevate your link-building game, this course offers a refreshing change from the usual advice. Instead of generic tips, it dives into tactics like seed prospecting and lookalike prospecting, which are often missing from standard courses.
You’re learning directly from the team that builds tools used by top SEOs worldwide, so the insights are practical and proven.
What’s included in the training?
The course includes 5 Modules packed into a runtime of just under two hours. Despite being short, it doesn’t compromise on depth.
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll learn:
- How content marketing supports link-building efforts
- Steps to run a competitive link audit
- Identifying seed and lookalike prospects
- Filtering and qualifying link opportunities
- Outreach strategies and ready-to-use templates
- Structuring a scalable link-building team
Who is this for?
This course is best suited for intermediate to advanced SEO professionals, team leads, and in-house marketers who already understand the basics of outreach and want to build scalable systems.
It’s not beginner-level, but if you’ve run campaigns before, it’s a great way to sharpen your skills.
What does it cost?
Zero. This entire course is completely free, with no subscriptions, hidden sign-ups, or credit cards required. You can jump straight into the lessons without any friction.
2) Semrush Academy: Backlink Management
Semrush is also one of the most popular and effective search engine optimization tools available for link building.
Semrush runs an academy offering digital marketing courses covering everything from content marketing to market research.
They also offer a fantastic course called the Backlink Management Course with Greg Gifford.
Why is this course good?
The course instructor, Greg Gifford, has over 16 years of hands-on experience in search engine optimization. That depth of experience makes him a credible and trustworthy source for learning SEO techniques that work.
What sets this course apart is its practical guidance on how to fix things if your link-building goes wrong. Many courses cover strategies and tools, but very few touch on the risks and consequences of improper link building, especially Google’s manual penalties.
The recovery lesson in this course gives a clear roadmap to help you stay compliant with Google’s quality guidelines. But the real value lies in learning what steps to take if your site does get penalized, which can be a game-changer for many marketers.
What does the course cover?
This is a concise course that can be completed in about an hour. However, it delivers essential knowledge in a compact format, ideal for busy professionals.
Here’s what the modules include:
- The basics of backlink management
- Different types of links and their impact
- How to conduct link research effectively
- Competitor link analysis
- Recovering from a Google manual action
- A variety of link-building strategies
- How to manage and execute a successful link-building campaign
Each module gives you a strong foundation to improve your link acquisition approach, especially if you’re working in competitive niches.
Who should sign up for this training?
This course is a solid refresher for those with some experience in link building and is equally suitable for beginners who want to get a structured introduction to the subject.
It’s particularly helpful for SEO professionals, digital marketers, and agency teams looking to sharpen their backlink management processes.
What does it cost?
Semrush Academy courses are completely free. All you need to do is sign up with your email address and password.
Once enrolled, you can start learning right away and revisit the modules anytime.
3) HubSpot Academy: SEO Certification Course
A popular marketing CRM platform, HubSpot also offers a wide range of training programs through its HubSpot Academy, including certifications across multiple areas of digital marketing.
Side note: If you’re a new HubSpot user, the academy also has helpful tutorials on how to get started with the platform itself.
Using the academy’s search tool, you can explore a variety of courses, but here we’re highlighting their SEO Certification Course, which includes an informative section dedicated to link building.
Why is this course good?
This course is ideal if you want to understand the complete landscape of SEO, with link building placed within that bigger picture.
At just under four hours, the training is concise yet detailed, offering valuable insights for marketers who want to grow their organic visibility.
What stands out the most is how the course emphasizes the relationship-building aspect of link building. It teaches you how to build partnerships with website owners, journalists, and other brands, something that many other courses often overlook.
This human side of SEO is critical for long-term success and sustainable backlink growth.
What does the course cover?
While this is a full SEO course, it includes an important lesson focused solely on link building.
In the link-building module, you’ll learn:
- Why link building remains essential for SEO success
- How to estimate the number of backlinks required to rank on the first page
- Ways to form strong relationships with relevant websites and businesses
- Techniques for building links that last
- How to respond to media and journalist requests
- Getting backlinks from credible news and media outlets
These lessons blend strategy and real-world application, helping you implement what you learn right away.
Who should sign up for this training?
According to HubSpot, this course is best for marketers, content creators, and anyone looking to level up their SEO skills.
It’s also a great option for those who want to understand how to connect SEO strategy with media outreach and brand visibility, key elements in building powerful backlinks.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded SEO course that also teaches link-building fundamentals, this one’s a smart pick.
What does it cost?
It’s completely free.
You just need to create a HubSpot account using your email address or Google login. Once done, you can enroll in the course immediately.
The best part? Once you’re signed up, you get lifetime access to all HubSpot Academy courses.
4) Backlinko Link Building Guide
Backlinko’s Link Building Guide by Brian Dean is not a paid course but a deeply valuable free resource that many marketers treat like a masterclass. Though technically a tutorial, it’s structured to deliver high-impact strategies, making it a must-have addition to any SEO learner’s toolkit.
Why is this guide good?
This guide is praised for its clarity, depth, and real-world relevance. Brian Dean breaks down complex tactics into digestible sections, complete with examples, screenshots, and downloadable templates.
It’s updated regularly and used by thousands of marketers, making it one of the most trusted sources online.
What does the guide cover?
Topics include:
- The fundamentals of link building
- Link-worthy content creation
- How to earn editorial backlinks
- Advanced outreach techniques
- Scalable link-building systems
Who should use this guide?
Ideal for beginners, solo marketers, bloggers, and even seasoned SEOs who want a no-fluff refresher. It’s especially good for those looking for hands-on, actionable advice without needing to commit to a paid course.
What does it cost?
It’s 100% free. No sign-up or payment is required to access the full guide at Backlinko.com
5) The Blueprint
The Blueprint’s link-building course is designed for busy SEO agency owners and professionals who don’t have hours to spare.
Instead of dragging things out, the course delivers focused lessons through action-oriented videos, detailed PDF guides, and easy-to-use templates.
Why is this course good?
This course has garnered considerable praise for its clear structure and practical value. The curriculum is detailed enough to equip you with everything you need to get started, without being overwhelming.
It’s especially useful for professionals with limited time, thanks to its ready-made templates that let you hit the ground running.
Enrollment also gives you access to their complete link-building system for a full year.
What does the course cover?
Topics include:
- Various link types, such as guest posts, sponsored links, and broken link building
- How to onboard clients for campaigns
- Techniques to close outreach pitches
- Managing link-building projects efficiently
- Prospecting and outreach workflows
Who should sign up for this training?
This course is built for SEO agency teams, consultants, and freelancers looking to offer link-building as a service.
One standout feature is the option to book a call with their team before enrolling, so you can check if the course is a good match for your needs.
What does it cost?
You can schedule a demo before committing to the course.
Currently, The Blueprint charges $999 for access to their training.
6) Udemy: The Complete Link Building Course
Udemy hosts thousands of courses on various topics, including over 30 courses dedicated to link building.
Among them, one course that stands out is The Complete Link Building Course – Backlink Building 2023.
Why is this course good?
If you’re short on time but want a solid foundation, this is a great pick.
It offers around two hours of on-demand video, downloadable resources, and lifetime access, so you can learn at your own pace.
Instructor Joshua George runs a successful SEO agency and actively uses the same techniques he teaches in this course.
What does the course cover?
This course does a great job of breaking down essential concepts in a compact format.
Key topics include:
- Why backlinks matter for SEO
- How anchor text works and why it’s important
- Identifying which pages on your site need backlinks
- What makes a backlink high-quality?
- Strategies such as guest posting, the skyscraper method, and content-driven link building
- How to track your campaigns and monitor rankings
- How long does it typically take to see results
Who should sign up for this training?
This is an ideal course for beginners. You don’t need any previous knowledge or experience with link building to get started.
If you already know the basics and are looking for more advanced methods, look at other options on this list.
What does it cost?
Udemy frequently runs discounts, so prices can vary.
This course is typically available anywhere from $13 to $500, depending on when you purchase it, so it’s worth checking the platform for current deals.
7) CXL: Link Building by Irina Nica
CXL is known for producing in-depth marketing courses taught by industry leaders.
Their link-building course, led by Irina Nica, a senior marketing expert at HubSpot, focuses on earning high-authority backlinks that significantly impact rankings and visibility.
Why take this course?
What sets this course apart is its emphasis on quality over quantity. Rather than chasing vanity metrics, it teaches you to build a sustainable, long-term link-building strategy tied to SEO goals.
The course also covers broader areas, such as Google Search Console optimization, making it ideal for marketers seeking to optimize the entire SEO pipeline.
What’s included in the training?
This isn’t a quick course; it’s a comprehensive, in-depth exploration packed with real-world applications.
You’ll learn how to:
- Define goals for your link-building campaigns
- Align outreach with strong content strategies
- Apply advanced tactics to earn high-value backlinks
- Repurpose and refresh existing content to attract links
- Combine content marketing with SEO performance
Who is this for?
This course is ideal for SEO professionals and content marketers seeking to prioritize long-term growth. Whether you manage content in-house or at an agency, it’s designed to help you build authority in competitive markets.
What does it cost?
You can choose between two pricing options:
Individual Course Access: Pay a one-time fee of USD 210 (approximate, plus tax) for lifetime access to the SEO Link Building course. This includes a certificate of completion you can use professionally.
All-Access Monthly Subscription: For USD 203/month (plus tax), gain unlimited access to over 100 courses and 10 Minidegree programs. You can earn certificates for each course and cancel anytime based on your learning needs.
Check out our professional link-building services, custom strategies, high-authority backlinks, and without the stress.
8) BrightonSEO: An Introduction to Backlinks (in partnership with Majestic)
BrightonSEO, one of the most respected SEO conference organizers, teamed up with Majestic, one of the leading backlink analysis tools, to create this free, beginner-friendly course on backlinks.
Led by industry veterans Dixon Jones and Santa Achille, this course simplifies the complex world of link building, making it perfect for marketers, small business owners, and SEO newcomers.
Why take this course?
What makes this course stand out is its strong focus on clarity and foundational learning. You won’t be overwhelmed by tools or technical jargon. Instead, you’ll get a clear picture of how backlinks work and how to assess their quality.
It’s ideal if you’re starting from scratch or want to understand how links impact search engine rankings without jumping into paid tools right away.
What’s included in the training?
This self-paced course is split into three short modules, designed to help you move from understanding backlinks to applying that knowledge effectively.
You’ll learn how to:
- Understand the different types of backlinks and how Google evaluates them
- Analyze your existing backlink profile for strengths and weaknesses
- Identify spammy or harmful links that could lead to penalties
- Use Majestic’s Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics to assess link quality
- Build safe, effective backlink strategies using real-world examples
Each section ends with a quiz to test your understanding and includes interactive Q&A support.
Who is this for?
This course is perfect for:
- SEO beginners looking for a solid start
- Marketers and content creators who want to upskill in backlink analysis
- Small business owners managing their websites
- Anyone curious about how links influence search visibility
No prior SEO experience is required, just a willingness to learn.
What does it cost?
It’s completely free and available through the BrightonSEO Learning Hub.
Conclusion: Link building is still king if you do it right
Link building isn’t dead. It’s more important and more misunderstood than ever. The difference between ranking on page 1 and vanishing into obscurity often comes down to the quality of your backlinks.
But it’s not enough to just get links; you need the right strategy, the right tactics, and the right tools.
That’s why investing in a proven link-building course is one of the smartest moves you can make in 2025.
Whether you’re a beginner, a freelance SEO, or managing growth at scale, these courses are your shortcut to avoiding mistakes, earning high-authority backlinks, and building lasting rankings without crossing Google’s line.
Bottom line?
If you want to win in organic search, mastering link building is non-negotiable. And now, you’ve got the roadmap.
Our custom link-building services are designed to help you scale rankings safely and sustainably.
Contact us today to discuss your goals and get a strategy that works.
FAQ about link building courses
Are link-building courses worth the money?
Yes, especially if you’re new to SEO or struggling to scale your outreach. A good course saves you from costly mistakes, shortens your learning curve, and gives you systems that work in the real world.
Can I learn link building for free?
Absolutely. Platforms like Ahrefs Academy, HubSpot Academy, and Semrush offer high-quality free training. However, paid courses often go deeper, offer templates, and include strategies professionals use at scale.
How long does it take to see results from link building?
It varies. For most websites, it takes 2–3 months to start seeing ranking improvements. But this depends on your niche, competition, and how consistent your efforts are.
What’s the risk of bad link building?
Using shady tactics like buying links or joining link schemes can get your site penalized by Google, sometimes permanently. Courses help you avoid these traps by teaching ethical, scalable strategies.
I’m not technical, can I still do link building?
Yes. Many successful link builders come from content or outreach backgrounds. Modern courses focus more on strategy, relationship-building, and content alignment, not coding or advanced tech skills.
