Link Building for Startups: 5 Tactics That Work in 2025

If you’re a startup founder, you already know the game: build fast, ship faster, and somehow get people to notice. But while you’re busy chasing users and product-market fit, your competitors are stacking backlinks and climbing Google faster than you.

We’ve worked with early-stage teams from pre-seed to Series B. The ones that grow? They treat link building like customer acquisition. Strategic, consistent and measurable.

As a startup, you’re battling against giants, and let us be blunt: those giants have deeper pockets, established credibility, and an audience that already trusts them.

Sounds unfair? Absolutely.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how startups can earn powerful backlinks without blowing cash or wasting time on dead tactics.

Think of link building as guerrilla warfare for startups. You don’t have the budget to bombard audiences with ads or hire entire PR firms.

But you can outsmart the competition by focusing on what they can’t which can be authenticity, hyper-targeted value, and clever strategies that make people want to link to you. 

This guide is packed with unconventional, effective link-building tactics that will help you gain traction, boost credibility, and make an impact all without breaking the bank.

Why Startups Need a Unique Link Building Approach

Startups face a unique set of challenges compared to established companies, particularly in link building:

• Limited resources: Marketing budgets are notoriously tight at the beginning, so you won’t have the funds to go all out on expensive press releases and more focused and elaborate campaigns. 
• Low brand awareness: Other sites don’t have any inherent requirement to link to your brand. You aren’t an authority nor is your reputation strong enough to land a placement through recommendations. 
• Lack of website authority: The biggest and the best sites are apprehensive towards low-DR sites, as they want to maintain a spotless backlink profile. 
• Small marketing team: While link building for startups is a must, it’s also incredibly time-consuming, with many startups not having the manpower to field a dedicated link building team. 

Additionally, startups need to focus on building genuine relationships and creating high-value content that stands out amidst the noise. 

Instead of relying on outdated methods, startups must leverage unique insights, data, and storytelling to connect with audiences and acquire backlinks.

The key is to find opportunities that require more creativity and less financial input, allowing them to compete effectively with larger players.

Building a Strategic Foundation for Startup Link Building

Building a strong foundation is crucial for a successful link-building campaign. It’s not about throwing things at the wall to see what sticks, it’s about focusing on the opportunities that matter most. 

Ultimately, the best move is to combine several backlink strategies to extract the most out of each one. Here’s how to get it right.

Know Your Audience Inside Out

You can’t build a strategy without knowing who you’re trying to reach. Defining your audience guides everything: the content you create, where you promote it, and who you reach out to for links. 

Create detailed customer personas that capture their pain points, interests, and behaviors. This will help pinpoint where they spend time online and what kind of content will appeal to them.

Use tools like BuzzSumo to find popular content and social media to see where discussions are happening.

Learn from Competitors

Competitors are a goldmine of insights. Analyze their backlink profiles using tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to see where they’re getting their links. Who’s linking to them, and why? 

If a site is linking to its content, chances are they’ll link to yours if you provide more value. Go beyond copying and find out what makes their content successful, then create something even better.

Stand Out with Personalized Outreach

Forget the cookie-cutter email templates. If you want a link, you need to stand out. Personalize your outreach by weaving in your startup’s unique story whether it’s a challenge you’ve overcome or the mission driving your product. 

Publishers get tons of requests every day, but a story that resonates can make all the difference. Invest in genuine engagement and make sure you personalize your blog outreach.

Comment on their articles, share their work, and establish a connection before asking for a link.

Content that’s Unmissable

Quality matters. Your content needs to be the best in your niche to stand a chance. Focus on creating “10x content” that is pieces that are significantly better than anything else out there. 

It could be a detailed how-to guide, a data-backed report, or a resource that solves a key problem.

The aim is to create inherently valuable assets, compelling others to link to them because they offer something that others can’t.

Be Creative, Not Costly

Established brands might have the budget, but startups have the creativity. Use it. Find forums, social groups, and other niche spots that big brands overlook.

Participate in trending discussions, add value, and make yourself known. You don’t need a big budget to launch a campaign that gets people talking, you need smart, engaging tactics that make people notice you.

How To Get Links When You Have No Budget 

For startups without a link-building budget, guerrilla tactics can be a game-changer. These unconventional strategies focus on using creativity, hustle, and resourcefulness to secure valuable backlinks without spending a dime.

Reverse-Engineer Competitors’ Content

One effective approach is reverse-engineering your competitors’ content. Use the Skyscraper technique 2.0 and identify content in your niche that is already performing well, then create a version that is significantly better, more in-depth, or updated. 

Add insights, fresh perspectives, and unique data that competitors haven’t covered to set yourself apart. By creating the best resource available, you’re positioning your content as the go-to reference, which naturally attracts more links.

Tap into Community-Driven Platforms

Platforms like Reddit, Quora, and other community-driven forums are powerful tools for startups to generate buzz and attract organic links.

Engage authentically in discussions by answering questions, offering genuine value, and sharing relevant content that provides solutions. 

This helps build credibility, drive targeted traffic, and attract links from community members who value your input.

The key is to avoid being overly promotional while focusing on being helpful and building trust.

Hyper-Personalized Outreach

Another guerrilla tactic is reimagining cold outreach with a hyper-personalized touch. Instead of sending generic outreach emails that get ignored, take the time to forge relationships before pitching anything. 

Dive deep into understanding the people you’re targeting and engage with their content, comment on their posts, share their articles, and contribute meaningfully.

When you do reach out, mention specific aspects of their work that resonate with you. 

This builds rapport and trust, making them more likely to link to your content.

Yes, personalized outreach takes longer, but it pays off in more meaningful connections and higher response rates.

Be Newsworthy: Leverage Digital PR

Startups can make themselves newsworthy by using digital PR without the need for a huge budget.

Think about any milestones, product launches, or data insights you have that are newsworthy and pitch them to journalists. 

Tools like Qwoted (HARO) can also help you connect with journalists looking for expert sources. By providing valuable information and insights, you can secure backlinks from reputable media outlets.

How Events Like SXSW, Web Summit & SaaStr Can Build Backlinks

We’ve worked with startups for more than seven years, and one pattern is clear: industry conferences quietly build some of the strongest backlinks you’ll ever earn. 

Every time a founder speaks on stage, joins an exhibitor directory, or gets mentioned in post‑event coverage, those pages usually link back to the company’s site.

When your startup appears on platforms like Web Summit, SaaStr Annual, or TechCrunch Disrupt, you’re meeting investors and you’re earning domain authority. 

These event sites sit on DR 80–90+ domains and attract thousands of journalists and partners who search through them long after the event ends.

Event	Backlink Source	Domain Rating (DR)	Link Type	Estimated Monthly Traffic
SaaStr Annual	Speaker Bio Page	86	Do‑follow	250K+
Web Summit	Exhibitor Directory	90	Do‑follow	800K+
TechCrunch Disrupt	Battlefield Alumni Page	91	Do‑follow	2.1M+
SXSW	Panelist Mentions	88	Do‑follow	1.4M+
Slush Helsinki	Pitch Competition Page	87	Do‑follow	700K+

How We’ve Seen Startups Secure These Backlinks

• Apply early for exhibitor directories – Event directories often close weeks in advance. The earlier your application goes in, the higher your listing appears on their site. We’ve seen startups drive referral traffic directly from these pages.
  
• Pitch yourself as a speaker – At ProductCon, MicroConf, or SaaStr Annual, speakers get permanent bio pages with followable links. The event organizers want practitioners, not celebrities but clear metrics or results make you stand out.
  
• Prepare press assets before competitions – Teams pitching at Slush, TechCrunch Disrupt, or RISE who already had their press kit and media quotes ready got featured more often. Journalists covering the event need visuals and links fast so make it easy for them.
  
• Post your own event recap – After each event, write an article summarizing what your team learned or launched. Tag the event on LinkedIn or X. Many organizers share or link to those posts in their recap blogs.

Simple System to Track Event Links

We recommend creating a spreadsheet with these columns:

Event	Application Deadline	Link Opportunity	URL	Status	Notes
SaaStr Annual	Jan 15	Speaker Bio	saastr.com/speakers	Submitted	Bio link pending
Web Summit	Jul 30	Exhibitor Directory	websummit.com/startups	Approved	Directory live
Slush Helsinki	Oct 5	Pitch Page	slush.org/startups	Pending	Media kit ready

Review this list quarterly. Check each event’s backlink in Ahrefs or Google Search Console to confirm it’s indexed.

How to Win with Tech Media: Crunchbase, TechCrunch, Axios Mentions

We’ve supported dozens of startups through launches, funding rounds, and rebrands. 

One pattern we’ve noticed is that media mentions from sites like TechCrunch, Axios, and Crunchbase News tend to rank for branded search terms and earn backlinks that stick. 

When a reporter links to your startup, that link is often surrounded by high-trust context, indexed by Google fast, and re-used by secondary publications.

Most early-stage teams underestimate how much of this comes down to timing, packaging, and follow-through.

Where We’ve Seen Backlinks Happen

Platform	Typical Link Opportunity	DR	Notes
TechCrunch	Funding round coverage, founder interviews	91	Use “Exclusives” to get priority placement
Crunchbase News	Launch/funding analysis quotes	89	Data-rich PR kits improve odds
VentureBeat	Product releases, partnerships	87	Visuals + specific metrics help get featured
Axios Pro Rata	Newsletter funding mentions	86	Personal warm intro often required
Business Insider	Tech vertical interviews, leaks	90	Timing with industry narrative boosts odds
Fast Company	Innovation/features	88	Unique angle + traction needed

Media Relationships Are Link Equity Over Time

Startup teams that build personal relationships with 3–5 key reporters tend to get mentioned repeatedly across rounds, product launches, or news cycles. 

One of our SaaS clients landed mentions in TechCrunch, Protocol, and PitchBook over 18 months just by keeping 2 journalists in the loop.

When those backlinks are earned, not bought, they carry more weight in Google’s eyes and they convert better because they’re naturally trusted.

Do Expert Commentary Right: Qwoted, Terkel & Beyond

We’ve helped founders land links on sites like Forbes, Mashable, and USA Today by building one simple habit: answering expert quote requests daily.

Platforms like Qwoted, and Terkel offer steady, high-DR backlink opportunities meanwhile most startups just don’t build a system around them.

This isn’t about luck. It’s about consistency and speed.

Platforms That Regularly Deliver Startup Backlinks

Platform	Typical Link Source	DR Range	Response Window
Qwoted	Niche blogs, trade pubs	60–90	24 hrs
Terkel	Mid-tier content sites	40–80	2–3 days
SourceBottle	Breaking industry news	70–85	24 hrs
Featured.com	Startup-focused blogs	50–75	48 hrs

These platforms connect journalists and content teams with expert sources. The journalist posts a question. You submit an answer. If accepted, your quote and link go live.

What We’ve Learned From Submitting 100+ Responses

• Speed wins – Most queries are first-come, first-reviewed. If you respond within 60 minutes of a HARO or Qwoted email, your chance of inclusion jumps. Set up alerts, not inbox rules.
  
• Short answers work best – Most accepted quotes are under 150 words. One startup founder we worked with landed a backlink from Fast Company by keeping it tight: problem, insight, result.
  
• Use your founder title – “CTO at [Startup Name]” or “Founder of [Startup]” tends to signal more authority than just a marketing title. It also increases your chances of getting a follow link in your attribution.
  
• Track every placement – Use Google Alerts for your brand name, and run your domain through Ahrefs weekly to pick up new links. Some of these don’t notify you they just go live.
  
• Push for do-follow links when you can – If the link goes up as no-follow or branded mention only, a polite request often gets it changed. We’ve seen editors update links after a single sentence email.

How Podcasts Are the Most Underrated Link Goldmine

Podcasts help with your brand and they build links. Most startup founders think of interviews as marketing. We see them as SEO assets. 

Every podcast episode typically comes with show notes, transcripts, guest bios, or recap posts and almost every one links back to your site.

We’ve worked with startups that landed on just 4-5 targeted podcasts and picked up high-authority backlinks, referral traffic, and search visibility for months after.

Where the Links Actually Come From

Podcast	Backlink Opportunity	Domain Rating (DR)	Notes
How I Built This	Guest bio in show notes	90	Links live for years
Masters of Scale	Full transcript + guest site link	88	High domain trust
The SaaS Podcast	Show notes + blog recaps	72	Great for B2B founders
Growth Everywhere	Episode page + YouTube	77	Multi-channel backlinks
Lenny’s Podcast	Newsletter summary	75	Bonus link in Substack post

Even niche shows with lower DRs often provide do-follow backlinks in the episode summary. These links are contextual, naturally placed, and usually surrounded by branded anchor text (e.g., “[Name], founder of [Startup]”).

How Directory & Community Links Still Work: What We’ve Seen Firsthand

We’ve audited backlink profiles from over 200 startups. The ones that grew fastest almost always had links from product directories, founder communities, and early-stage platforms.

These links don’t get talked about, but they show up in the top referrers over time.

We’ve helped startups set these up in the first 30 days post-launch and watched them deliver relevant traffic, early authority, and discoverability especially for niche B2B SaaS products.

Directories That Still Drive Value

Platform	Link Type	DR	Notes
Product Hunt	Maker profile + product page	90	Appears in Google brand results
Indie Hackers	Founder story links	75	Contextual backlinks in threads
BetaList	Startup preview page	73	Indexed quickly by Google
AngelList / Wellfound	Company & jobs page	86	Links from high-trust domains
F6S	Startup profile listing	78	Still crawled and indexed by search engines
BuiltWith	Stack listings	72	Passively earns links from comparison tools
StackShare	Tech stack profiles	70	Strong SEO on individual tool pages
AlternativeTo	Product comparison backlinks	71	High relevance for SaaS tools
G2 / Capterra	Vendor profiles + review pages	88 / 86	Excellent for mid-funnel link equity

Most of these platforms have built-in trust with Google. The pages get crawled quickly, and they often link directly to your homepage or landing page.

Conclusion

Link building for startups is a battle, but it’s one that you can win with the right mindset.

When you focus on creativity, building genuine relationships, and using every resource at your disposal, you can go head-to-head with even the biggest players. 

The game is rigged in favor of those with deep pockets, but that doesn’t mean you can’t outsmart them. 

Take the plunge and contact our sales team to establish the foundation that’ll fuel your startup’s growth for years to come. 

FAQ – Link Building for Startups

Why is link building important for startups?

Link building is the process of acquiring hyperlinks from other websites to your own. For startups, it’s crucial because it helps increase visibility, drives organic traffic, and builds credibility in a competitive market.

How can startups build links without a big budget?

Startups can utilize guerrilla tactics like creating standout content, leveraging community platforms like Reddit or Quora, hyper-personalized outreach, and collaborating with others in the industry. Creativity and resourcefulness are key.

What type of content is most effective for attracting backlinks?

High-value content such as in-depth guides, original research reports, interactive tools, and exclusive insights tend to attract more backlinks because they offer unique value to readers and industry stakeholders.

How long does it take for link building to show results?

Link building is a long-term strategy. It can take anywhere from a few months to a year to see significant improvements in search rankings and organic traffic, depending on your niche and the quality of your efforts.

Should startups consider outsourcing link building?

Yes, if resources are limited, outsourcing to experts like BlueTree can be beneficial. Professionals have established relationships and expertise, which can fast-track results and allow startups to focus on their core business.