In the vast digital landscape, where every website competes for attention, how can you ensure yours stands out in the eyes of search engines like Google?
The answer lies in the often-underestimated technique of link building.
The importance of link building can’t be overstated. Pages ranking number 1 on Google have an average of 3.8x more backlinks than pages ranking in positions 2-10.
These links signify to Google that your site is a trusted source of information, backed by the confidence of other businesses. A high authority translates to improved search rankings, a coveted position in the competitive digital space.
But here’s the catch: How do you build links without sending generic emails that get lost in busy inboxes?
This blog is your guide to crafting SEO link building emails that not only get noticed but actually work.
What is link building?
Link building is an SEO technique that involves getting links from other websites to boost your own website’s authority in Google’s eyes.
Links from other websites tell Google that you’re a reputable source of information and that other businesses trust you. A high authority can significantly improve your search rankings.
Tip: You can get an estimated measurement of your website’s authority using tools like the MOZ DA Checker.
When link building, you make a list of the websites that your target audience is likely to be looking at (that also have some relevance to your business) and ask the owners for links to something you’ve shared on your own website.
This sounds simple enough – but it is a really time-heavy research task which means that by the time you’ve identified which websites you want to get links from, you’re quite likely to send the same generic outreach email to all the people on your list just to be able to finish.
For example:
“Hi [Name]
I was reading your page on [topic] and I thought I’d share a link from my own website that you might find interesting [link].
It would be great if you could link to it from your own content as I think your audience would love what I have to say on [topic].
Let me know what you think!
Thanks,
[Your Name]”
Let’s be honest. We’ve all sent something like this. We’ve either been too tired or too busy to put more effort into making our emails stand out.
But standing out is KEY.
With countless marketers reaching out to these website owners (who also have actual businesses to run), you need to make sure your email gets read, liked and actioned.
So how can you do this?
Should you persist and email the same business again and again? Should you choose more “achievable” targets who may have less of a reputation but more time on their hands to help you?
Or should you put the effort into crafting an attention-grabbing, likeable and memorable email that can make all that time researching worth it?
Step 1: Create an attention-grabbing subject line
Think of your inbox…
What stands out to you?
How many emails do you have that are sitting unread because they didn’t seem exciting enough to open straight-away?
You can’t ask anyone for links to your site if they don’t open your email so take some time to create a subject line that grabs their attention and makes them want to read it immediately.
We usually start ours with an apology – because, let’s be honest, we’ve rudely interrupted their busy day to ask for something!
“Sorry to do this to your inbox…” produces a high open-rate because:
a) you can bet not many other people are emailing apologies so it stands out
and b) the recipient wants to know WHAT we’ve done to their inbox.
Step 2: Write a likeable email
The chances of someone helping you are much higher if they like you. It can be hard to convey how wonderful you are through email but there are a few things you can do to make it easier.
Be honest and straight-forward. This wasn’t an email the reader was expecting so they don’t really have time to read pleasantries or long explanations about who you are. Be upfront by saying “you don’t know me” and then get straight to the point of why you’re reaching out to them.
Make sure the link you’re sharing is actually helpful. If your link doesn’t have a clear value to their business and audience, you’re just wasting their time which isn’t going to make you very likeable. When making your link building list, don’t include businesses just for the sake of it – put yourself in their shoes and consider if you would help someone who emailed that same link to you.
Acknowledge how busy your recipient is. Thank them for reading the email and/or mention that you don’t necessarily expect an immediate response given how busy they are. Not only does this make your email appear less pushy, but it also emphasises that you know the reader has more important tasks to do to keep their business running.
Step 3: Be memorable
The chances of someone helping you are much higher if they like you. It can be hard to convey how wonderful you are through email but there are a few things you can do to make it easier.
Be honest and straight-forward. This wasn’t an email the reader was expecting so they don’t really have time to read pleasantries or long explanations about who you are. Be upfront by saying “you don’t know me” and then get straight to the point of why you’re reaching out to them.
Make sure the link you’re sharing is actually helpful. If your link doesn’t have a clear value to their business and audience, you’re just wasting their time which isn’t going to make you very likeable. When making your link building list, don’t include businesses just for the sake of it – put yourself in their shoes and consider if you would help someone who emailed that same link to you.
Acknowledge how busy your recipient is. Thank them for reading the email and/or mention that you don’t necessarily expect an immediate response given how busy they are. Not only does this make your email appear less pushy, but it also emphasises that you know the reader has more important tasks to do to keep their business running.
Contact a link building agency
Want help with your link building or advanced SEO tactics?
If you’re too busy running your business to focus on doing SEO yourself, or you’d rather leave it to the professionals, our link building services can help you improve your website SEO.
Book a call with our team to find out more about our services!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I bother sending link‑building emails for SEO?
Link‑building outreach is a vital part of improving your site’s authority: pages ranking at number one generally have far more backlinks than those ranked lower. These links signal trustworthiness to Google and can boost your position in search results.
How do I get link emails noticed rather than ignored?
Start with a creative subject line, something unexpected like “Sorry to do this to your inbox…” can really catch attention because it breaks the norm. Next, keep your greeting straightforward and honest, and get to the point quickly. Introduce yourself briefly, explain why you’re reaching out, and what value your link offers.
What makes an outreach email genuinely personal and not just a template?
Personalisation goes beyond a merge tag. Show that you’ve read their content: mention a specific article, reference their tone, or align your suggestion to a theme they already cover. That level of detail builds trust and shows you genuinely value their site, not just want a link.
Should I follow up if I don’t hear back?
Absolutely, provided it’s done politely.
Sending one or two gentle reminders shows persistence without being pushy. A good follow-up might reaffirm that you know they’re busy, restate the value of your link, and offer gratitude for their time, whether they respond or not.
What should I avoid when sending link outreach emails?
Avoid mass outreach, generic pitches, and vague subject lines. Don’t pretend you already know the recipients or send random links that aren’t genuinely useful. And stay away from overly long intros, recipients are busy, so respect their time by keeping emails clear, helpful and relevant.
