Quote from James A.Hart on June 29, 2025, 11:49 am

Let’s address the elephant in the room: backlinks still matter, but not the way they used to.

In September of last year, Google officially stated that links are no longer a top three ranking signal. That doesn’t mean backlinks are dead — but it does mean the game has changed. If you’re still relying on outdated tactics, you’re falling behind.

To succeed in 2025, you need to focus on the right mix of link sources while pairing them with a solid AI-powered content strategy. Here’s how I currently break down my link acquisition playbook:

My 2025 Link Building Mix

• 10% Digital PR
  These are earned links from news coverage, data-driven articles, or unique research that attract media attention. Not easy to land — but powerful when they hit.
• 5% HARO (Help A Reporter Out)
  HARO used to be more effective, but it’s gotten increasingly competitive. I’ve reduced this from 15% due to diminishing ROI.
• 40% Guest Posts
  Still a cornerstone of my strategy. Done right, guest posting builds authority, contextual relevance, and domain diversity.
• 30% Link Insertion (a.k.a. Link Reclamation or Niche Edits)
  This involves getting links placed in existing, already-indexed articles. Fast, effective, and great for relevancy.
• 3% Business Citations
  Basic but important — especially for local or trust-building SEO.
• 12% Link Exchanges (Strategic Partnerships)
  I’ve scaled this up from 2% to 12%. Not spammy exchanges, but ongoing collaborations with other trusted link builders. Example:
  “I’ll get you a link in my next guest post, and you return the favor in yours.”

Backlinks aren’t dead — but your approach needs to evolve. Focus less on volume and more on relevance, partnerships, and authority. Combine this with topical content at scale, and you’ll stay ahead of the pack.