Let’s talk about something that most business owners don’t think about but can make a huge difference in getting more customers online—backlinks.  Suppose you’ve wondered why some companies consistently rank higher on Google while others struggle to get noticed.  In that case, backlinks are a big part of the reason.

So, what exactly are backlinks, and how do they help your website?  More importantly, how can you use guest posting to get them and grow your business?  Let’s break it down in plain English and show you how to get ahead of the competition.

1. What Are Backlinks and Why Do They Matter?

A backlink is just a link from another website to your website.  Think of it as a vote of confidence in Google’s eyes.  When other websites link to yours, Google sees your site as more trustworthy and authoritative, which helps it rank higher in search results.

Backlinks work like recommendations.  You’d trust that recommendation if you needed a plumber and three friends told you to call the same guy.  Google works the same way—if multiple websites link to your site, Google assumes you’re a credible source and moves you up in search rankings.

The higher you rank, the more people find your website and the more leads, calls, and customers you get.

2. Not All Backlinks Are Created Equal

Before trying to get backlinks from everywhere, you need to know that quality matters more than quantity.

Good backlinks come from reputable, high-authority websites in your industry.  A link from a respected home improvement blog or a primary news site is far more valuable than 100 links from random, low-quality websites.

What makes a backlink high-quality?

• It comes from a trusted website (not a spammy one).
• It’s relevant to your industry (a home improvement site linking to a roofing company makes sense; a gaming site linking to a plumber does not).
• It’s placed naturally in the content (not forced).

Bad backlinks can hurt your website. These include:

• Links from spammy, low-quality websites.
• Links that were paid for in bulk (Google penalizes this).
• Links from random, unrelated sites that have nothing to do with your business.

In short, Focus on getting fewer high-quality backlinks rather than a ton of low-quality ones.

3. Guest Posting: The Best Way to Earn High-Quality Backlinks

Guest posting is one of the best ways to get strong, high-quality backlinks.  This is when you write an article for another website in your industry, and in return, they allow you to link back to your site.

Guest posting benefits your business in three significant ways:

• You get a backlink, which boosts your Google rankings.
• You reach a new audience that might not know about your business.
• You build credibility by showing your expertise in your industry.

Example:

Let’s say you own an HVAC company.  You write a guest post for a home improvement blog titled “5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repairs Before Summer”.  In that post, you naturally include a link to your website.  Now, not only does your site get a strong backlink, but homeowners who read the article might also call your business when they need AC repairs.

That’s a win-win—more SEO power and more potential customers.

4. Where to Find Guest Posting Opportunities

Not every website accepts guest posts, so you must find the right places to submit your content.

Here’s how to find great guest posting opportunities:

• Look at industry blogs – Find home improvement, contractor, or real estate blogs that accept guest contributors.
• Check competitor backlinks – Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Ubersuggest to see where competitors get backlinks.
• Google it – Search for phrases like:
  • “Submit a guest post [your industry]”
  • “Write for us [your industry].”
  • “Guest post guidelines [your industry]”
• Network with other business owners – If you know other contractors, exchange guest posts on each other’s websites.

You don’t need to write hundreds of guest posts. Even 5-10 quality guest posts on high-authority sites can significantly impact your SEO.

5. How to Write a Guest Post That Gets Accepted

Not every website will accept your guest post. To increase your chances, follow these tips:

• Read their guidelines – Most websites have specific rules for guest posts. Follow them exactly.
• Pitch a unique topic – Don’t suggest something they’ve already covered. Find a fresh angle that fits their audience.
• Write high-quality content – Your post should be informative, well-structured, and engaging.
• Include your link naturally—don’t just dump it at the end.  Please place it in a way that adds value to the article.
• Keep it industry-relevant – Ensure your guest post aligns with the website’s Focus.

Example:

If you’re a plumber, you could write:

• “The Most Common Plumbing Issues Homeowners Face in Winter”
• “Why Your Water Bill is Suddenly Higher (And How to Fix It)”

If you’re a roofer, you could write:

• “How Often Should You Inspect Your Roof for Damage?”
• “Why Roof Ventilation is More Important Than You Think”

Providing valuable, well-written content makes your guest post more likely to be accepted.

6. Other Ways to Get Backlinks (Besides Guest Posting)

While guest posting is one of the best methods, there are other ways to build backlinks:

• Local directories – Submit your business to Yelp, Angi, HomeAdvisor, and BBB.
• Partner with local businesses – Get links from vendors, suppliers, or complementary companies (for example, a roofer linking to a gutter installer).
• Create shareable content—Write blog posts, infographics, or videos that other websites might want to link to.
• Press releases – If you have newsworthy updates (new services, big projects), submit a press release to news sites.

The key is to get backlinks naturally—Google rewards businesses that earn links through quality content rather than shady tactics.

Final Thoughts: Backlinks Are the Secret to Higher Rankings

You need backlinks to rank higher on Google, attract more website visitors, and attract more customers.

Quick Recap:

• Backlinks are links from other websites to your site—they tell Google you’re trustworthy.
• Not all backlinks are equal—quality over quantity is key.
• Guest posting is one of the best ways to earn high-quality backlinks.
• Find guest post opportunities by searching industry blogs, checking competitor backlinks, and networking.
• Follow guest post guidelines and write valuable, engaging content.
• Other ways to get backlinks include local directories, business partnerships, and press releases.

Start small. Over time, you can get one solid guest post per month. In that case, you’ll see significant improvements in your website’s rankings and customer inquiries.

It’s one of the most powerful (and free) marketing strategies.  The question is—will you start using it, or will you let your competitors outrank you?