Securing natural backlinks has become a crucial metric of content success.

These links are not just endorsements; they are symbols of trust, value, and even a vote of confidence from one creator to another. Natural backlinks amplify the reach of a piece of content by improving its visibility on search engines and solidifying its credibility among audiences.

Creating content that will naturally earn backlinks, however, is both an art and a science: what types of topics naturally attract natural backlinks? What formats or strategies work better than others?

We did a thorough survey of 700 writers, which included people from all walks of industries, niches, and levels of expertise. This research explores trends, challenges, and actionable insights that would uncover the anatomy of backlink-worthy content.

The results present a roadmap for creators seeking to create content that stands out from the crowd.

Natural backlinks are the backbone of content marketing, bridging high-quality content and greater audience exposure. In contrast with paid links, which people purchase, natural backlinks are earned and represent a real interest in a subject. These links:

  • Boost Search Engine Rankings: Search engines prioritize content with credible backlinks, pushing it higher on result pages and amplifying visibility.
  • Enhance Domain Authority: Backlinks from reputable sources bolster your website’s reputation within its niche, signaling trustworthiness to search engines and users alike.
  • Drive Targeted Traffic: Links from authoritative websites draw a relevant audience, often translating into higher engagement and conversions.

Beyond these measurable benefits, natural backlinks represent a vote of confidence from the online community. Earning them involves producing content that resonates, educates, or inspires, making them a cornerstone for sustainable growth strategies in content marketing

Understanding the dynamics of natural backlinks allows creators to align their efforts with long-term success rather than fleeting trends.

The Purpose of the Survey and Study

Our study aimed to decode what makes content inherently shareable and linkable. By engaging a diverse pool of writers, the survey sought to uncover key elements that drive natural backlinks. The focus was on three primary areas:

  • Popular Content Types: Identifying the formats and topics most effective in attracting backlinks, from evergreen tutorials to trending opinion pieces.
  • Challenges Faced by Writers: Exploring common obstacles in creating content that naturally earns backlinks, such as balancing SEO strategies with authenticity or competing in saturated niches.
  • Emerging Trends: Analyzing shifts in content preferences and backlink dynamics, including the rise of socially conscious topics and integration of multimedia.

Through this study, we aimed to provide actionable insights for writers and marketers, offering a clear roadmap for crafting content that garners trust, shares, and backlinks.

How We Conducted the Study?

To ensure a comprehensive analysis, our study followed a structured methodology:

  1. Writers Surveyed: We reached out to 700 writers spanning various industries, demographics, and experience levels.
    • Industries: Technology, health, finance, education, and lifestyle.
    • Experience Levels: From budding freelancers to seasoned content strategists.
  2. Key Questions Asked:
    • What types of topics earn the most backlinks?
    • What challenges do you face in crafting backlink-worthy content?
    • Share examples of your most successful content pieces.
  3. Framework for Analysis:
    • Categorized responses into thematic buckets.
    • Quantitative analysis for patterns and trends.
    • Qualitative insights from standout examples.

Survey Results

Our survey yielded significant findings:

📚 Top Content Categories:

  • “How-to” guides (45%)
  • Industry reports (30%)
  • Lists (15%)

💡 Challenges Faced:

  • 62.2% of writers struggle with competition in saturated niches
  • 53.7% find it tough to balance SEO with authentic storytelling

🏆 Success Metrics:

  • Writers saw a median of 25 backlinks per successful article
  • Evergreen content outperformed trend-based pieces in long-term performance

To create content that naturally attracts backlinks, it’s essential to understand what makes certain articles stand out in the undercurrents of the digital world. From addressing reader needs to spark emotional connections, backlink-worthy topics share common traits that compel others to link, share, and reference them.

Let’s explore the key elements that define and shape such impactful content.

Backlink-worthy content stands out due to its originality, depth, and relevance. Such content offers:

  • Utility: Solving problems or answering questions effectively.
  • Uniqueness: Providing fresh perspectives or exclusive data.
  • Credibility: Built on thorough research and authoritative sources.

Characteristics of Naturally Shareable Articles

  • Relevance: Addresses current or evergreen needs.
  • Depth: Comprehensive coverage with actionable insights.
  • Emotional Resonance: Inspires, entertains, or challenges perceptions.

Evergreen vs. Trend-Based Content: What the Data Suggests

  • Evergreen Content: Timeless topics like “How to Save for Retirement” consistently earn links over the years.
  • Trend-Based Content: Topics like “Top AI Tools in 2025” generate quick, high-impact backlinks but have shorter lifespans.

Emotional Resonance and Reader Engagement

Emotionally charged content often garners more shares and links. Articles that evoke:

  • Awe: Inspiring innovations or discoveries.
  • Joy: Heartwarming or humorous pieces.
  • Anger: Exposing injustices or sparking debate.

Understanding the types of content that consistently earn natural backlinks can transform your content strategy. From practical guides to data-driven insights, each category offers unique opportunities to engage audiences and attract links.

Let’s dive into the top-performing content types and what makes them so effective!

#1: How-To Guides and Tutorials

  • Why They Work: Practical solutions drive engagement.
  • Popular Niches: Technology (e.g., “How to Optimize Your PC’s Storage”), health (e.g., “10 Simple Exercises for Better Posture”), and finance (e.g., “How to Create a Budget for College”).

#2: Industry Reports and Data-Driven Insights

  • Why They Work: Exclusive statistics and insights are a magnet for backlinks.
  • Case Study: A report titled “State of Remote Work in 2024” received over 1,200 backlinks within six months.

#3: Lists and Rankings

  • Why They Work: Lists offer concise, digestible information.
  • Examples: “Top 10 Productivity Apps” or “Best Beaches in the World.”

#4: Thought Leadership and Opinion Pieces

  • Why They Work: Authority-driven content sparks discussion and builds credibility.
  • Risks: Polarizing topics can alienate some audiences but attract significant engagement from others.

#5: Controversial or Trendy Topics

  • Why They Work: Tapping into viral news ensures immediate relevance.
  • Ethical Considerations: Writers must balance engagement with responsibility.

Case Study #1: Backlinko’s Organic Traffic Increase

Backlinko, a leading authority in SEO and content marketing, developed the “Skyscraper Technique 2.0” to create highly valuable and engaging content. This approach focuses on:

  • Identifying content that already performs well in terms of backlinks.
  • Enhancing its quality by adding more value, such as updated data, better visuals, or expanded insights.
  • Outreach to relevant audiences to promote the improved content.

One specific application of this strategy resulted in a 652% increase in organic traffic within just seven days. For instance, a newly optimized page climbed to the #1 position on Google for a competitive keyword within a few weeks, generating significant backlinks and increasing its domain authority.

This case study underscores how strategically reworking existing content can outperform entirely new creations.


Case Study #2: Ahrefs’ SEO Success Across Industries

Ahrefs, a powerful SEO tool provider, compiled and analyzed multiple case studies showcasing significant traffic and backlink growth across different industries. Some notable examples include:

  • Zapier’s Blog: Through meticulous keyword research, structured content, and link-building strategies, Zapier’s blog achieved 1.6 million monthly search visits.
  • RTINGS.com: An electronics review website leveraged SEO strategies to boost its monthly search visits to 9.5 million. This success was driven by in-depth, user-focused reviews and strategic interlinking.

The Ahrefs compilation highlights actionable SEO techniques, such as understanding search intent, optimizing on-page SEO, and consistent backlink outreach, as the backbone for exponential traffic growth and increased visibility.


Case Study #3: Diggity Marketing’s E-commerce Traffic Growth

Diggity Marketing detailed how an e-commerce client experienced a 417% increase in traffic over eight months. The implemented SEO strategies, content improvements, and backlink tactics resulted in an additional $48,000 in monthly revenue, totaling a 112% overall revenue increase.

These case studies highlight the effectiveness of strategic content creation and SEO optimization in driving significant traffic and generating valuable backlinks.


Writer Insights and Challenges

Creating backlink-worthy content isn’t without its hurdles. Writers must navigate the delicate balance between meeting SEO demands and crafting authentic, engaging content. Through our survey, we uncovered insights, challenges, and emerging trends shaping the way writers approach content ideation and execution.

Survey respondents highlighted the importance of:

  • Audience Research: Understanding what readers want.
  • Trends Analysis: Monitoring industry developments.

Challenges in Content Ideation

  • Oversaturation of popular topics.
  • Balancing originality with relevance.

👉 The Balancing Act Between SEO and Authenticity

  • Over-Optimization: Excessive use of keywords can lead to robotic-sounding content that sacrifices readability. This often results in a jarring experience for users and can hurt engagement.
  • Natural Appeal: Prioritizing a reader-first approach ensures the content is engaging, relatable, and valuable. It’s about striking a balance that doesn’t compromise user experience in favor of search rankings.
  • AI-Generated Content: Writers are increasingly using AI tools to assist in content creation, but they are blending these resources with their unique voices to ensure the final product remains authentic and human. The challenge is to avoid sounding formulaic while utilizing AI to streamline the process.
  • Socially Conscious Topics: Modern audiences are drawn to content that highlights sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility. Brands aligning with these causes often enjoy increased trust and stronger engagement.

Maximizing natural backlinks requires a strategic approach, combining credible research, strong collaborations, attention-grabbing headlines, and engaging multimedia to enhance content shareability, authority, and visibility across platforms.

👉 Leveraging Research and Credible Sources

High-quality sources enhance trustworthiness and shareability: Credible sources improve content authority, making it more trustworthy and shareable, which increases audience engagement and reach.

👉 Building Relationships with Other Writers and Publishers

Collaborations foster a mutually beneficial link-building ecosystem: by working together, content creators can share backlinks, expand their audience, and improve website rankings.

👉 Crafting Headlines and Intros That Demand Attention

Effective headlines combine clarity with intrigue, e.g., “10 Hidden Travel Gems for 2025“: Compelling headlines spark curiosity while providing clear value, drawing readers in.

👉 Enhancing Content with Multimedia

Infographics, videos, and interactive tools not only enrich the user experience but also encourage sharing and linking: Visual elements engage users, improve SEO, and increase shareability and backlinks.

Link building has evolved from a tactical SEO activity to a value-driven practice focused on meaningful connections—between websites and audiences.

👉 Lessons from 700 Writers: The Common Ground

Insights from 700 writers highlight a universal truth: strategies may vary, but quality and relevance are the foundation of backlink success.

Content that solves problems or offers unique perspectives consistently earns organic links.

As 2025 approaches, the focus shifts from “What gets linked?” to “What truly matters to readers?” Content must inspire, inform, or engage—not just boost SEO. Authenticity and audience value now define success, making impactful content the cornerstone of modern link-building.

Here’s a breakdown on what our experts think the backlinks strategies for 2025 will look like:

1. AI-Driven Content Personalization

“Writers will rely on AI tools like ChatGPT and Jasper to create hyper-personalized, niche-focused content. This shift will naturally attract high-quality backlinks by boosting relevance and engagement.” – Content Strategist, ABC

2. Interactive Content Revolution

“The rise of interactive content—quizzes, calculators, and gamified experiences—will redefine backlink strategies. Writers who master these formats will see their work become backlink magnets.” – Interactive Content Writer, PQR

3. Voice Search Optimization

“With the growth of smart devices, writers will need to tailor their content for conversational voice queries. This strategy will go perfectly with backlink-building opportunities in the voice search space.” – SEO Content Writer, XYZ

4. Ethical AI Content Generation

“As AI tools take the spotlight, writers will focus on originality and ethical sourcing to stand out. Credible, unique content will remain the backbone of effective backlink strategies.” 👉 Ethical Content Creator, LMN

“AI will empower writers to identify backlink opportunities by analyzing trends and automating outreach. Those who embrace these tools will thrive in 2025.” 👉 Freelance SEO Writer, MNP

“User-generated content and influencer endorsements will play a big role in backlink strategies. Writers who weave social proof into their storytelling will gain a significant edge.” 👉 Digital Content Writer, LPO

7. Content Sustainability and Green Practices

“Eco-conscious narratives will dominate. Writers creating sustainability-focused content will attract backlinks from thought leaders and eco-friendly brands.” 👉 Sustainable Content Writer, OOO

Conclusion

The survey emphasizes that backlink-worthy content goes beyond SEO—it must offer utility, emotional resonance, and originality. The best writers are those who meet their audience’s expectations without losing their authentic voice.

While algorithms affect visibility, the true power of content lies in its quality and authenticity. Readers engage with content that addresses their needs, not just optimized for search engines.

Actionable Tips Based on Survey

  • Focus on evergreen, relevant content for sustained traffic.
  • Build credibility through research and partnerships.
  • Stay adaptable to trends and audience preferences.

Appendices

Survey Questions and Methodology

  • What’s your primary industry?
  • Which content types have earned you the most backlinks?
  • What challenges do you face in creating shareable content?

Noteworthy Writer Quotes and Opinions

  • “Relevance and depth are my guiding principles.”
  • “The key is connecting emotionally with readers.”

FAQs

What are natural backlinks, and why are they important?

Natural backlinks are naturally acquired links from other websites that link to your content without any monetary exchange. That is important in itself because it boosts the search engine ranking, enhances the domain authority, and drives targeted traffic.

What are the most backlink-worthy types of content?

The most backlink-worthy types of content are “how-to” guides, industry reports, lists and rankings, pieces demonstrating thought leadership, and trending or controversial topics.

How do natural backlinks impact SEO performance?

Search engines consider natural backlinks as a sign that the website is credible and trustworthy, which improves the ranking of the website on SERPs and brings the website to more general attention.

What are the key elements of content that naturally attract backlinks?

Backlink-worthy content typically features utility (solves problems), uniqueness (offers fresh perspectives), credibility (is research-backed), and emotional resonance (engages readers on a personal level).

How can writers balance SEO optimization with authentic storytelling?

To find the balance between SEO and authenticity, first place the needs of the audience first, then language, and finally integrate the elements of SEO seamlessly into the narration, such as keywords and meta descriptions.

What challenges do writers face in creating backlink-worthy content?

Common challenges include competing in saturated niches, balancing SEO requirements with authenticity, and ideating unique yet relevant content topics.

How does evergreen content compare to trend-based content for earning backlinks?

Evergreen content remains relevant and continues to earn backlinks over time, while trend-based content generates immediate, high-impact backlinks but has a shorter lifespan.

What role does multimedia play in earning natural backlinks?

Multimedia elements like infographics, videos, and interactive tools enhance user engagement and are more likely to be shared and linked to by other websites.

How can collaborations with other writers and publishers help in earning backlinks?

Collaborations foster relationships that can lead to mutual linking, guest posting opportunities, and shared audiences, amplifying the chances of earning backlinks.

What strategies can writers use to maximize natural backlinks?

Strategies include conducting thorough audience research, crafting compelling headlines and introductions, leveraging credible sources, and integrating multimedia to enrich the user experience.

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