If you care about SEO, then you care about links—but getting links that move the needle isn’t always a walk in the park. Link building is an essential part of your SEO strategy, but without high-quality content, it’s far more difficult for your outreach program to thrive and acquire strong inbound links. This is where linkable assets enter the conversation.
What is a linkable asset?
A “linkable asset” is a piece of content created with the goal and intention of attracting backlinks from other websites within your niche or industry. Linkable assets aren’t just any old bits of content on your website, either. They need to be valuable, unique, and relevant so that other websites within your niche are compelled to link to them. Doing so improves your website and page authority, as well as search engine rankings, which is one of the main indicators of a successful SEO strategy,
Linkable assets need to be useful to your industry and customer base so that you can actively and confidently promote them to get links to your website. Such assets can provide value to your target audience by offering:
- A solution to a specific problem
- A unique angle
- In-depth information
- Credible, well-referenced data
Why are linkable assets important?
Linkable assets serve as valuable tools for websites and online businesses to improve their online presence and achieve various marketing goals. There are endless link-building benefits, but here are some key advantages of creating high-value linkable assets:
- Increase organic traffic. When other websites within your niche or industry link to your content, it signals to search engines that your content is valuable and authoritative. This can lead to improved search engine rankings, resulting in higher organic (unpaid) traffic to your website. As your content ranks higher in search results, more users are likely to discover and visit your site.
- Increase referral traffic. Backlinks not only contribute to better search engine rankings but also directly bring traffic from the referring websites. When users click on these links on other websites and land on your content, it generates referral traffic. This traffic can be highly targeted if the linking websites are closely related to your niche or audience—but you must ensure that those websites can link to actual assets, not just fluff or weak content.
- Increase brand exposure. Creating linkable assets and getting them linked from reputable sources can significantly increase your brand’s exposure within your industry. When your content is cited or linked to by influential websites, it can enhance your brand’s credibility and lead to increased brand recognition and trust among your target audience.
- Enhance authority and trustworthiness. Backlinks from authoritative websites are seen as votes of confidence in your content. They can help establish your website as a trustworthy and authoritative source within your niche. This not only improves your rankings but also builds trust among users who come across your content.
- Boost conversions and sales. High-quality, informative content often leads to better user engagement and can indirectly contribute to higher conversion rates and sales. When users find valuable information on your site, they are more likely to engage with your brand, subscribe, or make a purchase.
How can I create linkable assets?
Creating linkable assets is a strategic process that begins with understanding your target audience’s needs and providing solutions to their queries. Start small, gradually expanding your arsenal of linkable assets as you gain a better grasp of your audience’s specific requirements. Identify search intent and conduct thorough SERP research to comprehend the questions your audience is asking and how top-ranking sites address them.
When crafting content, quality is more important than quantity; focus on delivering high-quality, valuable information to consumers. To maximize their impact, promote your linkable assets through outreach and social media channels. By aligning your content with audience needs and employing effective promotion strategies, your assets will naturally attract valuable backlinks, enhancing your online presence.
6 Types of linkable assets
Infographic
Infographics are a highly effective linkable asset due to their visual appeal and ability to convey complex information concisely—they can attract a lot of links! However, they should only be used when the content can genuinely benefit from a visual format. When done right, infographics can attract numerous backlinks, making them a go-to choice for content marketers seeking link-building services and opportunities.
Original research and studies
Original research and studies are link magnets in certain industries because they establish trustworthiness and provide unique data and insights. These can take the form of data-driven research or case studies; both add value to consumers and other industry websites. Updating outdated studies can also yield favorable results, as long as the content remains relevant and valuable to your target audience.
Online tools and calculators
Creating online tools and calculators can be a high-barrier strategy, but it has the potential to garner a substantial number of links. Pitch your tool or calculator to websites discussing the problem it solves, or seek inclusion in relevant listicles. Consider paid advertising on platforms like Facebook, Google, or LinkedIn to reach your target audience effectively.
Ultimate guide
Providing a one-stop solution for someone’s problem is a great tool for your audience base, which will make your peers and allies online all the more likely to link to you. An ultimate guide serves as a comprehensive resource that covers every facet of a topic, addressing all the questions and problems your audience may have. It should include images, actionable examples, and step-by-step instructions to be truly effective as a linkable asset.
Awards and rankings
Similar to listicles and original research, awards and rankings rely on data collection and analysis. To make this type of content effective, it’s crucial to clearly explain the criteria and methodology behind the rankings. Readers should understand why specific entities are being ranked or awarded in a particular way, adding credibility to your content.
Resource page
Resource pages are valuable linkable assets that serve as a repository of various content types, including tools, guides, articles, and awards. These pages offer convenience to website visitors by consolidating diverse resources in one place, which not only attracts links but also enhances user experience by providing a centralized hub for valuable content.
How do you earn high-quality links?
The easiest way to earn links is by helping other people by sharing valuable resources and encouraging them to utilize your content. Identify websites, blogs, or influencers within your niche, and proactively distribute your content to them via email or promotions. Cultivating a diverse backlink profile is crucial for SERP ranking, and linkable assets play a vital role in acquiring various backlinks. By fostering valuable relationships, offering resourceful content, and strategically engaging with your niche community, you can effectively earn high-quality links that enhance your online visibility.
Get content that creates value with BASE
What kind of content are you offering not only your consumers but your potential partners that backlink to your website? Linkable assets play a large role in increasing site visibility and authority within your niche, and by creating valuable, high-quality content that people want to link to, you can address your audience’s needs, attract greater traffic, and increase brand exposure.
BASE creates high-quality content so that the value and power of your links speak for themselves. Instead of pouring all of your resources into an outreach strategy alone, hand off some of your content creation to BASE so that your outreach efforts are worth the time and resources. Check out BASE content writing services today!
