As a crypto business, you know how tough it is to get quality backlinks. Trust issues, fierce competition, and the complexity of the industry make websites hesitant to link to you. Without strong backlinks, your growth, rankings, and credibility take a hit.
To overcome this, it’s crucial to learn how and where to earn backlinks in a legitimate way that builds trust and authority in your niche. This could be the key to driving real success for your business.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 16 proven strategies for securing high-quality crypto backlinks that can significantly enhance your site’s search engine rankings and online presence.
1. Guest Posting
Guest posting is when you write articles for other websites as a guest author. This allows you to share your knowledge with a new audience, and in return, you get a valuable backlink to your crypto website. By carefully choosing high-authority crypto blogs and tailoring the content to their audience, you can significantly improve your website authority and brand recognition..
It's crucial to meticulously quality-check guest posting prospects when trying to find guest posting prospects.
It’s no secret that there are many shady crypto websites around, and you don’t want a backlink from them in your backlink portfolio.
Tools like Linkee help you to vet prospects in seconds by checking their contextual relevancy, spam score, website security and more.
You can also check out our hand-picked lists of crypto guest posting websites to help you in your first steps.
Pro Tip: If you are unsure of the quality of the crypto website you are considering for guest posting, it’s better to focus on trusted websites from broader niches like finance and tech.
Real-World Example
A great example of a guest posting strategy is the backlink from Coinspeaker to Stoic.ai, as demonstrated in the article Automated Crypto Trading Systems: A Comprehensive Guide. The article seamlessly integrates Stoic.ai's expertise, making the link highly relevant and valuable for readers interested in automated trading solutions.
2. Backlinks from Crypto Sites
Getting backlinks from other cryptocurrency websites is incredibly valuable for boosting your crypto site’s authority.
However, as I mentioned above, not all crypto websites are worth the link-building effort.
The crypto websites that are more trustworthy, as a rule of thumb, are crypto SAAS websites, such as crypto trading platforms, crypto wallet solutions, crypto analytics platforms, and the like.
The challenge with these websites is that they rarely offer backlinks, as their primary focus is prioritizing functionality and innovation over external partnerships, making it harder to secure backlinks from them.
This means more traditional link-building strategies won’t work.
What could potentially work is a more creative strategy. For example, you could collaborate with high-authority financial websites, where the SAAS crypto platform can be enthusiastic to be mentioned.By writing a guest post for the third-party website, you can secure a backlink for the SaaS crypto website by mentioning and linking to them in the content. In return, the SaaS crypto website can provide a backlink to your site,
Real-World Example
A prime example of backlinks from crypto websites is the link from Investopedia's "Blockchain Explained" article to Chainalysis's "2024 Crypto Crime Report Introduction." This link is strategically placed to provide Investopedia's readers with expert insights while boosting Chainalysis's SEO by associating it with a high-authority financial site. The relevance and alignment between blockchain content and crypto crime analysis make this link both natural and highly effective.
3. Linkable Assets
Linkable assets are high-quality content that you create on your crypto website with the specific purpose of attracting backlinks. These can be anything from comprehensive guides, infographics, tools, or original research. The goal is to provide something so valuable that other websites naturally want to link to it.
Think of it like creating a tool or resource that everyone in your industry wants to use—it becomes a go-to reference, and people link to it because it adds value to their own content. To maximize the effectiveness of your linkable assets, focus on creating content that solves a common problem or addresses a specific need within the crypto community.
Here are examples of linkable assets for a crypto website:
- Market analysis – Data-driven insights on crypto trends
- Case studies – Real-world examples of crypto success stories
- Industry reports – Research findings on market movements
- Tools/calculators – Interactive resources like tax calculators
- Glossaries – Definitions of important crypto terms, etc
Real-World Example
A prime example of a successful linkable asset is Crypto Profit Calculator on CoinStats. This tool offers users a straightforward way to calculate potential profits from their crypto investments, making it a valuable resource for both novice and seasoned investors. By providing practical utility, the calculator not only drives organic traffic to CoinStats but also serves as an attractive target for backlinks generating around 150 backlinks. Websites and blogs covering cryptocurrency topics often link to this tool, enhancing CoinStats’ online visibility and securing high-quality backlinks from reputable sources within the crypto community.
4. Niche Edit/Link Insertion
Niche edits, also known as link insertions, involve adding your link to existing content on other websites. Instead of creating new content or exchanging links, you enhance an already published article by including your link where it naturally fits.
Similar to guest posting, the main challenge here is finding high-qaulity prospects that are spam-free and relevant.
Here are some websites you can consider:
- Personal Finance
- Fintech
- Cybersecurity
- Technology blogs, etc
Real-World Example
A prime example of the Niche Edit/Link insertion strategy for SaaS is seen in how CoinGecko secured a mention on CoinDesk’s article "XRP Surges 7% Amid Ripple-SEC Settlement Hopes, $600M Token Unlock." In this article, CoinGecko’s exchange page for Upbit was linked as a reference, providing readers with direct access to comprehensive exchange data. This strategic placement of a relevant link enhances CoinGecko’s visibility and credibility within the crypto space.
5. Digital PR for Link Building
Digital PR for link building involves creating and distributing newsworthy content that grabs the attention of journalists, bloggers, and influencers within the crypto industry. The goal is to get your crypto website featured in articles, press releases, or news stories, earning high-quality backlinks in the process.
The main benefits of Digital PR are the following:
- You get backlinks from huge news outlets you otherwise wouldn’t be able to get
- You naturally earn hundreds of backlinks per campaign
Real-World Example
An effective illustration of Digital PR for link building is showcased by NuPay Technologies in their feature on Capital.com's "How to Create NFT" article. This article offers a comprehensive guide on entering the NFT market, where NuPay Technologies contributes expert advice on navigating the complexities of selling NFTs. By providing actionable insights, such as the importance of choosing the right marketplace and the costs associated with listing digital art, NuPay Technologies establishes itself as a trusted resource in the crypto space. This strategic placement not only delivers value to readers but also secures a valuable backlink to their website, amplifying their online visibility and reinforcing their position as an industry leader in cryptocurrency and NFT transactions.
6. Unlinked Brand Mentions
Unlinked brand mentions occur when your crypto website or brand is mentioned on other sites, but without a link back to your site. These mentions are a hidden gem in link building because they represent an opportunity to turn simple mentions into valuable backlinks with minimal effort. Most website owners are open to adding a link, especially when the mention is already there—it’s just a matter of asking.
Real-World Example
One example of this strategy is Cryptoradar being mentioned on 4,971 pages without a backlink according to Ahrefs. Cryptoradar could grab this opportunity by contacting the site owners and requesting a link. Identifying and acting on these opportunities allows you to enhance your crypto website’s SEO by converting existing mentions into high-quality backlinks.
7. Podcast Link Building
Podcast link building involves appearing as a guest on relevant crypto podcasts, where you can share your expertise and insights. During the episode, the host usually provides a link to your website or resources in the show notes, which helps you gain valuable backlinks.
In my experience, being a guest on crypto-related podcasts is an excellent way to build backlinks while also reaching a highly engaged audience. Podcasts are a popular medium in the crypto world, and when you appear as a guest, you not only build backlinks but also position yourself as a thought leader in the industry.
Real-World Example
A prime example of the Podcast Link Building strategy for SaaS is Lloyd Lobo’s appearance on the Aaron Zakowski podcast, where he discussed community-led growth. The episode, titled "Community-Led Growth with Lloyd Lobo," not only provided valuable insights into SaaS growth strategies but also included backlinks to Lobo’s projects, such as Boast.AI. This strategy not only boosts Lobo's personal brand and SEO but also drives targeted traffic to Boast.AI, enhancing its visibility in the SaaS community.
8. Broken Link Building
Broken link building is a strategy where you find broken links on other websites, reach out to the site owner, and suggest replacing the broken link with a link to your relevant content. This is particularly effective in the fast-moving crypto space, where websites and resources frequently change or become outdated.
Real-World Example
If you notice a broken link, such as the one on Gfinity Esports' page that previously directed users to Kraken's fee schedule, now resulting in a 404 error, this presents a prime opportunity. As a brand, you could reach out to the Gfinity Esports team, offering them a link to your relevant content—perhaps a detailed guide on cryptocurrency exchange fees or a comparison of top exchanges. By positioning your content as a valuable replacement, you not only help Gfinity Esports maintain their user experience but also secure a backlink from a high-authority site. This tactic can significantly enhance your SEO efforts by associating your brand with trusted and popular sources.
9. Infographics
Infographics are visual representations of information, data, or knowledge designed to present complex concepts quickly and clearly. In the crypto space, infographics can be particularly powerful for explaining intricate topics like blockchain technology, cryptocurrency trends, or market analysis. The strategy involves creating high-quality infographics and sharing them with other websites, offering them as a resource in exchange for a backlink.
Imagine it like creating a visual cheat sheet that others in your industry find so useful they can’t help but share it with their audience.
Real-World Example
A prime illustration of leveraging infographics for link building in the crypto space can be seen with the infographic "Blockchain: The Future of Finance" from BlockGeeks. This visual asset simplifies intricate concepts surrounding blockchain technology, making it accessible for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts. By presenting valuable insights in a visually engaging manner, the infographic can quickly gain traction, being shared across numerous financial and tech blogs. This organic sharing increases BlockGeeks' brand exposure and leads to a surge in high-authority backlinks, significantly enhancing their search engine rankings.
10. Press Release for Link Building
Press release link building involves creating and distributing press releases to announce significant news or updates about your crypto business, aiming to earn backlinks from media outlets, news websites, and industry blogs. This strategy is particularly effective in the fast-paced crypto industry, where timely news can generate widespread interest.
Real-World Example
An example of a press release link-building strategy in the crypto industry can be seen with Ledger,a hardware wallet provider. Ledger has been featured in major publications like Forbes and TechCrunch,when they released new products or provide insights on crypto security.This backlink from a highly authoritative source not only drives significant traffic to Ledger’s website but also enhances its SEO by increasing its domain authority. This is a classic example of how PR link building works.
11. Blogger Outreach
Blogger outreach involves reaching out to bloggers and influencers in the crypto space to collaborate on content, with the aim of earning a backlink to your website. This strategy is about building relationships with bloggers who have an engaged audience interested in cryptocurrency topics. By providing them with high-quality content, you can secure valuable backlinks that enhance your SEO and increase your site's visibility.
Real-World Example
A prime example of this strategy involves Alexander Leishman, the founder of River, a Bitcoin brokerage. Leishman shared his insights and journey in an article published on Nasdaq's website. The article, titled "River: A Bitcoin Brokerage Built From The Ground Up," not only provided valuable content that resonated with Nasdaq’s audience but also included a link back to River's website. This helped enhance River’s online visibility while positioning the company as a credible player in the Bitcoin space.
12. Founder Interviews
Founder interviews involve having the founder or key leadership of your crypto company featured in interviews on relevant websites, blogs, or podcasts. These interviews typically include a backlink to your site, either within the content itself or in the author bio, helping to build both your brand’s authority and SEO. This strategy not only boosts your site’s visibility but also allows you to share your company’s story and vision with a broader audience.
Real-World Example
SafePal's CEO Veronica Wong's interview on CryptoSlate highlights how strategic conversations with industry leaders can be a powerful link-building strategy. This specific interview, where Wong discusses the evolution of Web3, is packed with insights that appeal to industry professionals, making it a prime candidate for backlinks from crypto and tech-focused websites.
13. Link Roundups
Link roundup involves getting your content featured in curated lists that compile the best articles, tools, or resources in the crypto industry. For example, if you create a comprehensive guide on cryptocurrency security, getting it included in a popular weekly roundup on crypto security best practices can drive targeted traffic and secure valuable backlinks.
Real-World Example
A prime example of how the Link Roundup strategy can be seen through the inclusion of Milk Road in a feature by Fast Company, specifically in their roundup of the Most Innovative Companies in Crypto, Blockchain, Web3, and the Metaverse for 2023. By regularly contributing valuable insights and staying on top of industry trends, Milk Road was able to secure a spot in this high-profile roundup.
14. Whitepapers and Research Reports
Whitepapers and research reports are in-depth, data-driven documents that provide valuable insights or solutions to specific challenges in the crypto industry. For crypto websites, publishing these detailed reports can be a powerful way to attract backlinks from other sites that reference your work as a credible source. In my experience, whitepapers that delve into complex topics like blockchain scalability or cryptocurrency regulations tend to attract significant attention. When these reports are shared or cited by other crypto-focused websites, you also establish your brand as an authority in the space.
Real-World Example
A great illustration of how to effectively use the whitepapers strategy is KuCoin's release of their detailed Campus Survey. By creating and promoting this thorough research report, KuCoin established themselves as industry experts. This strategy draws media coverage and prompts other websites to cite and link to their findings, leading to valuable backlinks and enhancing their authority in the blockchain sector. This is a smart way to transform in-depth research into a significant SEO asset.
15. Crypto News Sites
Getting featured on crypto news sites is an effective way to build backlinks for your website. These sites are authoritative sources within the industry, and a mention or feature can significantly boost your SEO and credibility. For instance, if your crypto project is launching a new feature or hitting a milestone, getting it covered by a reputable crypto news site can generate high-quality backlinks that drive traffic and enhance your site’s authority.
Real-World Example
A perfect example of leveraging the Crypto News Sites strategy can be seen with Binance securing a link on Blockchain.news in an article discussing the delisting of certain tokens like OMG, WAVES, WNXM, and XEM. By providing newsworthy updates that resonate with the crypto community, Binance secures coverage from leading crypto news platforms. This attracts targeted traffic and strengthens their backlink profile, boosting their authority and influence within the crypto industry. This approach effectively keeps Binance at the forefront of industry discussions and search rankings.
16. Crypto Directories
Crypto directories are specialized platforms where cryptocurrency projects and services can be listed for increased visibility and credibility. Being listed in a well-known directory, such as CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko, not only enhances your project's reputation but also provides valuable backlinks to your website. These directories often have high domain authority, making the backlinks particularly beneficial for your SEO efforts.
Easy Tip: To maximize the benefits of this strategy, make sure that your listing is complete and regularly updated with accurate information.
Real-World Example
A strong example of employing the Crypto Directories strategy can be seen with TON’s listing on CoinMarketCap's TONCoin page. By ensuring that their cryptocurrency is featured on reputable crypto directories like CoinMarketCap, TON secures valuable backlinks from authoritative sites within the industry. This approach significantly boosts TON’s visibility to a wider audience and strengthens their SEO by being linked to a trusted and authoritative platform like CoinMarketCap. As a result, it enhances TON's credibility, drives quality traffic to their project, and solidifies their presence within the competitive crypto landscape.
What Websites Are More Likely to Give Backlinks to Your Crypto Startup?
When building backlinks for your crypto startup, it's crucial to target websites that are relevant to your industry. Websites with content closely aligned with your niche are more likely to provide high-quality backlinks that boost your SEO and online visibility. Here are some categories and examples of sites that are likely to give backlinks to your crypto startup:
- Crypto News Sites: These platforms focus on the latest developments, news, and innovations in the cryptocurrency world. Examples include CoinDesk, CoinTelegraph, and CryptoSlate. These sites often feature news stories, expert opinions, and market analyses that are relevant to the crypto community.
- Blockchain and Technology Blogs: Blogs that cover blockchain technology, decentralized finance (DeFi), and related topics are highly relevant. Sites like The Block and Hackernoon frequently publish content related to blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
- Fintech Publications: Fintech blogs and news sites often cover developments in financial technology, including blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
- Educational Platforms: Websites that offer courses, tutorials, or resources on blockchain and cryptocurrency are excellent sources of backlinks.
- Startup-Focused Publications: Websites that specifically target startup news and advice are great for securing backlinks, especially if your crypto startup is gaining traction or has a unique innovation.
By focusing on these types of websites, you can build a robust backlink profile that not only improves your search engine rankings but also drives targeted traffic from within the cryptocurrency community.
Wrapping Up Your Link Building Strategy for Crypto
Building a strong backlink profile is essential for cryptocurrency websites looking to improve their search rankings and drive targeted traffic. From guest posts and linkable assets to digital PR and crypto news sites, the strategies mentioned above are particularly effective at attracting high-quality links. In the crypto space, relevance and value are key—make sure every link you earn is from a source that aligns with your niche and offers real value to your audience.
To streamline your link-building efforts, consider using tools like Linkee. Linkee automates the process of identifying high-quality link opportunities tailored to your niche, saving you time and ensuring effective link building. By leveraging these strategies and tools, you can significantly enhance your crypto website’s online presence, driving growth and laying a strong foundation for long-term success.
Maria Harutyunyan is the co-founder at Loopex Digital, one of the fast-growing SEO agencies in the world. She grew the agency to a 7-figure from the ground up in 3 years. Outside of Loopex Digital, Harutyunyan is a keynote speaker and SEO coach. She is the founder of the first SEO academy, an off-line training program in Yerevan, Armenia.