Link-Building Secrets Unveiled: AMA with SEO Pros, Part 1

How do you craft the perfect link-building outreach message? Which surprising link-building techniques actually work? How shall you properly measure the impact of backlinks? How to boost your response rates when you’re getting ghosted?

In our recent live fireside chat, Robert Kormoczi and Oussama Bettaieb, two SEO experts who’ve done link-building both on the agency and in-house sides, laid it all on the table.

From building backlinks on Reddit to tips for better follow-ups, we’ve got the no-nonsense advice for navigating the wild world of link-building.

So grab a cup of coffee and let's see what every link-building aficionado should know in this Part 1 of our AMA!

Q: When doing outreach, how different is your messaging if you’re talking to another link builder versus an in-house marketer?

In-house marketers and professional link-builders approach their job differently

Robert, Founder at AgilePR:

With link builders, my communication is very direct — no formalities, I go straight to the point. In ABC link exchanges, it’s often just "do this" and "do that," especially since we’re both industry experts aiming for the same thing.

But with in-house marketers, it’s different.

They appreciate personalized touches and specific references to their website, often finding value in being acknowledged by name and seeing their work recognized. I always make sure to mention their website, especially at the beginning, as it shows I’ve done my due diligence.

So personalization really makes a difference, especially when managers and mid-level executives receive countless emails daily.

Oussama, Head of Marketing at Aloa:

Personal touches are key if you want a response.

I receive daily emails on my DR65 domain, aloa.co, and I ignore most of them because they're not relevant at all. Emails that stand out are those that offer something valuable, like collaboration on a topic rather than just a random link exchange request.

In-house marketers are often proud of their work, whether it’s a piece of content or a unique design, and acknowledging that can improve response rates.

Also, know who exactly you’re contacting at your target company. You’ll have better chances with the content editor or link-builder than with a designer, for example.

When asking an in-house marketer for a backlink, you need to show why you like their content

Q: How can we reduce follow-up time during outreach?

Robert:

Getting ghosted is frustrating, especially after putting in the effort. But link building is often a numbers game — if one contact doesn’t reply, move on to the next one.

There are some great link-building tools for automating follow-ups after the second or third attempt. Our response rate improved a lot with automated, personalized follow-ups, but volume still plays the major part. Sending 25–40 targeted emails per day improves your odds of getting a response.

Oussama:

I’ve found a small hack for follow-ups: use “RE:” in your subject line to create the impression of a continued conversation. It often makes recipients more likely to open and respond, as they might think they already engaged with the email.

It’s a simple tweak, but it has helped me get quicker responses.

Robert:

Another tip — HubSpot’s free version can show how many times an email was opened.

If someone opens an email multiple times, they’re likely interested but on the fence. Tracking these details can help you time your follow-ups better.

These little hacks can make your outreach less painful and more efficient

Q: What’s the most surprising link-building technique you’ve tried?

Robert:

One of my more creative approaches was offering websites an audio version of their blogs in exchange for a backlink. I used a free Amazon tool to create the audio and showed them how to embed it.

Surprisingly, it worked well, especially for smaller sites that appreciated the added value. It’s a bit unconventional, but that’s what made it effective, and I ended up building great connections this way.

Read more: Link Building for SaaS: 10 Overlooked Strategies (+ 13 Do’s and Don’t’s)

Q: Is Reddit a good platform for link-building?

Oussama:

If you want to build links on Reddit, you definitely need a long-term approach. You can’t just create a random profile and drop links in subreddits — that won’t work.

Start by establishing your presence in relevant communities, contributing meaningful comments and insights.

Over time, as your profile gains credibility, you can selectively introduce links in ways that feel natural. This won’t necessarily impact domain rating directly, but it can drive targeted traffic to your site and increase visibility among your target audience.

Q: If your network can’t help, where do you find reliable outsourcing options?

Robert:

When your network can’t provide leads, platforms like G2, Trustpilot, and Capterra are all great places to find reviews and case studies. Reviews help assess if the company is a trustworthy one, and case studies will show you how companies solve real problems, which is a must for gauging whether they’re a good fit.

Q: Is traffic value in Ahrefs an important metric for link-building?

Oussama:

It depends on what you value.

For me, traffic value per se isn’t enough — I rather focus on the quality of the content. Numbers can be misleading, but genuine content and a strong "About" page signal a real business worth working with.

Robert:

Exactly. High traffic alone isn’t always a sign of a good website; a site ranking high for shady terms like “CBD oil” or “casino” might not be the best fit.

You should always check the keywords that a site ranks for. I prefer to focus on the origin and relevance of traffic, as that’s more indicative of quality.

Q: How can personal branding help in link-building on platforms like LinkedIn?

Robert:

Your personal brand depends on your connections and how your network sees you.

On LinkedIn, focus on meaningful connections — engage with people’s posts, interact genuinely, and avoid jumping straight into sales mode. It’s about being authentic and letting people see your expertise naturally.

Oussama:

Yes, the key is not to push links or offers right away.

Some of my biggest clients reached out after seeing my activity in online communities, not because of any direct sales pitch.

Instead, focus on building a network, and sharing valuable insights, and the opportunities will come.

Closing Thoughts

This fireside chat was a real eye-opener! Link-building isn’t just about clicks and keywords; it’s all about connection, personalization, and grit.

I'd love to summarize this AMA with Oussama's inspiring quote:

If you want to make link building work for you, YOU can. Don't let anyone dictate how you do it, but rather figure out your own way.

Robert and Oussama laid down some game-changing insights that cut through the noise of typical strategies, diving deep into the nuances that make link-building work in today’s cutthroat digital landscape.

By prioritizing value, getting to know your audience, and nurturing relationships, anyone can supercharge their link-building game. Stay tuned for the part 2 of our AMA!