Top 8 Link Building Strategies for Ecommerce Websites

Why Standard SEO Isn't Enough for Your Ecommerce Store

In the hyper-competitive world of online retail, simply having great products and a beautiful storefront isn't enough. Authority is the currency of the web, and for search engines like Google, that authority is primarily measured in backlinks. While generic SEO advice abounds, effective link building for ecommerce websites requires a specialized approach that transforms product pages, brand partnerships, and even customer data into powerful ranking signals. This guide moves beyond the basics, providing a tactical roadmap with eight proven strategies designed specifically to build a robust backlink profile for your online store.

We'll explore how to secure high-value links that not only boost your search rankings but also drive qualified, ready-to-buy traffic directly to your products. For many online stores, visual search platforms can be another powerful traffic source, as detailed in these proven Pinterest for ecommerce strategies, complementing traditional search engine efforts.

This article will cover how to implement specific tactics, including:

• Launching product review campaigns that generate authentic links.
• Finding broken links on high-authority sites to suggest your own pages.
• Securing placements on valuable resource pages and partner websites.
• Creating data-driven content that naturally attracts citations.

Get ready to build more than just links; get ready to build an unshakable digital presence.

1. Product Review and Unboxing Campaign

One of the most authentic and effective methods of link building for ecommerce websites involves leveraging the power of trusted voices in your niche. A product review and unboxing campaign is a strategic initiative where you send free products to relevant bloggers, YouTubers, and social media influencers. In return, they create and publish honest, detailed content about their experience, often including a valuable backlink to your product or category page. This approach not only secures high-quality links but also generates social proof, builds brand credibility, and drives referral traffic.

This tactic works because it taps into the pre-existing trust between creators and their audiences. A recommendation from a respected tech reviewer or beauty blogger feels more genuine than a traditional advertisement. For example, Anker, a leader in charging technology, built its empire by systematically sending its power banks and chargers to tech reviewers. This resulted in a massive portfolio of backlinks from authoritative tech blogs and video reviews, cementing their market position.

How to Implement This Strategy

To launch a successful campaign, you need a structured approach that goes beyond simply mailing out products.

• Identify Aligned Creators: Use tools like BuzzSumo or AspireIQ to find creators whose audience demographics and values align with your brand. Focus on their engagement rates, not just follower counts. A micro-influencer with a highly engaged, niche audience can be more valuable than a macro-influencer with passive followers.
• Develop a Media Kit: Streamline your outreach by creating a professional media kit. This should include your brand story, high-resolution product images, key product features, and suggested talking points (while still encouraging an honest review). This makes it easy for the creator to produce high-quality content.
• Craft Personalized Outreach: Avoid generic templates. Your outreach email should demonstrate that you've done your research. Mention a specific post or video you enjoyed and explain why you believe your product would be a great fit for their audience.
• Track and Measure Results: Use UTM parameters for any links you provide to track referral traffic in Google Analytics. Set up brand mention alerts using tools like Ahrefs or Semrush to catch any unlinked mentions, which you can then follow up on to request a link.

2. Broken Link Building for Product Categories

A highly effective and scalable technique for link building for ecommerce websites is broken link building. This strategy involves finding external links on other websites that point to non-existent pages (404 errors), then reaching out to the site owner to report the broken link. At the same time, you provide a helpful replacement link, ideally pointing to one of your relevant product or category pages. This method is a win-win: you help webmasters clean up their site, and in return, you acquire a powerful, contextually relevant backlink.

This tactic, popularized by SEO experts like Brian Dean of Backlinko, works because you are providing immediate value. Instead of just asking for a link, you are helping someone fix a problem. For example, a home improvement ecommerce store could find a popular DIY blog that links to a discontinued power tool from a competitor. The store can then reach out, point out the dead link, and suggest their own equivalent (and in-stock) power tool page as the perfect replacement. This secures a link directly on a page your target audience is already reading.

How to Implement This Strategy

A successful broken link building campaign requires a systematic process for finding opportunities and conducting outreach.

• Find Relevant Pages with Broken Links: Use SEO tools like Ahrefs' Site Explorer to find dead outgoing links on authoritative blogs and resource pages in your niche. Look for competitor domains that have gone out of business or content pages that are frequently moved or deleted. The "Check My Links" browser extension is also a great free tool for finding broken links on a specific page.
• Identify a Suitable Replacement: Your replacement link must be a perfect match for the broken one. If the dead link was to a specific "cordless drill review," your replacement should be a similar product or a comprehensive category page for cordless drills. The closer the match, the higher your success rate.
• Craft a Value-First Outreach Email: Your email should be friendly, helpful, and direct. Start by introducing yourself and mentioning how you found their page. Clearly state the exact location of the broken link. Finally, suggest your resource as a potential replacement, explaining why it's a good fit for their audience.
• Track and Follow Up Systematically: Use a spreadsheet to track every website you contact, the broken link you found, the replacement you suggested, and the date you reached out. If you don’t hear back, send a polite follow-up email after a week. This organized approach is crucial for scaling your efforts.

3. Resource Page Link Insertion

A highly targeted and valuable form of link building for ecommerce websites is securing placements on existing resource pages, buying guides, and curated lists. This strategy involves identifying pages created specifically to recommend helpful tools, products, or services within your niche and then pitching your brand for inclusion. Because these pages are designed to guide user decisions, a link from one not only passes significant authority but also drives highly qualified referral traffic directly to your store.

This method is effective because you are adding value to a page that already has established authority and an engaged audience. Unlike asking for a link out of the blue, you are offering to enhance the curator's content, making their resource more comprehensive for their readers. For instance, a coffee brand could get its premium espresso machine featured on a blogger’s "Ultimate Home Barista Setup" guide, or a sustainable clothing brand could be added to a university's resource page for ethical student shopping. This positions your product as a pre-vetted solution, building immediate trust.

How to Implement This Strategy

A successful resource page campaign requires sharp prospecting skills and a value-first outreach approach.

• Find High-Quality Opportunities: Use advanced Google search operators to uncover relevant pages. Try queries like "[your niche]" + inurl:resources, "best [your product type]" + inurl:links, or "[competitor brand]" + "recommended links". Tools like Ahrefs' Content Explorer can also filter for pages with specific keywords in their titles, such as "guide" or "best of".
• Analyze Existing Placements: Before reaching out, carefully study the page. What criteria does the author use for inclusion? Are they listing high-end products, budget-friendly options, or items with unique features? Tailor your pitch to show how your product fits perfectly within their established framework.
• Craft a Value-Driven Pitch: Your email should be concise and focused on how you can improve their existing resource. Clearly state why your product is a great fit for their audience, highlighting a unique selling proposition or competitive advantage. For example, mention that you offer a feature none of the currently listed products have.
• Incentivize Inclusion: Sweeten the deal by offering an exclusive discount code for the page's visitors. This not only makes your pitch more compelling but also provides a tangible benefit to the site owner's audience, increasing the likelihood of both inclusion and conversions.

4. Supplier and Manufacturer Partnership Links

One of the most overlooked yet powerful strategies for link building for ecommerce websites is to leverage your existing business relationships. This relationship-based approach involves securing backlinks from the suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors who are already integral to your supply chain. By capitalizing on these established partnerships, you can acquire highly relevant, authoritative links that search engines view as natural and trustworthy endorsements, all while strengthening your professional network.

This method is effective because it’s built on mutual benefit and pre-existing trust. Your suppliers want to showcase where their products are sold, and manufacturers often feature their retail partners to validate their market presence. For instance, a boutique fashion retailer could be featured on their fabric supplier's blog, or an electronics store could get a link from a manufacturer's "Where to Buy" page. These are contextually perfect links that drive qualified traffic and enhance your site's authority.

How to Implement This Strategy

Turning business contacts into link-building assets requires a proactive and organized approach that provides value to your partners.

• Map Your Partner Ecosystem: Create a comprehensive spreadsheet of every supplier, manufacturer, distributor, and B2B service provider you work with. Include their website, contact information, and any existing marketing contacts you have.
• Develop Co-Marketing Proposals: Don't just ask for a link; propose a partnership. Offer to write a testimonial for their site, create a co-branded case study about your successful collaboration, or provide high-quality photos of their products in your store. Frame it as a win-win.
• Provide a "Partner Kit": Make it incredibly easy for them to feature you. Create a simple kit containing your logo, a brief company description, and high-resolution images. This removes friction and increases the likelihood they will add you to their partners or retailers page.
• Systemize Your Onboarding: Incorporate link requests into your standard supplier onboarding or contract renewal process. A simple clause or conversation about co-marketing opportunities can make this a routine, scalable part of your business operations. This method shares principles with formal affiliate programs, which can also be a valuable source of links. If you are interested in a more structured approach, you can learn more about how affiliate links can boost revenue on ecorn.agency.

5. Data-Driven Content and Research Studies

One of the most authoritative methods for link building for ecommerce websites is to become the source of new information. By producing original research, industry reports, or data-driven content, your brand can generate high-quality editorial links from journalists, industry publications, and academic institutions. This advanced technique positions your ecommerce site not just as a seller of products, but as a thought leader and a primary source of valuable industry insights.

This strategy is powerful because it creates a linkable asset that others need to reference to support their own content. Instead of asking for links, you create content that people want to link to organically. For example, Shopify regularly publishes extensive reports on ecommerce trends and consumer behavior. This original research is widely cited by news outlets like Forbes and industry blogs, earning them countless high-authority backlinks and cementing their status as an industry leader.

How to Implement This Strategy

Creating compelling data-driven content requires a systematic approach to research, production, and promotion.

• Gather Unique Data: The foundation of this strategy is unique data. Survey your customer base to uncover new consumer trends, analyze your internal sales data to find interesting correlations, or partner with a research firm to add credibility to a larger study. The goal is to produce statistics that don't exist anywhere else.
• Create Multiple Content Formats: Maximize the impact of your research by repurposing it. Turn your main report into a polished infographic, a series of blog posts, a webinar, and social media graphics. This provides more opportunities for different types of websites to link back to you.
• Develop Journalist Relationships: Before you publish, identify and build relationships with journalists and bloggers who cover your industry. Give them early access or an exclusive look at your findings under embargo. This increases the likelihood of securing high-profile coverage on launch day.
• Time Your Release Strategically: Launch your research to coincide with relevant industry events, seasonal trends, or news cycles. Releasing a study on online shopping habits just before Black Friday, for instance, makes it highly relevant and more likely to be picked up by media outlets.

6. Guest Content Creation and Expert Contributions

Positioning yourself or key members of your team as industry experts is a powerful, authority-driven approach to link building for ecommerce websites. This strategy involves creating valuable content, such as articles or expert commentary, for other relevant publications and media outlets in your niche. Instead of directly promoting your products, you share your expertise, and in return, you earn high-authority backlinks through your author bio, byline, or in-content mentions. This method builds both personal and brand authority, enhances credibility, and drives referral traffic from a highly engaged audience.

This tactic is effective because it shifts the focus from a transactional link request to a value-based contribution. Publications are constantly searching for fresh, expert content to share with their readers. For instance, a founder of a sustainable fashion brand might write a guest post for a major eco-lifestyle blog about the future of ethical materials. This not only provides the blog with valuable content but also secures a powerful, contextually relevant link back to the fashion brand’s website, establishing them as a thought leader in the space.

How to Implement This Strategy

A successful guest contribution strategy requires a focus on building relationships and demonstrating genuine expertise.

• Identify Target Publications: Research blogs, online magazines, and trade publications that your target audience reads. Use search queries like "your niche + write for us" or "your niche + guest post guidelines" to find opportunities. Platforms like Help a Reporter Out (HARO) can also connect you with journalists seeking expert sources.
• Develop Your Expert Angle: Pinpoint your unique area of expertise. Are you an expert in supply chain logistics for DTC brands? A specialist in organic skincare formulations? Create a professional author bio and a brief media kit that highlights your credentials and potential topics.
• Pitch with Value: Build relationships with editors before pitching. Engage with their content on social media or via email. When you do pitch, focus on the value you can provide their audience. Offer unique, data-backed insights or a fresh perspective on a trending topic rather than a generic article idea.
• Craft High-Quality Content: Once your pitch is accepted, adhere strictly to the publication's guidelines. Deliver well-researched, well-written content that is genuinely helpful and not overly self-promotional. Place your primary backlink within your author bio, as this is the standard and most-accepted practice.

7. Strategic Content Partnerships and Collaborations

A powerful and scalable strategy for link building for ecommerce websites is to forge partnerships with complementary brands, industry experts, or non-competing businesses. This approach involves co-creating valuable content, such as detailed guides, joint research reports, or collaborative campaigns. By pooling resources and audiences, both parties gain exposure to new customers, share the content creation workload, and earn authoritative backlinks from each other and third-party sites that cover the collaboration.

This method thrives on synergy. For instance, a retailer specializing in high-end running shoes could partner with a brand that sells smart fitness watches. Together, they could create the "Ultimate Guide to Marathon Training," featuring shoe recommendations and training data analytics. This single piece of content serves both audiences, establishes shared authority, and naturally creates opportunities for cross-linking. The combined promotional efforts amplify its reach far beyond what either brand could achieve alone.

How to Implement This Strategy

To execute a successful content partnership, a clear and mutually beneficial plan is essential. To successfully forge these strategic content partnerships and collaborations, understanding and applying effective email outreach and link building tactics are crucial.

• Identify Complementary Partners: Look for brands that share your target audience but don't directly compete with your products. A home goods store could partner with an interior design blogger, or a coffee bean subscription service could collaborate with a company that makes artisanal mugs.
• Propose a Win-Win Scenario: When reaching out, clearly articulate the value for your potential partner. Frame your idea around a concept that benefits both of your audiences, such as a co-branded seasonal style guide or a joint webinar on a relevant topic.
• Establish Clear Terms: Before starting, create a simple agreement outlining responsibilities, content ownership, promotional commitments, and how backlinks will be implemented. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures both parties contribute equally.
• Co-Promote Extensively: The real power of a partnership lies in audience cross-pollination. Plan a coordinated launch strategy that includes email newsletters, social media announcements, and paid ads from both brands, all pointing to the central content piece.

8. Local and Community-Based Link Building

Even for global ecommerce brands, grounding your digital presence in local communities can be a powerful link building for ecommerce websites strategy. A local and community-based approach involves building relationships with regional organizations, chambers of commerce, local media, and community groups. This generates high-authority links from geographically relevant domains, signaling to search engines that your business is a trusted entity within a specific market. It’s particularly effective for stores with a physical presence or those targeting specific regional customer bases.

This tactic works by tapping into the inherent trust and authority of local institutions. A link from a city's official chamber of commerce website or a feature in a respected local newspaper carries significant weight. For example, a regional retailer specializing in outdoor gear could get featured on their city’s tourism board website, or an ecommerce brand that started in a specific town could be profiled in the local business journal. These links not only boost SEO but also drive highly relevant, localized traffic.

How to Implement This Strategy

Successfully embedding your brand in a local ecosystem requires genuine participation, not just digital outreach.

• Join and Engage with Local Associations: Become a member of your local chamber of commerce or other business associations. These organizations almost always have member directories with links back to your website, providing an immediate and authoritative backlink.
• Sponsor Community Events and Charities: Sponsoring a local 5k run, a youth sports team, or a community festival often results in your logo and a link being placed on the event’s website and promotional materials. Choose events that align with your brand's values for maximum impact. Effective local business marketing strategies are crucial for this, as they directly support these community-based link building efforts.
• Offer Local Expertise: Position your founder or key team members as local experts. Reach out to local journalists, podcasters, and bloggers offering commentary on business trends, e-commerce growth in the region, or topics related to your niche. This can lead to quotes and valuable backlinks in local media coverage.
• Create Location-Specific Content: Develop content that serves the local community, such as a "guide to the best hiking trails near [City Name]" if you sell outdoor gear, or a "directory of local artisans" if you sell handmade goods. This makes your site a valuable local resource, naturally attracting links from other local websites. You can discover powerful digital spaces to connect with by exploring the best e-commerce communities online.

Link Building Strategies for Ecommerce: Top 8 Comparison

Building Your Ecommerce Authority, One Link at a Time

We've explored eight powerful, distinct strategies for building a robust backlink profile, each designed to elevate your online store's authority and search engine performance. Mastering link building for ecommerce websites is not about finding a single magic bullet. Instead, it's about developing a diversified, sustainable engine that consistently attracts high-quality, relevant backlinks over time. Your success hinges on weaving these tactics into the fabric of your marketing operations.

From the tangible appeal of product review campaigns that generate authentic social proof to the technical precision of broken link building on high-authority resource pages, the common thread is value exchange. You are not just asking for a link; you are offering something compelling in return. This could be a superior resource, a valuable partnership, a solution to an outdated link, or an expert insight that enriches another site's content.

Your Blueprint for Actionable Growth

To transform these concepts into tangible results, you need a clear path forward. Don't try to implement all eight strategies at once. Instead, create a prioritized action plan based on your current resources and biggest opportunities.

• For Immediate Impact: Start with the "low-hanging fruit." Identify key suppliers or manufacturers you can contact for partnership links. Simultaneously, use a tool like Ahrefs or Semrush to find broken link opportunities on top industry blogs. These initial wins will build momentum.
• For Mid-Term Authority: Begin planning your first data-driven content piece. This requires more effort but delivers unparalleled authority and attracts high-quality links naturally. Concurrently, start building relationships for strategic guest contributions on non-competing, complementary brand blogs.
• For Long-Term Dominance: Cultivate a continuous outreach program. Systematize how you identify and engage with influencers for product unboxings, how you monitor for new resource page opportunities, and how you engage with your local community for powerful, geo-relevant links.

The True Value of a Strong Backlink Profile

Ultimately, a strategic approach to link building for ecommerce websites transcends simple SEO metrics. Each quality link is a digital endorsement, a signal to both Google and potential customers that your brand is a trusted, authoritative voice in its niche. This authority translates directly into higher search rankings, increased organic traffic, and a more resilient business that isn't solely dependent on paid advertising. It builds a competitive moat that is difficult for others to replicate, securing your market position for the long haul.

By consistently applying these principles, you move beyond just selling products. You become a recognized resource, a respected partner, and an industry leader. The journey requires persistence and creativity, but the reward is a powerful, self-sustaining growth engine that drives revenue and builds a brand that lasts.

Ready to implement these advanced strategies but need a dedicated partner to execute and scale your efforts? The team at ECORN offers subscription-based Shopify expertise to integrate sophisticated link building with a holistic approach to conversion rate optimization and development. Let them help you turn your store’s growing authority directly into sales.