What are Contextual Backlinks?
Contextual backlinks are hyperlinks within the body of a webpage that are placed within the relevant and meaningful text, providing value to the reader.
These links are typically anchored to specific keywords or phrases that are related to the content of the linking page, and they are intended to provide additional information or resources that are relevant to the topic at hand.
Contextual backlinks are considered to be valuable in search engine optimization because they are seen as a natural and organic way of linking to other websites, and they can help to increase the visibility and authority of a website.
Examples of contextual links
A blog post about healthy eating that includes a link to a recipe website within the text of the post.
A resource page about website design that includes a link to a graphic design agency within the body of the page.
A news article reporting a case that includes a link to the website.
Why are contextual links important?
Contextual backlinks are important for several reasons:
Increased visibility
Contextual backlinks help to increase the visibility of a website by linking it to other relevant websites, which can drive more traffic to the site.
Higher search engine rankings
Search engines consider contextual backlinks to be a valuable indicator of the quality and relevance of a website.
Sites with a higher number of quality contextual backlinks are more likely to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).
Improved credibility
Contextual backlinks from reputable and authoritative websites can improve the credibility and reputation of a website.
This can help to establish the site as a trusted source of information and attract more visitors.
More engaged audience
Contextual backlinks can attract a more engaged audience to a website. Because the links are placed within relevant and meaningful text, they are more likely to be clicked on by readers who are genuinely interested in the content.
Why does relevance and context matter?
Backlinks from other sites help boost your search rankings. But not all backlinks are equal - relevance and context matter.
Relevant backlinks come from sites closely related to your content. This establishes your site as an authority and helps search engines understand your content.
Contextual links take relevance further by embedding links directly in related content, not just sidebars or footers. The surrounding text gives context to search engines.
Google is getting better at analyzing contextual relevance automatically with semantic analysis. In the past, it relied more on anchor text which was easily manipulated.
Now Google looks at the whole content and relationship between pages.
So focus on getting editorially relevant, contextual backlinks. This builds authority, improves search rankings, and drives more targeted traffic.
Types of contextual backlinks
There can be 2 types of contextual backlinks:
Inbound contextual backlinks
An inbound contextual backlink is a link that comes from another website to your website and is placed within the body of a piece of content.
Outbound contextual backlinks
An outbound contextual backlink is a link that points to another website from your website and is placed in the content body naturally and meaningfully.
How to spot contextual backlinks?
The best approach to spot contextual backlinks is to use SEO tools such as Ahrefs, and Semrush, and for outbound contextual links, you can use Screaming Frog.
Ways to contextual link building
Here are some effective ways to build contextual links:
Guest blogging
Identify authoritative websites in your industry or niche and offer to contribute high-quality guest posts in exchange for a link back to your website within the body of the post.
Make sure that your guest post is relevant, informative, and adds value to the reader.
Broken link building
Find broken links on relevant websites and offer to provide a replacement link to your own content in exchange for a link back to your website.
Resource pages
Locate resource pages on other websites that provide a list of helpful links related to your industry or niche.
Reach out to the website owner and suggest that they include a link to your website on their page.
Skyscraper technique
Identify high-quality content in your industry and create even better content on the same topic. Reach out to the websites linking to the original content and offer them your improved version.
This technique can be very effective in building high-quality contextual backlinks.
Social media marketing
Share your content on social media and interact with others in your field.
Getting involved in conversations can help build relationships and increase the chance of getting linked by other sites.
Infographics
Create informative and visually appealing infographics related to your industry or niche, and offer them to other websites for free in exchange for a link back to your website.
Podcasts and interviews
Participate in podcasts and interviews related to your industry or niche, and ask the host to include a link to your website in the show notes or description.
Comment Marketing
Leave thoughtful comments on blog posts and articles related to your niche, and include a link to your website within your comment.
However, make sure that your comment adds value to the conversation and is not simply spammy self-promotion.
Content partnerships
Collaborate with other websites or content creators to create valuable content that benefits both parties. This can include co-authored blog posts, webinars, or even online courses.
Local citations
If you have a local business, create listings on directories like Google My Business, Yelp, and Yellow Pages.
Keep your business info correct and current on those sites. Put a link to your website in the listings too.
Conclusion
Contextual links are backlinks placed within the main content of other relevant websites, instead of links in footers or sidebars.
Building these relevant links in content shows search engines that your site provides valuable, credible information readers want.
Getting contextual links is important for SEO and can boost your ranking, traffic, and reputation.