SaaS is among the most competitive niches, and just writing a selling copy or launching on Product Hunt isn’t enough to encourage people to try a SaaS product. To ensure steady traffic and catch the attention of potential customers, SEO plays a big role. That’s where backlinks step in.
The kicker? Unlike other niches, SaaS can’t rely on just any backlinks. It’s essential to be very selective and stick to the tactics that work and bring long-term results. Curious to learn more about it? Let’s get right into it!
Not All Links Work for SaaS – Here’s What Matters
It’s tempting to think that a backlink is a backlink — but it doesn’t work like that in SaaS. The type of link, where it’s placed, and who is reading it are the key parameters that play a big role.
Relevance to Target Customer
Let’s say you’re running a SaaS tool designed for remote teams. What value would placing a link on a fashion blog bring? Not a lot, even if its DA is very high. First, Google won’t give it much credibility since the placement isn’t relevant to what you do. And second, you won’t get any real traffic since your target customers are unlikely to read it.
Relevance is king. If your tool helps HR teams onboard employees, your backlinks should come from the right circles like HR tech blogs, startup news sites, or B2B SaaS publications. That’s what builds authority with both Google and your audience.
Placement on Trusted, Niche Sites
Another common mistake is chasing vanity metrics. A backlink from a site like Forbes might feel impressive, but if it’s squeezed in among 50 other links, it won’t do much for your rankings.
It’s important to think strategically for SaaS. Instead of looking for giant websites with high DA, it’s better to focus on niche sites that already have built trust in your industry. These sites may have lower traffic numbers, but their readers are your potential customers, and that’s what really matters.
4 Link Building Tactics That Work Best for SaaS
So, how do you build backlinks for SaaS products? Below, we’ve put together four of the best tactics, battle-tested by SaaS founders, marketers, and SEO pros, that work and consistently deliver results.
1. Founders Writing Guest Posts
When SaaS founders share their insights through guest articles, it hits two birds with one stone. It builds backlinks and personal authority.
The trick is to avoid making the article sound like a sales pitch. It works when the author writes about real problems that their audience faces and casually mentions their product. For example, the founder of a time-tracking SaaS product could write, “5 Ways to Help Your Remote Team Avoid Burnout.” This post will grab attention and give you the perfect spot for a backlink.
2. Getting Included in “Best Tools” Listicles
Everyone loves a “top tools” roundup — especially bloggers who need to fill their content calendar. That’s where your SaaS should be.
Reach out to writers who’ve created listicles in your niche. Offer a free trial or demo so they can try your product firsthand. Better yet, give them a unique benefit, like an affiliate link or a quote from your founder. This will give them extra motivation to include you.
3. Outreach to Integration/Partner Pages
If your SaaS integrates with other tools, such as Slack, Notion, HubSpot, to name a few, it’s your opportunity to get a strong backlink.
Many platforms have a “Partner” or “Integration” page where they list third-party tools. All you need to do is reach out and ask to be included – assuming your integration is legit. These pages often carry a lot of domain authority and are highly relevant. Plus, they show you’re part of a trusted tech ecosystem.
4. Data-Led Content That Attracts Links Naturally
Want links that come to you without outreach? Publish unique data. Journalists, bloggers, and content marketers love stats they can cite.
Let’s say your SaaS product is used by thousands of small businesses. You could run a survey or pull usage data to answer questions like, “What time of day do small teams collaborate most?” Then use those insights for a blog post or infographic.
People will link to your post as a source, and they’ll keep linking to it as long as the data stays relevant. It’s a lead magnet that keeps attracting traffic.
Can You Outsource SaaS Link Building?
The short answer is yes. However, it depends on how picky you are — and when it comes to SaaS, you should be picky.
SaaS link building isn’t like B2C link building. The vendor must have a strong understanding of your product, the audience you want to attract, and the kind of content that works in your niche. That’s why it’s often smarter to work with a specialized SaaS link-building agency that already knows the ropes.
Pros of Using White Label Services
If your in-house team doesn’t have the bandwidth, or you’re an SEO agency working with SaaS clients, then white label SaaS link-building services may be a smart move.
Here’s what you get:
- Scalability: No need to train a team from scratch.
- Expertise: Agencies often have ready-made relationships with niche sites.
- Consistency: You get links delivered month after month, freeing your team to focus on strategy.
It’s like having an extra set of hands without the hiring headache.
What to Look for in a Provider
Not all providers are created equal. Some land links wherever they can. Others are slow, unresponsive, or worse — they place links on shady farms and directories that get your site penalized.
When choosing a SaaS link-building agency or white label service, here are the key things you should be looking at:
- Link quality, not quantity. One great link is worth more than five junky ones.
- Transparency. They should tell you where links are coming from before they’re placed.
- Relevance. Links should come from SaaS, tech, or industry-specific sites – not random blogs.
- Content quality. The articles should be well-written and not stuffed with keywords or links.
Always ask for samples and review them carefully. A good partner should act like an extension of your own team.
Wrap-Up
SaaS link building isn’t just about chasing backlinks – it’s about building authority in the eyes of both Google and your potential customers. Whether you’re writing thought leadership posts, getting listed in tool roundups, or publishing statistical articles and infographics, it pays to be intentional.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. There are reputable SaaS link-building services that can take the pressure off you — without compromising quality.
Choose wisely, aim for relevance, and remember: a few great links in the right places can go a long way.