Link-Building for eCommerce: Proven Techniques and Tips for 2025

If you’re an eCommerce business owner tired of watching competitors dominate Google while you’re stuck on page two (or worse), let me tell you, you’re in the right place. I’m the CEO and founder of Digital World Institute (DWI). For over six years, I’ve been deep in the SEO trenches, helping eCommerce brands like yours secure powerful backlinks from niche-relevant websites and big-name media outlets.

I’ve seen too many link-building guides out there that scratch the surface but never dive into the real stuff. The truth is that link-building for eCommerce isn’t just about blindly guest posts or buying sketchy links. It’s a strategic art (and a little science), it’s your ticket to dominating search results and, more importantly, your market.

In this post, I’m not holding back; I’m sharing real examples, actionable tips, and case studies from my firsthand experience. We’re diving into the critical behind-the-scenes details; stuff most “SEO experts” conveniently skip. By the end, you’ll have a blueprint to take your eCommerce store to the next level and claim that coveted #1 spot on Google.

So, ready to uncover the secrets that actually work? Keep reading, I promise, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

The Challenges of Link-Building for eCommerce

eCommerce has revolutionized the retail world, with projections showing it will account for 41% of global retail sales by 2027, more than doubling from just 18% in 2017. This rapid growth underscores the importance of standing out in search results, where competition is fierce.

Still, have some doubts?

Getting backlinks to your eCommerce site feels like trying to get people excited about a blank spreadsheet. Landing pages and product pages often lack the natural “link-worthy” appeal. They’re designed to convert, not to inform, entertain, or inspire. So, earning backlinks organically for these pages is a real challenge.

Now, you might think, “Why not just buy some links and call it a day?” Well, that’s like playing poker with a mirror behind you; sooner or later, search engines catch on. Link purchasing might offer a quick win, but it risks penalties that can sink your site’s visibility faster than a poorly timed sale.

The good news? Every challenge has a solution. From crafting blog content that supports your product pages to leveraging creative campaigns that attract attention, there are ways to navigate these hurdles without risking your SEO efforts.

Keep reading to discover smarter, penalty-proof strategies to build links that work for your eCommerce site!

Steps to Get Backlinks for Your eCommerce Website

Right here, I’m guiding you through every step to secure those golden links that’ll help your store rank higher, attract more shoppers, and stand out from the competition. Think of it as assembling the ultimate toolkit for your eCommerce SEO journey; each step builds on the last, and before you know it, you’ll be sitting on a pile of valuable, search-engine-approved backlinks.

Optimize On-Page SEO First

Imagine your eCommerce website is a house. Before you invite guests (backlinks) to admire it, you need to make sure the house isn’t falling apart. Nobody’s impressed by a leaky roof or crooked walls, no matter how fancy the invitation was. In the same way, even the best backlinks won’t save your rankings if your on-page SEO is a mess.

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Start with the basics: Are your product pages optimized with proper titles and meta descriptions? Are your URLs clean and descriptive, or do they look like random license plates? Is your site structure clear and logical, guiding users and search engines from category to product? Do your money pages (collection and product pages) target the right keywords with the right intent? These elements aren’t just good manners; they’re the foundation of search engine visibility.

Without solid on-page SEO, earning high-quality links is like pouring water into a bucket with a hole. Sure, you’ll get some results initially, but all that effort will eventually drain away. So, tighten up your internal house first.

Make sure every link you earn adds value and helps your site climb the SERPs instead of spinning its wheels. Investing in on-page SEO is the ultimate “measure twice, cut once” approach. Get it right, and every backlink you earn will work harder for you.

Sure, you’ve probably nailed the basics: proper title tags, meta descriptions, and keyword placements. But eCommerce websites have their sneaky pitfalls that can trip you up. One of the biggest culprits? Duplicate content issues.

It’s alarmingly common for eCommerce site owners to overlook noindex directives, canonical tags, and the robots.txt file. Without these in place, search engines might see your product pages as a sprawling army of clones. That’s not going to win you any SEO awards, it’s more like showing up to a black-tie event in a onesie.

Take canonical tags, for example. If you’ve got ten versions of the same product page for color, size, or flavor, and no canonical tag to tell Google which one’s the real MVP, your rankings could end up as confused as a cat in a laser pointer store. Similarly, failing to use noindex tags on irrelevant pages, like filters or out-of-stock items can clutter up your crawl budget and hurt performance.

Bottom line? Before you get backlinks, make sure your on-page and technical SEO are optimized.

Craft Link-Worthy Assets

If you’re serious about eCommerce link-building, it’s time to channel your inner creative genius. Crafting link-worthy assets is the secret sauce to attracting backlinks organically and keeping your link-building efforts feeling as natural as a conversation over coffee. Without these assets, you’ll find yourself in a never-ending loop of outreach emails, awkward pitches, and “please link to us” requests that feel about as fun as folding fitted sheets.

Instead, let your content do the talking, and the linking. Think of it this way: give people something they want to link to. Here are a few examples of link-worthy assets that work like a charm:

Take REI, for instance. Their outdoor buyer’s guides are legendary. If you’re searching for “how to choose a camping tent,” chances are you’ll stumble upon their expertly crafted guide. Why does it work? It’s packed with actionable advice, beautiful visuals, and insider tips. Not only do customers appreciate it, but countless websites link to it as a trusted resource. That’s the kind of magic we’re talking about.

Remember, creating link-worthy assets isn’t just about attracting links, it’s about building credibility, engaging your audience, and becoming a go-to authority in your niche. Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to let your content bring in the backlinks while you sip that well-earned latte?

Create a Link-Building Plan

So, you’ve nailed the technical and on-page SEO for your eCommerce site – congrats! Your product pages are shining, your category pages are streamlined, and your site loads faster than my coffee machine on a Monday morning. But here’s the thing: without a solid link-building plan, you’re still running the SEO marathon with one sneaker missing.

Now is the perfect time to craft a link-building strategy that doesn’t just generate links but builds authority and trust for your brand. Over the years, I’ve seen countless eCommerce businesses struggle to crack the code on backlinks, so I’m here to share top tips, techniques, and strategies that have delivered results for companies big and small. (Think of big brands with carts full of revenue!)

Ready to turn your website into the hottest shopping destination on the web? Keep reading!

Step 1. Conduct Competitor Analysis

As for the first step, take a moment to size up the competition; it’s like peeking into your neighbor’s shopping cart at the store, except way more strategic and less nosy.

Start by conducting an in-depth analysis of your competitors’ backlink profiles. Which pages are the magnets for backlinks? Are they earning links to blog posts, product pages, or that one random guide they forgot they even wrote? Pay close attention to their anchor texts; are they precise keywords, branded terms, or creative calls to action?

And let’s not forget the techniques they’re using to score those links. Are they relying on guest posts, partnerships, or are they earning organic mentions through captivating content?

Gain valuable insights into what works in your niche and create your own version that’s even better.

Step 2. Define Your Target Pages

Imagine your website is a Gardena; planting the right seeds in the right spots guarantees the best growth. Similarly, targeting the right pages ensures your link-building efforts yield the most results without raising red flags with search engines.

If this is your first link-building campaign, start by targeting your homepage with branded anchor texts as it’s the safest bet. The homepage is like the foundation of your website’s authority, and links to it naturally spread “link juice” across all your other pages through internal links. It’s like watering the roots of a tree; everything benefits and it doesn’t scream “I’m trying to rank my money pages!”

Next, decide between category (collection) pages and product pages. Based on my firsthand experience, it’s much more effective to target category pages. Consider a collection page as a hub, it’s home to a variety of products, and boosting its authority indirectly benefits all the products under it.

For instance, linking to a “Men’s Running Shoes” category page helps every shoe in that category get a slice of the SEO pie, as opposed to linking to just one pair of sneakers.

On the other hand, avoid linking to too many of your money pages (like specific product pages) directly. It’s risky because it sends a clear message to search engines:

However, If you’re running a store with just 5-10 products, congratulations, you’ve got the easy side of this equation. Picking the right target pages becomes a streamlined process where you can focus on the heavy-hitters: the products with the highest profit margins, the best performance, or the most strategic importance. It’s like putting your best players on the field; they’ll carry the game.

Now, here’s the kicker: Don’t forget your blog. Even if your blog isn’t where your conversions live, linking to it makes your backlink profile look more natural, and search engines love a little variety.

So, whether it’s your best-sellers, your underdogs, or your brilliant blog posts, make every link count. Because in the world of eCommerce, every click could be a sale or at least a step closer to one.

Step 3. Plan Your Budget

If you want real results, you need to allocate a proper budget. So, how much should you plan for? While costs can vary widely depending on your industry and objectives, a single high-quality link can cost anywhere from $100 to $600+, depending on factors like domain authority, traffic, and the niche relevance of the site.

And let’s not forget premium placements, like high-authority media outlets or blogs, which can climb upwards of $1,000 to $2,500 per link.

But remember! It’s not just about the dollars, it’s about strategy. You can’t throw money at random links and expect magic. Factors that affect the cost of a backlink include domain authority, relevance, link-building technique, organic traffic, content quality, etc.

The good news? I’ve written a detailed guide on link-building costs to help you navigate these murky waters. It breaks down everything you need to know about pricing, so you can plan smarter and avoid overpaying for mediocre results.

In short, budget wisely, invest in quality over quantity, and always keep an eye on your ROI. Because in link-building is about spending smart.

Step 4. Move on with the Right Techniques

There are a lot of link-building techniques out there, but not all of them will sit well with your eCommerce business. Each technique has its own perks and pitfalls, and picking the wrong one can leave you with wasted resources and zero results. That’s where I come in. I’m not here to hand you a one-size-fits-all strategy that sounds good on paper but doesn’t deliver. Instead, I focus on tried-and-tested techniques that have already worked wonders for other eCommerce stores.

Now, instead of overwhelming you with every link-building method under the sun, I’ll spotlight the ones that pack a punch for eCommerce websites. These techniques don’t just aim for backlinks; they’re designed to drive results: more traffic, higher rankings, and, most importantly, sales.

Below, I’ll list out the top link-building techniques for eCommerce businesses. And yes, each one deserves its own guide (because I like keeping things thorough and useful). Let’s get started!

But if you’re running a local eCommerce store, think of your link-building strategy as a neighborhood bake sale, you need to connect with your community first. Start by listing your business on local directories (think Yelp, Google Business Profile, or even niche directories in your area). These are like the digital equivalent of pinning a flyer on your town’s bulletin board.

But don’t stop there! If there’s a local news site or blog talking about businesses in your area, pitch them a story. Got a unique product? An origin story? A sale that’ll knock socks off (literally, if you sell socks)? These are your angles to score a link. Local news sites often have a loyal audience, and a feature can not only boost your backlink profile but also bring in direct traffic.

The key is to keep it authentic; be the business that your local community roots for, and the backlinks will follow. After all, who wouldn’t want to support their local legend? Just don’t forget to execute some solid SEO techniques in the mix while you’re at it.

Step 5. Adopt Your Strategy Over Time

Link-building isn’t a “set it and forget it” game. It’s more like tending to a garden; some strategies bloom beautifully, while others might just attract weeds. Over time, you need to step back, review what’s working, and adjust your approach based on the results.

For instance, let’s say you’ve been focusing on guest posting and niche edits. After six months, you notice that niche edits are bringing in the most high-quality traffic and ranking boosts, while guest posts are taking more time and yielding less impact. That’s your cue to shift your focus,  double down on what’s effective and trim the fat. No need to keep watering the plants that refuse to grow.

Another example: Imagine one of your top-performing eCommerce pages suddenly drops a spot or two in search rankings. You dig in and notice competitors have gained backlinks from industry blogs or influencers. Instead of sulking about it (or rage-Googling “why is SEO so unfair?”), you adapt. Maybe it’s time to prioritize building partnerships with those same types of sites or even exploring HARO opportunities to gain authoritative mentions.

The key takeaway? Link-building strategies should evolve just like the eCommerce landscape. Periodically assess which techniques are efficient to get the best ROI. Keep an eye on your top-performing pages to make sure they stay competitive and don’t be afraid to experiment with new tactics. Remember, even the most successful strategies need a refresh to stay ahead of the game. SEO waits for no one; well, except maybe your competitors who forgot to adapt.

High-Level Link-Building Tips for eCommerce Businesses

Alright, Over the years, I’ve tested, tweaked, and, yes, failed a few times to figure out what truly works for eCommerce. The tips I’m about to share are born from hands-on experience (and maybe a few sleepless nights), tailored specifically for eCommerce businesses. Whether you’re running a boutique Shopify store or managing a Magento empire, these tips can help you build links that actually matter.

So, grab a coffee (or a stress ball if you’re mid-peak season), and let’s dive into the good stuff.

Promote Listings Blog Posts

Want a smart, scalable link-building strategy for your eCommerce site? Here’s a tip that combines the best of SEO and internal linking: create listings blog posts. Think along the lines of “10 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers” or “Top Running Shoes for Marathon Training.” These posts are like mini content hubs packed with value for your readers and backlinks for your product pages.

Here’s how it works: in your blog post, link directly to your collection or product pages, weaving them in naturally. Now you’ve built a path where internal link juice flows from the blog to your money pages. But don’t stop there; this hub page deserves its moment in the spotlight. Promote it like it’s your star product. Outreach to relevant bloggers, share it on social media, and maybe even feature it in your email campaigns.

Why does this work? When you promote the hub page and build backlinks to it, the link juice passes through your internal links to the collection and product pages. It’s like giving your entire catalog a little SEO love through one well-crafted blog post.

These blog posts can also drive traffic directly to your products. Because let’s cut to the chase; who doesn’t want to read about the “Top 5 Must-Have Gadgets of 2025” and click through to buy one?

So, get creative with your listings blog posts. Not only are they a fantastic way to spread link equity, but they’re also a great way to give your audience, and your sales a boost.

Write Testimonials for Products You Use and Request a Backlink

Ever bought something you love so much that you rave about it to anyone who’ll listen? Well, here’s a chance to turn that enthusiasm into a backlink for your eCommerce store. Writing testimonials for products or services you use is a smart link-building tactic.

How It Works

Start with a product you actually use (and like). Authenticity is key. Nobody trusts a testimonial that screams, “I copy-pasted this from their homepage.”

Highlight specific benefits, how it solved your problem, and why you recommend it. Make it personal but concise. Think: “This tool made managing my inventory a breeze” over “I like it. It’s good.”

Then, send your testimonial directly to the company. Many brands love adding testimonials to their website’s “Reviews” or “Case Studies” section.

Finally, politely ask if they could include a link to your eCommerce website or store alongside your testimonial. Something as simple as, “Feel free to add a link to my site, it’d be an honor!” works wonders.

Think of writing testimonials as a win-win barter; you give them a shiny badge of approval, and they (hopefully) give you a shiny backlink in return. Just don’t overdo it, nobody wants to be the “testimonial spammer” of the internet. Keep it real, clear, and watch the links roll in!

Publish Data-Driven Content

Original research is like the backstage pass that gets everyone’s attention. It’s about creating content so compelling that industry experts, bloggers, and even competitors can’t resist linking back to it. Let’s dive into how you can make this work, why it’s worth the effort, and what mistakes to avoid.

How to Create Link-Worthy Research

Identify a Knowledge Gap: What’s a burning question your customers, competitors, or industry peers have? Whether it’s shopping trends or a study on cart abandonment rates, find that gap and fill it.

Gather Reliable Data: Use surveys, customer feedback, or even your own eCommerce analytics. For example, if you’re an online clothing store, you could publish insights like “What Colors Are Trending for Fall 2025?”

Turn Numbers into Stories: Data is boring until you give it a personality. Use charts, infographics, and relatable narratives. Think: “83% of online shoppers abandon carts, and 100% of them regret missing out on free shipping.”

Publish and Share: Put your findings in a detailed, visually appealing blog post. Then, promote it across social channels, reach out to bloggers, and let the SEO magic begin.

Use Podcasts

Podcasts might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about eCommerce link building, but they’re an underrated goldmine for earning valuable links. Podcasts thrive on content collaboration, unique perspectives, and niche expertise; perfect ingredients for link-building success.

Imagine you sell eco-friendly kitchenware. You get featured on a sustainability-focused podcast, sharing tips on reducing plastic waste. The host loves your insights, and the episode notes include links to your blog and product pages. Result? A steady flow of organic traffic, a boost in domain authority, and even some direct sales; all from a single podcast appearance.

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Podcast link building is like the Swiss Army knife of eCommerce SEO; it takes a bit of effort but delivers versatile and lasting results. Whether you’re guest-starring on a popular show or building your own, the links you earn are not just backlinks; they’re trust signals, traffic drivers, and brand boosters.

Find Our eCommerce SEO Case Studies: From a Drop to a Stream

Final Words

Sharing my knowledge and breaking down the essentials of eCommerce SEO link building is something I truly enjoy, and I hope you’ve found it just as insightful as I intended it to be. Whether you’re new to this game or already knee-deep in backlinks and strategies, I wanted to offer you a fresh, detailed perspective that goes beyond the usual general-level advice.

Now, this is where the rubber meets the road. Everything I’ve laid out here is meant to give you actionable insights but trust me, there’s always more to explore. Stick around for more content that doesn’t just scratch the surface but digs into the real stuff: strategies that work, pitfalls to avoid, and the occasional aha moment. Go ahead and explore the other sections of my blog or drop a comment if you’re feeling inspired (or just have questions).

Let’s keep this going because in the world of eCommerce SEO, standing still is the only thing that doesn’t work. Keep reading, keep learning, and let’s take your SEO game to the next level together!