Want to build quality backlinks easily? Resource page link building is one of the simplest and most effective strategies for improving your website’s authority and driving traffic. Here’s what you need to know upfront:
- What is it? Securing links from curated resource pages in your niche.
- Why it works: Helps both website owners (better content) and your business (authoritative backlinks).
- How to succeed: Focus on creating valuable content, finding the right resource pages, and crafting personalized outreach.
Quick Steps to Get Started:
- Find High-Quality Resource Pages: Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush and Google search operators.
- Create Link-Worthy Content: Think original research, how-to guides, or interactive tools.
- Personalize Outreach Emails: Tailor your message and show how your content benefits their audience.
- Fix Broken Links: Offer your content as a replacement for outdated or broken links.
- Build Relationships: Engage with page owners authentically for long-term collaboration.
Pro Tip: Email timing matters – send outreach emails on Tuesday mornings for the best response rates! This guide dives into all 10 tips to help you master resource page link building.
How to Build Unique Backlinks With Resource Page Link Building
1. Find Quality Resource Pages
Start by identifying resource pages that align with your niche and have strong authority. These pages should provide excellent backlink opportunities while maintaining up-to-date, well-curated content.
Here’s how to assess the quality of a resource page:
Check Domain Authority (DA)
High DA websites offer better SEO benefits. Compare their DA scores with those of your competitors to find pages that can positively impact your rankings .
Ensure Active Maintenance
Look for signs that the resource page is actively managed. Key indicators include:
- Recent content updates
- Functional external links
- A consistent theme or focus
- Contributions from recognized experts
Use the Right Tools
Leverage tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush to simplify your search:
"Ahrefs is simply the best all-in-one SEO tool on the market. It’s impossible to be a top tier SEO without it." – Jeff Oxford, CEO, 180 Marketing
SEMrush, trusted by many Fortune 500 companies, helps you uncover:
- Relevant keywords
- Competitor backlink data
- New link-building opportunities
Key Quality Indicators
| Criteria | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Relevance | Topics that closely match your industry |
| Authority | High Domain Rating (DR) or DA scores |
| Maintenance | Regular updates and fresh content |
| External Links | Quality outbound links to related, credible sites |
| Editorial Quality | Professionally curated and well-written content |
Avoid resource pages that function as link farms or are run by backlink sellers. These can hurt your SEO instead of helping it. Focus on pages that genuinely add value to their audience by curating useful and relevant content .
To refine your search, use advanced Google search operators. This method ensures you’re targeting resource pages that offer real benefits for both your SEO strategy and their readers .
Next, explore how to use search commands to pinpoint the best resource pages even faster.
2. Master Search Commands
Search commands make it easier to find high-quality resource pages, helping you focus on targeted link-building while saving time.
Key Search Operator Combinations
By combining search operators, you can quickly locate the resource pages you need:
| Search Command | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
intitle:resources + inurl:links |
Finds dedicated resource sections | coffee intitle:resources inurl:links.html |
inurl:.com/resources |
Locates corporate resource pages | coffee inurl:.com/resources |
intitle:links + inurl:resources |
Discovers curated link pages | coffee intitle:links inurl:resources.html |
inurl:resources + niche keyword |
Targets industry-specific pages | inurl:resources intitle:resources "mountain bike" |
Once you’ve mastered these commands, you can refine your results further with advanced search strategies.
Advanced Search Strategies
For example, using the command "your_keyword intitle:infographic inurl:infographic" can help you find websites that regularly feature infographics in your niche . This is especially useful if you have visual content you want to promote.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
When applying these search techniques, keep these tips in mind to steer clear of low-quality pages:
- Skip pages that advertise guest post opportunities.
- Avoid sites with phrases like "guest post by" in author bios.
- Ignore pages that openly invite link submissions.
Instead, prioritize resource pages that:
- Rank for relevant keywords.
- Link to trusted, authoritative websites in your niche.
- Update their content regularly.
- Show clear editorial standards when selecting links.
This approach ensures you’re building links on well-maintained and credible resource pages.
3. Make Content Worth Linking To
To succeed with resource page outreach, your content needs to stand out. The goal? Create material that resource page owners will WANT to feature.
Types of Content That Draw Resource Page Links
| Content Type | Purpose | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Original Research | Shares unique industry data | Clear methodology, solid stats |
| How-to Guides | Solves specific problems | Step-by-step, actionable tips |
| Interactive Tools | Provides practical use | Easy to use, immediate value |
| Industry Studies | Analyzes market trends | Latest data, expert insights |
| Educational Resources | Explains key concepts | Simple language, visual aids |
Crafting Content That Matters
When creating content for resource pages, focus on solving real problems in your niche. Marie Haynes, president of Marie Haynes Consulting Inc., puts it best:
"One of the best ways to get links is to publish original research. That’s not that hard to do. Find out a question that people have in your industry and then do something to answer that question with data."
What Makes Content Link-Worthy?
Your content should check these boxes:
- Original Value: Address gaps in your industry with fresh insights.
- Data-Driven: Back up claims with research and stats.
- Authority: Highlight expertise and credibility.
- Up-to-Date: Regularly refresh content to keep it relevant.
- Clear Structure: Make it easy to read and understand.
In fact, 70% of SEO professionals agree that data-driven content is the most effective way to build a strong link profile .
Keeping Quality Front and Center
Camelia Clarke, SEO specialist at GIE Media Inc., reminds us of a simple truth:
"Our best way to create a high link profile for our websites is simply by creating great, unique content."
Start by understanding your audience’s biggest challenges. Tools like Answer the Public can help uncover common questions in your industry. Once you know what your audience needs, build content that tackles those issues head-on . With top-notch content ready, you’ll be set to craft personalized outreach emails and secure those backlinks.
4. Write Custom Outreach Emails
Crafting personalized outreach emails is key when it comes to resource page link building. Why? Because they work. Emails with personalized content in the body see a 32.7% higher response rate , and those with personalized subject lines enjoy a 26% boost in open rates .
The Anatomy of an Effective Outreach Email
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key elements that make an outreach email effective:
| Element | Purpose | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Subject Line | Grab attention | Keep it clear, specific, and mention their site |
| Opening | Build connection | Use their name and reference their work |
| Value Proposition | Show relevance | Explain how your content benefits their audience |
| Call to Action | Guide next steps | Make a clear, specific request |
| Signature | Build credibility | Include your role and company |
Think of this as your template for creating emails that stand out.
Personalization That Works
Here’s a tip from the pros:
"Know the publication you’re pitching. Pitching ideas that have already been published on the site is a waste of your time and my time – unless you have some new/unique spin on it."
To make your outreach count, research the site thoroughly. Reference specific content, explain how your pitch adds value, and keep your email concise – 150 to 200 words is the sweet spot for keeping their attention [33].
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
It’s tough out there: only 8.5% of outreach emails get a response, according to a Backlinko study [33]. To avoid falling into the majority, steer clear of these common mistakes:
- Using generic templates that scream "copy-paste."
- Writing long-winded, unfocused messages.
- Failing to show how your content benefits them.
- Forgetting to follow up within 3-5 days.
Follow-Up
After sending your personalized email, don’t stop there. A follow-up can remind them of your pitch and reinforce its value. If your first email goes unnoticed, reference it in your follow-up, and offer additional reasons why your content is worth their attention. A well-timed follow-up could be the difference between no reply and a new link.
5. Show Value for Both Sides
Resource page owners are always on the lookout for high-quality content that enhances their pages and resonates with their audience . By highlighting how your content benefits both them and their readers, you can secure valuable backlinks while boosting your content’s credibility.
What Each Party Gains
| Stakeholder | Their Needs | How You Can Help |
|---|---|---|
| Page Owner | Relevant, updated content | Share well-researched, polished resources |
| Readers | Solutions and insights | Provide actionable, educational material |
| Your Site | Backlinks | Ensure your content aligns with their goals |
By addressing these needs, you can create partnerships that build trust and authority.
How to Highlight Mutual Benefits
-
Educational Content
Provide content that truly helps the audience, like guides, tutorials, or how-to articles tailored to their needs [36]. For instance, if you’re pitching to a personal finance resource page for single moms, offer detailed budgeting tips or money-saving strategies designed specifically for their challenges . -
Enhancing Existing Content
Help page owners improve their resources by:- Filling in gaps in their current material
- Adding complementary details
- Including visuals like infographics or charts for better engagement [38]
"Remember, it’s not just about selling; it’s about providing genuine value that fosters long-term relationships with your audience." – Regina Andler, Autumn Ascent Weekly [37]
Make It Easy for Them to Say Yes
When proposing your resource, make the process straightforward:
- Clearly show where your content fits into their existing structure.
- Explain how it solves their audience’s problems.
- Highlight how it aligns with the goals of their page.
- Provide ready-to-use materials like anchor text, descriptions, and visuals .
A well-prepared pitch not only saves them time but also builds trust in the quality of your work.
Indicators of High-Quality Content
To meet the standards of resource page owners and maintain credibility, focus on:
- Backing up claims with reliable data.
- Demonstrating expertise in your field.
- Offering fresh perspectives.
- Keeping the information up-to-date.
- Delivering practical, actionable solutions.
These practices ensure your content meets the high expectations of resource pages while reinforcing its value.
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6. Send Emails at the Right Time
Getting the timing right can make or break your resource page link-building efforts. Studies show that sending emails at specific times can boost open rates and improve responses. Adjust your outreach schedule to take full advantage of these insights.
Peak Response Times
According to research from GetResponse, emails sent between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM see the highest open rate at 42.7%[40]. The next best time is 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with an open rate of 27.9%[40].
| Time Window | Open Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 4 AM – 8 AM | 42.7%[40] | Landing in the inbox early |
| 8 AM – 12 PM | 27.9%[40] | Capturing active users |
| 1 PM – 2 PM | 22.09%[43] | Post-lunch engagement |
Best Days to Send Emails
Weekly data reveals clear trends for email performance[40]:
- Tuesday: 27.5% open rate
- Thursday: 26% open rate
- Wednesday: 18% open rate
- Monday: 16% open rate
- Friday: 13% open rate
Managing Time Zones
If you’re reaching out to websites across different regions, timing gets trickier. Here are two steps to help:
- Know Your Audience: Research the location of your target websites. Consider their typical work hours to determine the best time to send emails[42].
- Use Scheduling Tools: Email scheduling tools let you send messages at the recipient’s local peak hours, ensuring they see your email at the right time[42].
Engagement Patterns
A HubSpot survey of B2B marketers found that 47.9% of respondents experienced the most engagement between 9 AM and 12 PM[45]. This aligns with the time when website managers and content teams are most likely to review partnership requests.
Test and Adjust
Don’t just rely on general advice – test and refine your approach:
- Track open rates and responses for different time slots.
- Segment your outreach based on time zones.
- Avoid sending emails during weekends or off-hours[42].
- Use scheduling tools to stay consistent.
- Analyze response trends and adjust your timing accordingly.
Combining the right timing with strong content and a clear value proposition can significantly improve your outreach success.
7. Make Adding Links Simple
Make it easy for webmasters to add your link by providing clear, organized information. With many link requests flooding inboxes daily, a well-prepared and straightforward approach can make your request stand out. Here’s how to ensure your link is ready for seamless integration on resource pages.
What to Include in Your Link Package
When reaching out, include the following:
- URL: The direct link you want added.
- Suggested Anchor Text: Keep it short and relevant (e.g., "Complete SEO Guide 2025").
- Content Description: A quick overview of the content (e.g., "Step-by-step SEO tutorial with actionable strategies").
Crafting Strong Anchor Text
Your anchor text should be:
- Keyword-focused: Use terms relevant to the content.
- Self-explanatory: It should make sense on its own.
- Clear and concise: Avoid unnecessary words while keeping it descriptive.
Accessibility Matters
Good anchor text isn’t just for SEO – it also improves usability for people using screen readers. It should clearly communicate the link’s purpose without requiring extra context.
Writing a Compelling Content Description
A strong content description can make your link more appealing. Include:
- Who it’s for: Highlight the primary audience.
- What makes it stand out: Mention unique features or benefits.
- Relevance: Note when it was last updated.
- Authority signals: Reference expert input or reliable data sources.
Provide HTML-Ready Links
Make things easier by offering the link in both plain text and HTML format. For example:
<a href="https://example.com/guide">Complete SEO Guide 2025</a>
Double-Check Technical Details
Before sending your request, review these points:
- Ensure each anchor text is unique and fits the context of the page.
- Keep the text brief while still being descriptive.
- Confirm the link placement feels natural within the surrounding content.
8. Connect with Page Owners
Building strong relationships with resource page owners can take your link-building efforts to the next level. Instead of treating each interaction as a one-time deal, focus on creating meaningful connections that benefit both you and the page owner. These relationships form the foundation for more effective collaboration.
Engage Authentically
Start by genuinely engaging with their work across various platforms:
- Leave thoughtful comments on their blog posts
- Share their content on your social media accounts
- Actively participate in discussions on their platforms
"My favorite link-building tactic is serendipity, i.e. doing a lot (meeting people, genuinely helping contacts, engaging on social media, blogging, etc.) to get results. Doing a lot of good things creates good luck – just like building a lot of connections creates links. This is how I’ve rolled!" – Ann Smarty, ViralContentBee [54]
Once you’ve established a genuine connection, focus on offering something of value in return.
Provide Value First
Show your commitment by offering support that matters:
- Include and credit their expertise in your content
- Introduce them to relevant contacts in your network
- Share their content with your audience
- Offer constructive feedback when they ask for it
Maintain Regular Communication
Keep the relationship alive with consistent interaction:
- Share timely updates and relevant industry news
- Send them your latest content that aligns with their interests
- Support their new projects, launches, or events
"Another advantage of slowly building relationships and not rushing to get a link is that, eventually, you’ll have a group of like-minded people that can help you accomplish other (also important) tasks besides link building. Think of it like your rescue group that is ready to support you whenever in need." – Alex Chris, Digital Marketing Manager of Reliablesoft.net [54]
Help Build Their Authority
Go the extra mile by helping them grow their authority:
- Create content that resonates with their audience
- Highlight their success stories in your work
- Connect them with opportunities to showcase their expertise
- Share their insights across your platforms
"B2B is about relationships and building compounding value from those high-value relationships." – Ross Hudgens from Siege Media [54]
These genuine connections not only strengthen your outreach but also enhance your overall resource page strategy.
9. Find and Fix Broken Links
Fixing broken links is a smart way to build connections and earn backlinks. By helping site owners update their pages with your content, you provide a useful solution while boosting your own visibility.
Use Tools to Spot Broken Links
Here are some tools to help you quickly identify broken links:
- Ahrefs Site Audit: Detects broken external links across entire domains.
- Semrush Backlink Analytics: Highlights broken pages with existing backlinks.
- Screaming Frog: Offers detailed crawl reports for link analysis.
- Google Search Console: Reports crawl errors on your own site.
Follow a Step-by-Step Search Process
1. Find Relevant Resource Pages
Use Google search operators to locate resource pages in your niche, like:
"Keyword" + inurl:resources"Keyword" + intitle:links"Keyword" + "helpful resources""Keyword" + "useful resources"
2. Analyze Outbound Links
Once you find resource pages, review their outbound links. Focus on pages that are frequently updated and include many external links [57].
3. Document Findings
Use a spreadsheet to track resource page URLs, broken link locations, original topics, and your replacement content. This makes it easy to provide site owners with a clear and organized solution.
Plan Your Outreach
Your outreach should be short, direct, and focused on the value you provide.
"Broken link building enables you to organically enhance your visibility and authority by remedying problems for website visitors and site owners alike. The value it provides earns goodwill and coveted backlinks." – Aaron Gray [62]
uSERP highlights why this method works so well: "A big reason broken link building is so effective is that it benefits both parties. You help webmasters fix broken links, and in exchange, you gain valuable backlinks that can improve your site’s domain authority (DA) and search engine rankings. It’s a win-win situation." [60]
Track Your Success
Data shows that a good broken link building campaign can achieve a 5-10% response rate [61]. To improve your chances:
- Focus on pages with multiple broken links.
- Make sure your replacement content aligns closely with the original topic.
- Offer extra help by pointing out other technical issues on their site.
- Follow up if you don’t hear back after a reasonable time.
The goal is to assist site owners in maintaining their pages while offering high-quality content that benefits their audience.
10. Use Your Network
Tap into your professional network to secure quality resource page links. This approach works alongside traditional outreach methods, turning your existing connections into valuable link-building opportunities.
Experts agree that personal connections often lead to better links than automated outreach. Building genuine relationships can be a game-changer for resource page link building.
Engage Authentically on Platforms
Connect with resource page owners by actively participating on platforms like:
- LinkedIn: Share their posts and add meaningful commentary.
- Twitter: Regularly interact with their tweets.
- Industry Forums: Join discussions relevant to their niche.
- Professional Events: Attend meetups and conferences to meet them face-to-face.
For example, Alexandra Tachalova’s success with podcast pitching highlights how consistent and thoughtful engagement can pay off [55].
Strengthen Connections Through Value
Use your existing relationships to create mutual benefits:
- Share Their Content: Promote their work to build rapport.
- Offer Industry Expertise: Provide data or insights tailored to their interests.
- Maintain Regular Contact: Keep the conversation going with a focus on shared goals [64].
Make Thoughtful Link Requests
When asking for a link, refer back to your earlier interactions. Explain how your content fits their resource page, provide ready-to-use HTML, and suggest ways to cross-promote.
Keep Partnerships Alive
Once you’ve secured a link, don’t stop there. Follow up to ask for feedback, share their updates, and keep your content relevant. This ongoing effort strengthens relationships and opens doors for future collaborations.
"Another advantage of slowly building relationships and not rushing to get a link is that, eventually, you’ll have a group of like-minded people that can help you accomplish other (also important) tasks besides link building. Think of it like your rescue group that is ready to support you whenever in need." – Alex Chris, Digital Marketing Manager of Reliablesoft.net [54]
Wrapping Up
Resource page link building remains a go-to method for earning high-quality backlinks, with 44% of SEO professionals backing this strategy . Its success boils down to three main elements: detailed research, tailored outreach, and building strong connections.
Creating link-worthy content is just the first step. To truly make an impact, you need a structured approach that combines advanced search techniques with genuine relationship-building. As Joshua Hardwick, Head of Content at Ahrefs, puts it: "Resource page link building is about as straightforward as it gets. That’s probably why so many SEO professionals continue to use this tactic – even in a world of skyscrapers and shotguns" .
Here are some key practices for effective resource page link building:
- Use search operators to uncover relevant resource pages.
- Evaluate quality using metrics like Domain Rating.
- Write outreach messages that resonate with page owners.
- Build real connections through meaningful interactions.
- Stay in touch even after securing links.
These steps lay the groundwork for a strategy that works over the long haul. Keep in mind, this approach requires patience and persistence . Success comes from maintaining solid relationships with resource page owners and consistently offering value.
If you’re looking to speed up the process, professional help can make a big difference. SearchX offers link-building services as part of their SEO solutions, ensuring businesses can create and execute effective resource page strategies. Their focus on ethical, results-driven practices can help you achieve measurable growth.
