The more backlinks a webpage has, the more organic traffic it gets from Google.
We know this, so don’t let an easy opportunity for gaining a backlink go by, because you didn’t ask.
In this guide, we will give you step by step process of how to ask your past clients for a backlink. Show you where the backlink can live and email template to get you started.
Table of Contents
Step-by-step guide: How to get backlinks from your past clients
1 Make a list of past clients:
Start by creating a list of past clients who are likely to have active websites or online platforms. Consider clients with whom you had a positive working relationship and who may still be interested in your services or have a good reason to collaborate again.
2. Research your past clients:
Sit down and map out the potential backlink opportunities. Look for areas where your work is showcased, such as case studies, testimonials, or portfolio sections. Additionally, search for relevant blog posts or articles where your expertise could be referenced. Prioritize websites with high domain authority and traffic for a more significant impact. You are much more likely to get the backlink if you do most of the work for them.
3. Write a Personalized Outreach Message:
Write a compelling and personalized message for each client. Mention the specific project you worked on, highlight the positive outcomes, and express your appreciation for their collaboration. Tailor the message to address their website and how a backlink would benefit both parties. Be genuine and make it clear that you value their partnership.
4. Offer Incentives or Benefits:
Provide an incentive for your past clients to include a backlink to your website. This can be in the form of a discount code, referral program, or other benefits that align with your services.
For example
a. Discount Code: Offer a special discount or promotional offer exclusively for your past clients who include a backlink.
b. Referral Program: Create a referral program where past clients can earn rewards or commissions for referring new clients who engage your services.
c. Content Collaboration: Propose collaborating on a piece of content, such as a guest blog post or joint webinar, where both parties can benefit from increased exposure.
5. Follow Up and Express Gratitude:
After reaching out, give your clients some time to respond. If you don’t receive a reply within a week or two, consider sending a polite follow-up message as a gentle reminder. Once clients include the backlink, promptly express your gratitude for their collaboration and provide any promised incentives or benefits.
Monitor and Maintain Relationships:
Continuously monitor the backlinks from your past clients’ websites to ensure they remain active. Regularly check for broken links or changes that may affect the quality of the backlinks. Additionally, maintain a positive relationship with your clients by occasionally engaging with their content, sharing it on social media, or offering support when needed.
Remember, building backlinks requires patience and persistence.
Not all clients will respond positively or be willing to provide backlinks, so focus on nurturing relationships with those who show interest and make sure to provide value in return for their support.
Where your past clients can add a backlink on their website
There are several places where a client can add a backlink to your website. Here are some common locations:
- Footer: Including a backlink to your website in the footer section is a common and accepted practice, especially in design work. It is often viewed as a way for clients to acknowledge and credit the creative contributions made by external partners. Placing your backlink within the footer can provide a visually appealing and unobtrusive way to promote your brand while maintaining the overall aesthetics and usability of the client’s website.
- Case Studies or Portfolio Pages: Clients can include a backlink to your website within their case studies or portfolio pages where they showcase the projects you worked on together. This helps potential visitors and prospects navigate to your website to learn more about your services and expertise.
- Testimonials or Reviews: If your past clients provide testimonials or reviews about your work, they can add a backlink to your website within their feedback. This allows readers to directly visit your website to explore your offerings and credibility.
- Partner or Collaborator Pages: Some clients may have a dedicated page on their website to highlight their partners or collaborators. Request your clients to include your brand and a backlink to your website on this page, demonstrating a strong professional relationship.
- Resource Lists or Recommended Tools: If your services are relevant to a particular industry or niche, clients can add a backlink to your website within their resource lists or recommended tools sections. This showcases your expertise and positions you as a valuable resource for their audience.
- Blog Posts or Articles: If your past clients have an active blog or regularly publish articles, they can reference your work or expertise within their content and link back to relevant pages on your website. This helps drive traffic from their readership and improves your search engine visibility.
- About or “Work With Us” Page: Clients can include a backlink to your website on their “About” page or any page where they invite visitors to work with them. This encourages potential clients or collaborators to explore your website and consider engaging your services.
- Social Media Profiles: While not a traditional backlink, clients can include a link to your website in their social media profiles. This provides an opportunity for their followers to discover your services and visit your website.
Example email to send a past client
Dear [Client’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to reach out and extend my heartfelt appreciation once again for the great collaboration we had on [project name]. It was truly a fantastic experience, and I believe there’s an exciting opportunity for us to strengthen our ties even further.
I’ve been working hard to boost my SEO for my business, and backlinks are a huge part of that. I was wondering if you’d be open to including a backlink to my website, [Your Website URL], in the footer section of your amazing website. Trust me, it’s a super slick and visually appealing way to showcase our collaboration and make it easy for your visitors to check out the creative services I offer.
To help you acquire more backlinks I’m more than happy to give back by promoting your brand on my website and social media channels. Your awesome work deserves some well-deserved exposure.
If you want to learn more about backlinks and their impact on boosting website visibility, here’s a great article: [Insert Link: https://creativeseocoach.com/mastering-your-seo-backlink-campaign/].
I genuinely appreciate you considering this request, and I truly believe it’s a win-win situation for both of us. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thanks a bunch for your time and support. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Take care and speak soon,
[Your Name]
Asking your previous clients for backlinks can do wonders for your website’s search engine ranking and online visibility. It’s a smart strategy to boost your online presence.
But remember, it’s all about being tactful and thoughtful in your approach.
Let’s go over the key takeaways from this guide.
Building backlinks takes time and persistence.
Not all clients will be able or willing to provide backlinks, so focus on nurturing relationships with those who show interest. And always remember to provide value in return for their support.
So, go ahead and start reaching out to your past clients.
With the right approach and a little bit of effort, you can leverage their online presence to enhance your own. Happy backlink building!
