10 Strategies That Work to Build Backlinks for Ecommerce

Getting your ecommerce store to rank on Google is tough—especially if you’re up against giants. But here’s the thing: you don’t need a massive budget to start climbing the rankings. You just need smart, sustainable link building.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 11 of the most effective ways to build backlinks for ecommerce sites—including a special section on how to use press releases to attract high-authority links and attention.

Why Backlinks Matter for Ecommerce

Backlinks are like online votes of confidence. When reputable sites link to your store, Google sees you as trustworthy—and that means higher rankings, more visitors, and more sales.
For ecommerce, backlinks also:

• Drive referral traffic from relevant audiences
• Help your product/category pages rank (not just your homepage)
• Give you an edge in a crowded market

Even if you’re not a big brand (yet!), you can absolutely get high-quality backlinks with these strategies.
10 Best Ecommerce Link Building Strategies (With Detailed Steps)

10 Best Ecommerce Link Building Strategies (With Detailed Steps)

1. Guest Posting

Writing valuable articles for other websites or blogs in your industry, including a natural, contextual link back to your ecommerce site.

How to Do It:

• Identify Target Sites: Look for reputable blogs or magazines relevant to your niche (e.g., “best fashion blogs,” “outdoor gear magazines”).
• Vet for Quality: Check their domain authority (use MozBar or Ahrefs), traffic (Similarweb), and content quality.
• Pitch a Topic: Email the editor or site owner. Suggest useful article ideas that fit their audience (“How to Choose the Right [Product] for Summer”).
• Write High-Value Content: Craft a well-written, non-promotional article. Naturally include your backlink within the body, not just the author bio.
• Follow Up: After publishing, thank the editor and share the article on your channels.
  Pro tip: Build real relationships, not just links. Sites appreciate repeat contributors.

2. Press Release

Distributing a newsworthy story (like a product launch or business milestone) to journalists and news outlets, earning authoritative links and brand coverage.

How to Do It:

• Identify a Newsworthy Event: Product launches, partnerships, awards, major sales, or unique campaigns.
• Write the Press Release: Clear headline, compelling summary, body with quotes and key facts, link to your website or product, and company contact info.
• Distribute via PR Platforms: free sites (PRLog, OnlinePRNews).
• Direct Outreach: Email relevant journalists and bloggers directly—offer exclusive details or interviews.
• Track Coverage: Monitor mentions and backlinks using Google Alerts or Ahrefs.
  Pro tip: Always focus on real news value—don’t use press releases just for “filler.”

3. Supplier & Manufacturer Links

Getting listed on your product suppliers’ or manufacturers’ official “Where to Buy” or “Stockists” pages.

How to Do It:

• List Your Brands: Create a list of every brand you stock.
• Find Their Retailer Pages: Search “[brand] authorized retailers” or “[brand] stockists.”
• Reach Out: Contact their sales/marketing team and ask to be added—include your store info, URL, and a short pitch.
• Provide What They Need: Some may require proof of partnership or logo/images.

4. Niche Industry Directories

Submitting your site to respected, industry-specific directories that list businesses or products.

How to Do It:

• Research Directories: Use Google, competitor research, or directory lists. Focus on those with editorial standards.
• Apply or Submit Your Store: Fill out all requested information; add images or descriptions if allowed.
• Keep Records: Track where you’re listed and periodically check your live links.

5. Get Featured in “Best [Product]” Lists

Getting your product or store included in popular roundup articles (e.g., “Best Running Shoes for Women”).

How to Do It:

• Google Search: Look for lists relevant to your products.
• Contact the Author: Send a friendly email, pitch your product’s unique angle, and offer a sample if needed.
• Provide Details: Make it easy—send images, product info, and your website link.

6. Influencer and Blogger Reviews

Sending products to relevant bloggers or influencers for an honest review and backlink.

How to Do It:

• Find Relevant Influencers: Use Instagram, YouTube, or blog search (look for micro-influencers in your niche).
• Personalize Outreach: Explain why your product suits their audience.
• Send Product Samples: Ship items and encourage an honest review.
• Follow Up: Share their review and thank them.
  Note: FTC rules require disclosure if compensation or gifts are involved.

7. Resource Page Outreach

Getting your site or content added to existing resource pages (“Useful Tools for [Industry]”)

How to Do It:

• Find Resource Pages: Use Google searches like “inurl:resources [topic]” or “useful links [niche].”
• Evaluate Relevance: Only target pages where your resource genuinely fits.
• Pitch Your Resource: Explain how your guide/tool helps their readers. Be concise and respectful.

8. Broken Link Building

Identifying broken (dead) links on other websites and suggesting your relevant page as a replacement.

How to Do It:

• Use Tools: Chrome’s “Check My Links” or Ahrefs’ Broken Link Checker.
• Find Target Pages: Search for resource pages or blog posts in your industry.
• Spot Broken Links: Make a note of dead links.
• Reach Out: Contact the webmaster, let them know, and suggest your relevant content as a fix.

9. Local Business Partnerships

Collaborating with other local businesses, charities, or events for mutual promotion and backlinks.

How to Do It:

• Identify Potential Partners: Think gyms, community groups, local events, or charities.
• Propose a Collaboration: Event sponsorship, co-branded promotions, or content swaps.
• Get a Link: Ask for a backlink in their event pages, partner listings, or blog announcements.

10. Create Linkable Assets (Guides, Tools, Infographics)

What It Is:
Developing unique, valuable resources people want to share and link to.

How to Do It:

Promote It: Share with bloggers, journalists, and on social media. Email sites that have linked to similar content.

Research What’s Popular: Use BuzzSumo or Ahrefs Content Explorer for ideas.

Create Something Useful: E.g., an in-depth buying guide, downloadable checklist, or infographic.

Final Thoughts

E-commerce link building is all about building real relationships, offering value, and being proactive. Choose a few strategies that fit your business, start small, and scale up as you see results. Consistency always beats shortcuts.

If you want sample outreach templates or advice on picking your best starting point, just ask—I’m happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I write a press release for my ecommerce store?
Start with a newsworthy angle, write a concise headline, summarize your story in the opening paragraph, include a quote, and provide details with a link to your site. End with your company info and a media contact.

Are press release backlinks good for SEO?
Yes—if distributed through reputable sites and picked up by real journalists. Avoid “PR spam” and focus on quality over quantity.

Can small stores use press releases?
Absolutely. You don’t need to be Amazon to have news! Product launches, local partnerships, or unique campaigns all make great press release topics.

Where do I distribute my press release?
Paid platforms like PR Newswire, Business Wire, and GlobeNewswire have the widest reach. Free platforms like PRLog and OnlinePRNews can also work for smaller announcements.

How often should I send press releases?
Only when you have genuine news or a unique story. A few well-timed releases a year are better than spamming the wires monthly.