Tired of begging for backlinks? There’s a smarter way. Instead of chasing every blogger and site owner one by one, you can create linkable assets content so valuable that people naturally want to link to it.
In this guide, I’ll break down what linkable assets are, why they’re so powerful for SEO, and give you a 7-step framework for building them. You’ll also see examples, mistakes to avoid, and answers to common questions.
What Is a Linkable Asset?
A linkable asset is content designed to attract backlinks because it delivers unique value. Unlike a regular blog post, a linkable asset isn’t just written for your audience it’s written with other publishers, journalists, and site owners in mind.
Examples of linkable assets:
- Industry studies or original research
- In-depth guides or tutorials
- Infographics and visual explainers
- Free tools, calculators, or templates
- Curated resource lists (think “The Ultimate List of…”)
Bottom line: if your content solves problems or answers questions better than what’s already out there, it’s a linkable asset.
Why Linkable Assets Matter
Backlinks remain one of Google’s strongest ranking factors. You can grind away at outreach and guest posting—but a single strong linkable asset can outperform dozens of smaller efforts.
- They scale. One asset can attract links for months or even years.
- They establish authority. Cited by credible sites = trust with Google.
- They generate leads. Linkable assets often double as traffic magnets.
Case in point: I once published a “Top SEO Tools by Category” resource. Within six months, it had earned links from 40+ domains all without another email from me.
The 7 Steps to Creating a Linkable Asset
Step 1: Research What People Actually Link To
Before you create anything, find out what’s already attracting links in your niche.
- Use Ahrefs Content Explorer or SEMrush to search your topic.
- Look at the backlink profiles of the top results.
- Spot patterns are people linking to guides, stats, or tools?
This ensures you’re not guessing. You’re creating something with proven demand.
Step 2: Pick the Right Format
Different audiences respond to different formats.
- Guides/Pillar Pages → Great for evergreen “how-to” searches.
- Data/Research → Journalists and bloggers love citing stats.
- Visual Assets → Infographics or flowcharts get shared widely.
- Interactive Tools → Calculators or generators bring recurring traffic.
Think of formats as your “intelligent link SEO pillars.” Pick one that matches your audience’s appetite.
Step 3: Create Something Better Than What Exists
Here’s the golden rule: if your asset isn’t noticeably better than what’s already ranking, why would anyone link to it?
Ways to stand out:
- Make it longer (cover more angles).
- Make it clearer (better visuals, simpler explanations).
- Make it fresher (update outdated data).
- Make it unique (add original insights, case studies, or tools).
This is the “10x content” principle you don’t just match competitors, you outdo them.
Step 4: Build With Shareability in Mind
A linkable asset should be easy to reference, share, or embed.
- Add stats callouts or charts people can copy.
- Include embeddable graphics (infographics work great here).
- Write quotable takeaways (short, bold statements journalists can lift).
Pro tip: Add an “Embed This” button below visuals to encourage backlinks.
Step 5: Publish and Optimize
Treat your linkable asset like a flagship page.
- Optimize on-page SEO (keywords, headings, schema).
- Internally link to it from related articles.
- Add a clear, short URL (easy to share).
This gives your asset a strong foundation before promotion.
Step 6: Promote Aggressively
Don’t wait for links to “just happen.”
- Outreach: Email bloggers, journalists, or industry experts who’ve linked to similar content.
- Social promotion: Share on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and niche groups.
- Paid promotion: Run small ads to spark initial visibility.
- Partnerships: Offer your asset to industry newsletters or podcasts.
Think of this as priming the pump visibility first, links second.
Step 7: Maintain and Refresh
The biggest mistake? Publishing once and walking away.
- Set reminders to update data, screenshots, or references.
- Expand sections when new trends emerge.
- Repurpose into new formats (e.g., turn a guide into an infographic).
Evergreen linkable assets those kept fresh keep attracting backlinks year after year.
Final Thoughts
If backlinks are the lifeblood of SEO, then linkable assets are your heart. They pump authority, traffic, and trust into your site without the endless grind of cold outreach.
Start by researching what already attracts links in your space. Pick one format. Create something better. Then promote the heck out of it.
The payoff? An asset that keeps earning links long after you’ve moved on to your next project.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a blog post and a linkable asset?
A blog post might educate your readers, but a linkable asset is designed to be referenced by other sites. It has more authority, data, or utility.
How long does it take to see results?
If promoted well, some assets attract links within weeks. Evergreen ones like industry reports often keep earning links steadily for years.
Can small businesses create linkable assets?
Absolutely. You don’t need a giant budget. For example, a small accounting firm could publish a “Tax Deadlines Calendar” and still earn backlinks from local media.
What are “linked assets” vs. “linkables”?
They’re the same thing. Both terms refer to content that earns backlinks naturally because of its value.
Do linkable assets work without outreach?
Sometimes. Truly standout assets can go viral on their own. But outreach dramatically increases your odds of success.
