14 Tips To Earn Editorial Links in 2025 For High-Authority Backlinks

Editorial links come naturally; no trades, requests, or payments needed. You need quality content to earn them. Google loves these links because they indicate authority and trust. Getting editorial backlinks from high-authority websites boosts your SEO performance. 

Link building can be challenging, especially since high-authority site owners are selective about the external links they allow. Editorial links play a key role in this process, as they signal credibility, trust, and authority. When your content earns an editorial link, it showcases reliability and enhances ranking potential, sending strong signals to search engines about its value.

This blog covers 10 tips to earn editorial links in 2025 that will build a stronger backlink profile. These strategies will help you attract quality links, leading to better rankings and more organic traffic.

What is An Editorial Link?

An editorial link naturally appears within content on another website as an organic inbound link that wasn't paid for, traded for, or directly requested. People call these "earned links" because quality and relevant content deserve them. These links show that another site voluntarily endorses your content.

For example, A Forbes article about workplace friendships in 2021 used a hyperlinked anchor text "water cooler?" that took readers to a relevant page on Strategy-Business. The writer found that there was this resource during research and added it to give more context, without any outreach from the linked site. You'll usually see editorial links in:

• News articles and major publications

• Opinion pieces and intellectual influence content

• In-depth blog posts with strong E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness)

• Tool roundups where writers research the best options

These links stand out from other backlinks because they sit naturally within the content and are not in author bios or sponsored sections. 

Why are they hard to earn?

Editorial links provide tremendous value but remain tough to get. The biggest problem is that you can't control when someone decides to link to you. Your content needs to be genuinely citation-worthy.

Your content must be exceptional to start with. It should offer unique research, tools, opinions, stories, or data that nobody else has. Great content also needs exposure before it can attract links. Three key elements help you earn editorial backlinks naturally:

• Exceptional content quality: Nobody links to average work, no matter how well you promote it

• An established audience: People need to see your content before they can link to it

• A measure of good timing: Being in the right place at the right time matters

On top of that, the most authoritative websites follow strict editorial standards and don't respond to common link-building campaigns. The New York Times won't accept your guest post, and the BBC won't add your suggested edit to their stories. 

These high-value links are especially hard to get because of this selective nature. To be worthy of an editorial link, you need resources to create original research, develop free tools, or produce detailed guides.

How do they differ from other backlinks?

The biggest difference between editorial and acquired links comes down to how you get them. Quality content naturally draws editorial links through its inherent value. Whereas, acquired links come from specific actions like outreach efforts, broken link building, link exchanges, or guest posting.

Your site receives various backlinks, but editorial links represent the highest quality subset. These often come from respected publications with impressive metrics, sites like Forbes (with a Domain Rating of 98/100) or industry authorities. The high editorial standards of these publications make their links extra valuable.

To name just one example, see when a Forbes article about workplace friendships linked to another site's content. The writer found that resource during research and included it because readers would find it valuable.

Why does Google value them?

Google's algorithm sees links as "votes" to identify pages worthy of top rankings. Similarly, editorial links hold special value because they match Google's goal to reward helpful content. These links represent real endorsements, unlike manipulative schemes that try to game the system. 

Over the last several years of algorithm updates, Google has gotten better at spotting and devaluing artificial link patterns. The search engine now emphasizes natural, relevant links from trusted sources.

Natural links from authority websites across your site tell Google your content deserves visibility. This trust signal can extensively boost your search rankings. You also avoid the risk of penalties that often come with manipulative link building tactics.

Editorial links vs acquired links

The biggest difference between editorial and acquired links creates a clear divide in SEO link building. You can build a balanced backlink strategy that works better and reduces risks by learning about both types.

Benefits of Earning Editorial Backlinks

Editorial backlinks strengthen your presence in ways paid links can't match.

Improved SEO and rankings

Editorial links boost your search visibility through several mechanisms. They act as "votes of confidence" that tell search engines your content deserves prominence. Brands that focus on editorial link building see a 6x increase in organic traffic compared to those using paid placements.

These links build your domain authority score, which determines your ranking potential. A recent case study showed how a B2B brand got an impressive 1,000% monthly ROI and 550% more organic leads with just 18 high-authority editorial links. 

Brand authority and trust

Editorial backlinks work like endorsements from respected sources. Your content gains trust from both search engines and readers when reputable websites link to it. This outside validation builds credibility better than any self-promotion could.

These links increase authority in your industry. Getting featured on respected websites creates a positive effect that passes their reputation to your brand. Your consumer confidence and industry position grow stronger as this trust builds over time.

Referral traffic and visibility

Editorial backlinks send qualified visitors straight to your site. These visitors come with a purpose because they found value in the original content. Research shows 68% of brands got more consistent organic traffic from editorial links compared to paid ones.

Similarly, getting featured on popular platforms puts your brand in front of new audiences. These links build your reputation and bring in traffic at the same time.

Lower risk of penalties

These links are the safest way to build backlinks because they match search engine guidelines perfectly. They show content value, unlike risky tactics that could lead to penalties.

Research reveals that 42% of brands saw their rankings drop after running sponsored content campaigns. This shows how well algorithms can spot artificial link patterns. Whereas, editorial links protect your site from algorithm updates and provide lasting value because they're earned naturally.

14 Tips To Earn Editorial Links

Earning editorial might sound difficult, but it's worth the hard work and effort. Learn these tips below if you want exquisite recognition along with genuine traffic. 

1. Create original research or data studies

Research and data studies are the most powerful content format that attracts editorial links. Three main reasons make data-driven content work so well. 

1. Journalists and bloggers need fresh statistics to support their claims. Your original research gives them credible evidence they can cite. Right now, only 2.2% of content receives links from more than one site. 

2. Content with original research stands out among repetitive information. Your content becomes a reference point instead of just another article. 

3. News sites love data-driven pieces because they're "plug and play" stories they can cover easily.

2. How to conduct and publish research

You can collect original data through several proven methods:

• Conduct surveys: Your email list, website visitors, and clients are great sources of information

•  Analyze proprietary data: Look into internal data from your products or services

• Study existing datasets: Public information from Google Analytics, Pew Research Center, or government records works well

The best way to publish your findings is to make them available rather than focus on lead generation. A blog post gets more links than a gated PDF whitepaper. One study required email registration to access earned 1,000+ backlinks, while a similar open-access study earned compartively more.

3. Build free tools or calculators

Free tools and calculators are evergreen link magnets that keep getting editorial links long after publication. Unlike content marketing campaigns that spike briefly, well-laid-out tools bring in backlinks year after year without extra promotion. 

Tools work because of the psychological principle of reciprocity. Users who get value from your free tool want to share it with others. This psychological trigger makes tools a powerful way to earn editorial links.

Your link potential soars when you solve one specific problem instead of creating complex multi-purpose tools. The most successful tools share these characteristics:

• Solve problems your audience faces

• Focus on one specific action or calculation

• Give immediate value without asking too much from users

• Include a freemium version with enough value to encourage linking

4. Ideas for tools in different niches

You can find tool opportunities by learning what calculations or automations would help your audience. Start by looking at Google autocomplete suggestions. Type "how to calculate" followed by keywords related to your industry.

For example, home improvement brands can create calculators for paint requirements, flooring materials, or wallpaper needs. Other effective tool formats include:

• Industry-specific calculators (ROI, conversion, timing)

• Name generators

• Mapping tools

• Habit tracking applications

• Personality quizzes

SEO health check tools that users can embed on their websites are a great way to get editorial links. Your brand gets continuous exposure as the tool spreads across the web.

5. Publish in-depth guides and tutorials

Detailed guides and tutorials are a powerful strategy that attracts editorial links. These in-depth resources are the life-blood of link-worthy content and generate backlinks for years after publication.

These naturally attract editorial links by combining valuable information into a single destination. Your content becomes the obvious choice for citation when you save readers time they would spend gathering information from multiple sources.

Moreover, journalists and bloggers looking for trustworthy sources will find your detailed tutorial a reliable reference point. Without doubt, this authority boosts your chances of earning natural mentions.

These resources appeal to readers by solving problems that ended up driving higher engagement. Readers often share, bookmark, and link to content that helps them tackle their challenges.

6. Structure your guide for maximum value

Your guide needs clear organization and scannable sections to reach its full link potential. Start with an engaging introduction that explains the guide's purpose. Then break content into logical segments with different headings and subheadings. This structure makes your content more available and easier to reference. Think over these elements as you craft your guide:

• Target a specific segment within a broader audience (e.g., "cybersecurity for the elderly" rather than just "cybersecurity")

•  Include useful advice with practical examples that demonstrate real-life application

•  Add relevant visuals like images and diagrams to improve comprehension

• Publish your guide as a standalone asset on its unique URL rather than burying it within another post

7. Use infographics and visual content

Infographics tell visual data stories that make complex information easy to digest and share, making them perfect tools to attract editorial links. These visual representations break down complicated subjects into engaging, colorful formats that audiences quickly grasp and value.

When to use infographics

Statistical infographics prove exceptionally effective as link magnets right now. Journalists need empirical research to cite in their articles, and visual data presentation increases the chances of editorial mentions. Your visual assets become particularly valuable when you share:

• Original research findings and survey results

• Complex processes or workflows that need visual explanation

• Timelines showing historical progression

• Geographic data comparisons by region

• Statistical compilations that are too tedious for text form

As per the statistics, infographics get shared 3x more often than other content types. Websites that feature infographics see a 12% boost in traffic. This happens because 65% of people learn visually and understand content with graphics 323% better than text alone.

8. Make the design shareable

A link-worthy infographic needs thoughtful design for more shareability. Infographics should make complex information easy to understand. Too much text in your design defeats this purpose. Your design should follow these key principles:

• Write compelling headlines and subheadings that show immediate value

• Add enough white space to enhance readability and navigation

• Mix words and visuals naturally to tell a coherent story

•  Keep layouts clean and efficient to guide viewers through information

• Choose contrasting font sizes, colors, and placement to build visual hierarchy

Make your infographic easy to share by adding an embed code that visitors can copy to their sites. Many embed code generators include an automatic backlink to your website. This creates a win-win situation; others share your visual, while you gain an editorial backlink.

Social media makes an excellent starting point to promote your infographic. Reach out to bloggers and influencers in related niches who might find your visual content valuable for their readers.

9. Use digital PR and press releases

Your SEO-optimized announcements can secure high-quality backlinks from reputable outlets, unlike traditional link building methods. Success depends on understanding a journalist's mindset and approaching them the right way. Journalists get flooded with pitches every day. Your content needs to stand out to get coverage. A newsworthy press release contains:

• Genuine news or value: The most important product launches, original data studies, notable partnerships, or genuinely interesting announcements should be your focus

• Relevance to a broader audience: Your company's milestones, awards, recognitions, or industry insights should appeal beyond your immediate circle

• Solutions or explanations: The first 250 words of your content should answer who, what, at the time, where, and why questions

10. Pitch to journalists

Your outreach approach is an important part after creating a newsworthy press release:

Tools like Muck Rack or BuzzStream help you find journalists who cover topics related to your announcement. Make your outreach personal by mentioning their previous work or recent social media activity.

Your pitch should stay under 250 words with an engaging subject line that captures your story. A logical pitch structure works best; start with your introduction and source, explain the story's newsworthiness, and end with a clear next step.

Direct journalist outreach improves your coverage chances beyond distribution services. Package everything they might need: brand logo, photos, media kit in a cloud folder link to reduce back-and-forth emails.

11. Respond to journalist queries (HARO, Qwoted)

Getting editorial links through journalist platforms is one of the best ways to earn high-authority backlinks. Platforms like Help a Reporter Out (HARO) and Qwoted connect journalists with expert sources. These platforms give you a chance to get valuable media mentions.

12. Reclaim unlinked brand mentions

Unlinked brand mentions are hidden link-building opportunities waiting to be discovered. These mentions happen when websites talk about your brand, product, or content without adding a hyperlink back to your site. Getting links from existing mentions is much easier than building new relationships from scratch.

13. How to find unlinked mentions

Tools of all sizes track down these opportunities. BuzzStream, Talkwalker, and Ahrefs provide up-to-the-minute data analysis of brand mentions. Google Alerts works well, but Talkwalker offers better filtering options to notify you at the time your brand appears online.

Google search operators help you spot existing mentions. Type your brand name with "-site:yourdomain.com" to see results from other websites. Ahrefs Content Explorer takes this further by highlighting unlinked mentions and letting you filter results by Domain Rating (30-70) and traffic (>500).

14. How to request a link politely

Your best chance of success comes from reaching out within 24-48 hours after you find an unlinked mention. Your email should stay under 100 words with a clear subject line that includes the recipient's name.

Start by thanking them for the mention, then ask about adding a link to enhance their readers' experience. Frame your request to show how it benefits their audience rather than just helping your SEO. Make sure to include the exact link you want and think over offering something extra, like social media promotion. If the recipient hasn't responded yet, wait 2-5 days before following up, and don't send more than four emails total.

Conclusion

Editorial links are naturally earned backlinks that show genuine trust and authority to search engines. They are extremely valuable for your SEO strategy, unlike acquired links. Original research and data studies work as powerful link magnets because journalists need fresh statistics for their content. 

On top of that, free tools and calculators are evergreen link generators that attract backlinks long after their launch. You can also connect with reporters through platforms like HARO to share your expert knowledge for their stories. Although earning editorial links requires hard work and patience, the benefits far outweigh the investment. 

These quality backlinks boost search rankings and bring referral traffic. They build brand authority and keep your site safe from algorithm penalties. You can expand your efforts as you build consistency. Your SEO results will improve dramatically.

FAQ

What is an editorial link?

An editorial link is a natural backlink that a website earns when another site links to it voluntarily because they find the content valuable, trustworthy, or worth referencing. Unlike paid or forced links, editorial links are given organically (like when a journalist, blogger, or industry expert links to your article as a source).

How do I get an editorial link?

You can earn editorial links by:

• Publishing high-quality, original content (guides, research, case studies, infographics).

• Building your brand authority so people naturally cite your work.

• Reaching out to journalists or bloggers with useful insights (digital PR, HARO).

• Writing guest posts on reputed websites (if they add contextual, editorial links).

• Creating share-worthy resources like tools, templates, or data.

What is the difference between guest posting and editorial links?

• Guest Posting: You write an article for another site and add your link. It’s planned and self-placed.

• Editorial Link: Another site links to you naturally because your content is valuable. It’s organic and carries more SEO weight.

• Difference: Guest posts are self-inserted, editorial links are earned naturally.