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Hunting down competitor backlinks is really a herculean task; hence we have jotted down an extensive and useful list of advanced search operators that will bring you a handful of unique backlinks from your competitors.
Before diving in, we need to know why we should consider analyzing the backlink profile for any SEO campaign.
It educates. The established sites in your niche set an example to follow and give you an idea of how link building is done.
It inspires. The more you know about linking pages to your competitor, the more ideas you get for link building for your website. That shouldn’t be copying the competitor’s strategies – but this analysis gives you an idea in which direction to move forward.
It keeps you up-to-date. And plenty of more important questions the analysis will be able to answer.
Now, let’s explore some beautiful ways as mentioned below for Google and Other Search Engines:
Find most relevant pages linking to a site/page:
[linkdomain:http://www.domain.com/ -site:domain.com keyword]
Find pages containing your keyword in the URL (another relevance-focused search): [link:http://www.domain.com/ -site:domain.com inurl:keyword]
More variations of the above one (blog and social media specific):
[link:http://www.domain.com -site:domain.com inurl:keyword inurl:tag]
More variations of the above one (to find discussion boards and forums): [link:http://www.domain.com -site:domain.com inurl:keyword inurl:forum OR inurl:forums]
Find pages containing your keyword in the page title
[link:http://www.domain.com -site:domain.com intitle:keyword]
Find .edu or .gov sites linking to the page
[link:http://www.domain.com site:.edu OR site:.gov]
Find pages of various file types
[link:http://www.domain.com originurlextension:xml]
(file types: HTML, PDF, Excel (.xls), PowerPoint (.ppt), Word (.doc), RSS/XML (.xml), and text format (.txt))
Find pages of different geographic location
[link:http://www.domain.com region:europe]
Available country options:
region:europe
region:africa
region:asia
region:centralamerica
region:downunder
region:mediterranean
region:mideast
region:northamerica
region:southamerica
region:southeastasia
Additional List of Queries
The queries we used were quite simple but they produced an excellent list of target sites.
Here are the queries we used:
intitle:”SEO blogging”
intitle:”SEO blogs”
intitle:”SEO tips”
Finding colleges and universities who link degree students and alumni to to job opportunities
Target Asset = Job Vacancy / Internships For (with your important keywords of course)
Key Link prospects = Universities and colleges, alumni sites
Link prospecting queries (in Google) = jobs degree site:.ac.uk, careers opportunities site:.ac.uk, careers advice site:.ac.uk, jobs degree site:.edu, careers degree site:.edu, careers advice site:.edu + variations
Content targeted:
{keyword} “guest blogger” OR “guest post” OR “guest article” OR “guest column”
{keyword} “become a contributor” OR “contribute to this site”
{keyword} “write for us” OR “write for me”
{keyword} inurl:category/guest
You can refine these queries by using {keyword location} instead of {keyword}, or by switching to just {location}.
Resource/ research targeted:
{keyword} “top * [tools/ articles/ websites/ etc.]” -> refine search to ~1 year ago. Contact anybody who shows up and ask if you can help with the 2009/ 20** edition of the article
{keyword} research -> see explanation above
{keyword} {location} resources OR “useful sites” OR links
{keyword} {USP} intitle:resources -> Use ‘green’, ‘cheapest’ etc as USP
.edu targeted: {keyword} site:.edu “planned research” OR “upcoming project” -> might return upcoming research/ project/ whatever that can be useful (both for info and for links)
To find specific types of websites:
{keyword} “Powered by phpBB” OR “powered by vBulletin”
{keyword} “Blog powered by TypePad” OR “powered by WordPress”
Promoting videos and free tools or widgets:
target asset = Video Content
link prospecting queries = intitle:[{target keyword} videos], intitle:[{target keyword} clips]
target asset = Free tool/widget
link prospecting queries = intitle:[{target keyword} tools], intitle:[free {target keyword} tools], intitle:[list of free {target keyword} tools], intitle:[list of {target keyword} tools]
Here are a few database of queries we use for generic link building:
“keyword phrase” sponsor charity
“public library” “useful links” keyword phrase site:.gov
“useful keyword phrase sites” library –clientwebsite site:.edu
“helpful keyword phrase sites” library –clientwebsite site:.edu
“favorite keyword phrase sites” library –clientwebsite site:.edu
“best keyword phrase” site:.edu OR site:.org
keyword phrase resources public library site:.us
keyword phrase site:.edu
Search operators to find personal email addresses for link outreach. some of my favorites:
site:[companywebsite.com] + [name] + email
site:[companywebsite.com] + [name] + contact
site:[personalblog.com] + [name] + email
site:[personalblog.com] + [name] + contact
Social Media Based queries are obviously useful for commenting and scoping out competition so:
site:{SN} {keyword}
Where SN (social network) is digg.com, delicious.com or twitter.com etc. and {keyword} is one of your keywords or brands/competitor brands.
The other quite useful is narrowing down themed directories so:
{keyword} + “add a site”
{keyword} + “submit url”
Obviously there are literally loads of combinations of these utilizing different words for directory i.e. “suggest url” or “submit listing”
- {keyword} + “intitle:directory”
- {keyword} + “inurl:directory”
Target Asset = Red Widget
Strategy – A combination of standard text or content that can usually see in a website
Ex: Directory = inurl:submit.php intext:Powered by “Directory Name” intext: red widget
Blog Commenting = intext:red widget intext:blog comments powered by “Comment Plugin”
Social Media = intext:”Submit A New Story” intitle:Register intext: “Name of Social Media Script”
Forum = inurl:forum intext:red widget
Advanced queries in combination with Google alerts, to receive mails to drop link:
OR -mysite.com inurl:links
Reverse engineering link profiles:
- [linkdomain:huomah.com site:.com “SEO Blog”]
- linkdomain: – searches for links to Huomah.com
- Site; – tells it to look for results from ‘.com’ extensions.
- “SEO Blog” searches the KWs on the page (or hopefully in the anchor text)
- [linkdomain:example.com site:.edu “keyword”]
- [linkdomain:example.com site:.gov ” keyword”]
Or maybe if we’re looking for relevant pages, we can track the TITLE
- [linkdomain:huomah.com -huomah.com intitle:SEO]
Page URLs are strong also, so we might do something like:
- [linkdomain:huomah.com -huomah.com inurl:”search engine optimization”]
We also can use a variety of low level link trolling with dorks related to:
- [add-links, last-updated 2000 inurl:.edu]
Finding people who will want to share your content (…including linking to it…)
- Linkedin: [site:linkedin.com inurl:in “social media expert”]
- Bebo: [site:.bebo.com inurl:profile inurl:bebo “social media expert”]
- CafeMom: [site:www.cafemom.com inurl:cafemom.com/home/ “stay at home mom”]
- Facebook: [site:facebook.com/people “led zeppelin”]
- Flickr: [site:flickr.com/people “@gmail”]
- Twitter: [site:twitter.com -inurl:statuses -inurl:status “social media expert”]
- MySpace: [site:profile.myspace.com inurl:myspace inurl:fuseaction “go to nc state”]
- YouTube: [site:youtube.com/user “social media expert”]
Advanced Link Building Using Search Operators: A Comprehensive Guide by ThatWare
In the world of SEO, link building remains one of the most effective strategies to increase domain authority, improve search engine rankings, and drive targeted traffic to your website. However, with constant changes to search engine algorithms and increased competition, traditional link-building methods may not always be as effective as they once were. This is where advanced link-building techniques using search operators come into play.
At ThatWare, we believe that using advanced search operators can give your link-building strategy a competitive edge. This comprehensive guide explores how to leverage search operators to identify valuable link-building opportunities, enhance your SEO efforts, and ultimately improve your website’s online presence.
What Are Search Operators?
Search operators are special characters and commands that can be added to search queries to refine and narrow search results on search engines like Google. By using these operators, you can discover highly specific, targeted results, which are essential for link building.
Search operators allow you to bypass the need for broad and generic searches and instead perform precise queries that reveal hidden opportunities that you might otherwise miss. This makes search operators an invaluable tool for marketers, SEO professionals, and link-building specialists.
Some of the most common search operators include:
- Quotes (“ ”): Used to find exact matches of the search terms.
- Minus (-): Excludes specific terms from the search results.
- Site: [domain]: Restricts search results to a particular website or domain.
- Link:: Helps find websites that link to a specific URL or domain.
- Inurl:: Finds pages with specific words in the URL.
- Intitle:: Targets pages with particular words in the title tag.
- Related:: Finds websites that are similar to a specified URL.
How Search Operators Can Improve Your Link-Building Strategy
Now that you know the basic idea behind search operators, let’s delve into how these tools can enhance your link-building efforts. Link building is all about acquiring backlinks from high-quality, relevant websites that can drive traffic and improve your SEO performance. By using search operators effectively, you can streamline the process and uncover opportunities that may otherwise remain hidden.
Here’s a breakdown of how to use search operators for advanced link building:
1. Identifying Link Opportunities
One of the most common uses of search operators in link building is identifying potential websites or pages that are likely to link back to your content. By searching for specific keywords, phrases, or topics within a targeted niche, you can find high-quality websites and blogs that accept guest posts, are open to external contributions, or have broken links that you can replace with your content.
For example, you can use the “intitle:” operator to find blogs or articles with the term “write for us” in the title. This shows you websites that are actively looking for guest contributors. A search query like:
intitle:“write for us” + “digital marketing”
This query will return pages that are inviting guest posts on digital marketing-related topics. Once you identify a list of potential websites, you can reach out and pitch your content or collaboration ideas.
2. Finding Broken Links for Link Building
Another excellent strategy for link building is finding broken links on authoritative websites. When a website links to a resource that no longer exists, it creates a “broken link” or a “404 error.” By identifying these broken links, you can offer a relevant piece of content from your website as a replacement, providing value to the site owner and gaining a backlink in the process.
You can search for broken links using search operators in combination with the “site:” and “inurl:” operators. For instance, to find broken links on a site within your niche, you can search for:
site:example.com inurl:404
Once you find the broken links, you can contact the website owner and offer your content as a replacement, explaining how it aligns with the original link’s topic.
3. Competitor Backlink Research
Search operators can also be used to perform competitor backlink analysis. By discovering where your competitors are getting their backlinks from, you can target the same websites and try to earn backlinks for your own site. You can find the backlinks of your competitors by using the “link:” operator.
For example, you could run a query like:
link:competitorwebsite.com
This will reveal pages that are linking to your competitor’s website. From there, you can reach out to the website owners and pitch your content or offer a similar resource to secure a backlink.
4. Advanced Google Search for Link Prospecting
Using search operators, you can take your link prospecting to the next level by refining your searches to find niche-specific websites, blogs, or content that can offer valuable backlinks. Here are some examples of advanced search queries you can use:
Finding niche blogs:
inurl:“blog” + “digital marketing”
- This will help you find blogs in the digital marketing niche.
Finding resource pages:
inurl:“resources” + “digital marketing tools”
- This targets resource pages that list helpful digital marketing tools.
Identifying websites with broken backlinks:
site:example.com “404 not found”
By tailoring your searches using different combinations of search operators, you can identify a wide variety of link-building opportunities in your niche.
5. Finding Brand Mentions Without Links
Sometimes, websites may mention your brand or content but fail to link to your website. This is a missed link-building opportunity, and using search operators can help you identify these mentions.
You can search for your brand’s name with the following query:
“your brand name” -site:yourwebsite.com
This will show mentions of your brand on other websites without linking back to your site. Once you identify these mentions, you can reach out to the website owners and ask them to convert the mention into a full backlink.
6. Finding Guest Post Opportunities
Guest posting is one of the most popular and effective link-building tactics. By using search operators, you can quickly identify websites that accept guest posts, increasing your chances of securing backlinks from high-authority domains. Here are a few advanced search queries to help you find guest posting opportunities:
Guest post opportunities:
“write for us” + “digital marketing”
Guest post guidelines:
“guest post guidelines” + “content marketing”
Guest post submission:
“submit a guest post” + “SEO tips”
Using these search queries, you can find relevant websites in your niche that accept guest contributions. Once you identify the target sites, you can pitch your ideas or offer your content for guest posting, helping you build valuable backlinks.
Best Practices for Using Search Operators in Link Building
While search operators are powerful tools, it’s essential to use them strategically and efficiently to maximize their effectiveness. Here are some best practices for incorporating search operators into your link-building strategy:
- Be Specific in Your Search Queries: The more specific your search, the better the results will be. Don’t just search for broad terms; refine your queries to find highly targeted websites and link-building opportunities.
- Use Multiple Operators Together: Combine different search operators to create highly targeted search queries. For example, use the “site:” operator with “inurl:” or “intitle:” to filter results and find the most relevant opportunities.
- Monitor and Follow-Up: After you identify potential link-building opportunities, it’s crucial to follow up with website owners and editors. Craft personalized outreach emails and offer value in your pitch to increase your chances of securing backlinks.
- Diversify Your Link-Building Efforts: While search operators are a powerful tool for link-building, don’t rely on them exclusively. Combine them with other link-building techniques such as content marketing, influencer outreach, and social media promotion to create a well-rounded SEO strategy.
- Track Your Results: Keep track of the links you acquire through search operators. Use tools like Google Analytics, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to measure the impact of these backlinks on your SEO performance.
Leveraging Advanced Search Operators for Content-Based Link Building
Content-based link-building is a highly effective approach to gaining backlinks by promoting high-quality content that is likely to be referenced and linked by other websites. This method not only boosts your SEO but also helps establish your brand as an authority in your niche. Advanced search operators can significantly enhance your content-based link-building efforts by helping you find the right websites, pages, and resources that are most likely to link to your content.
1. Targeting Resource Pages
One of the most productive link-building strategies is to find resource pages—pages on authoritative websites that list helpful resources and tools related to a specific topic. These pages are often a goldmine for link-building opportunities since they are designed to offer value to their audience by compiling useful information in one place.
Using search operators, you can easily locate resource pages within your niche. For example, if you create content about digital marketing tools, you can use the following search query:
inurl:resources + “digital marketing tools”
This search will return resource pages related to digital marketing tools. You can then reach out to the website owners and ask them to include your content as a valuable resource.
2. Finding Niche-Specific Directories
Niche-specific directories are another excellent source for link-building opportunities. These directories list websites or resources within a specific industry or field. By identifying directories that accept submissions, you can get your website listed, improving your online presence and SEO.
To find niche directories, try using the “intitle:” search operator along with industry-specific keywords. For example:
intitle:“directory” + “digital marketing”
This search will help you find directories that focus on digital marketing. Once you have identified relevant directories, ensure that they are reputable and authoritative before submitting your website.
3. Uncovering Linkless Brand Mentions
An often-overlooked opportunity in link building is uncovering mentions of your brand or content that don’t link back to your website. These unlinked mentions are a prime opportunity to reach out and request a backlink. By using search operators to track these mentions, you can contact the website owner and ask for the link to be added.
To find these linkless mentions, you can use the “-site:” operator. For example:
“your brand name” -site:yourwebsite.com
This search query will show mentions of your brand on other websites, excluding any from your own domain. Once you identify these mentions, contact the website owner or author, thanking them for the mention and politely asking for a link to your content. This method can help you acquire valuable backlinks without having to create new content.
4. Finding Blogs with Relevant Content
Targeting blogs that publish relevant content is a time-tested link-building strategy. By using advanced search operators, you can locate blogs in your niche that might be interested in linking to your content. You can use the “intitle:” or “inurl:” operators to search for specific blog posts or categories within blogs.
For instance, to find blogs about SEO, try the following query:
intitle:“SEO tips” + “digital marketing blog”
This search will return blog posts with titles related to SEO tips. These websites are potential targets for reaching out to in hopes of securing backlinks. You can pitch your content by explaining why it would be a valuable addition to their existing posts.
5. Searching for Link Reclamation Opportunities
Link reclamation is the process of identifying mentions of your brand, products, or services on the web that have not been properly linked. For example, a journalist may mention your brand in an article but fail to include a backlink to your site. By using search operators, you can uncover these mentions and request that they add a link to your site.
Here’s how you can use search operators for link reclamation:
“your brand name” -site:yourwebsite.com
Once you find unlinked mentions of your brand, reach out to the author or site owner and ask if they can turn the mention into a fully clickable link to your website. This type of link-building opportunity is often easy to obtain and highly valuable in terms of SEO.
6. Discovering Roundup Posts for Link Building
Roundup posts are compilations of resources, tools, or experts within a specific industry or niche. They are popular among bloggers and journalists as they help provide their audience with valuable insights and recommendations. Roundup posts often provide excellent opportunities for link building, especially if you are included as a featured resource or expert.
To find roundup posts in your niche, try the following search query using the “intitle:” operator:
intitle:“roundup” + “SEO experts” + “digital marketing”
This will return roundup posts that list SEO experts or digital marketing resources. Once you find these posts, you can reach out to the site owner or author and ask them to include your website or content in the next roundup.
7. Finding High-Authority Blogs for Guest Posting
Guest posting is one of the most effective link-building tactics for earning high-quality backlinks. Using search operators, you can identify high-authority blogs in your niche that accept guest posts. By contributing valuable content to these blogs, you can secure backlinks while establishing yourself as an authority in your industry.
For example, you can use the “intitle:” operator to search for blogs that accept guest posts:
intitle:“guest post guidelines” + “SEO” + “digital marketing”
This query will show blogs that accept guest posts related to SEO and digital marketing. Once you find relevant blogs, you can pitch your guest post ideas and request a backlink.
Conclusion
Advanced link building using search operators is an invaluable strategy that can give your SEO efforts a significant boost. By using the right search queries and focusing on high-quality link opportunities, you can improve your website’s search engine rankings, increase your domain authority, and drive targeted traffic to your site.
If you’re looking to take your link-building efforts to the next level, ThatWare is here to help. Our team of SEO experts specializes in advanced link-building techniques, including the use of search operators, to secure valuable backlinks and drive organic growth. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create a customized link-building strategy that aligns with your business goals.
Visit our Advanced Link Building Services to learn more about how we can assist you with innovative and effective link-building strategies.
Thatware | Founder & CEO
Tuhin is recognized across the globe for his vision to revolutionize digital transformation industry with the help of cutting-edge technology. He won bronze for India at the Stevie Awards USA as well as winning the India Business Awards, India Technology Award, Top 100 influential tech leaders from Analytics Insights, Clutch Global Front runner in digital marketing, founder of the fastest growing company in Asia by The CEO Magazine and is a TEDx speaker and BrightonSEO speaker.
