Elementor #6 - Backlink Database

Backlink Database

This is an estimate, since I have a huge backlog on links to go through.
(Around 700+ campaigns)
Currently sorting out PR/Journalist list, hence it’s on the higher end of my database.

PR Campaigns (Brand Mentions, Quotes, HARO)

Content Campaigns (Usability-based, Informational)

PR-worthy / Headliner (Surveys, Predictions, newsjacking)

Visual Campaigns (Comparison, Participation)

User-generated Content (Forums, Contribution)

Showcase (Design, CSS, Inforgraphics)

Unscalable (Translation, Films, Fonts etc)

Why the need for a backlink database?

There’s a formula everyone is aware of in the SEO industry..

It is as simple as it sounds, but it has been preached across the years consistently across algorithmic updates.

Content + backlinks = Traffic.

Everyone knows this.

I personally had great success with it.

Applying this formula on 1 project 3 years ago,
pulling 30k~ pv/month on an adult fetish site, all from 1 article.

Then I tried doing it again and again..

In different niches and domains,
but somehow it just stopped working?..

Turns out.. It’s not quite simple.

The math works till it doesn’t.
There are a lot of variables in play, we don’t think about or measure.

There are factors we don’t see, but just assume that it is how it is.

As of writing, I solved it.

After looking, curating & filtering through THOUSANDS of campaigns, from free data comparisons to PR stunts.

Comparing from backlink profile to traffic sources & rankings.
As well as niche, content format, usability & vertical.

I was able to devise an equation to balance out the rest of the working formula.

Here are the missing factors..

Existing market audience size through word selection
Link culture across different industries
Dominant link building strategy within the niche
Generic content, audience overlap & repetitive look-alikes (Non-compete)
Availability of shotgun outreach, with an untouched audience
Accountability of link reports vs strategies picked
Cost per lead determines competition & organic placements

Still Confused?
Here's an example:

Generic travel keywords are much harder to compete for. There are exceptions to it.
But generally speaking, because the barrier to entry for travel blogging is low.

Travel experiences are common, more people will post about it & optimise for those keywords. The most unique the experience, the harder it is to convey that idea - the less competition you'll likely to have.
Google don't have that many factors & competition to compare you to, leaving you as the best available choice.

And given most of their source of income is dependent on their digital presence, most will charge $ to get a link up.

Which makes organic link placements unlikely, which is why link builders are pivoting to an overlapping niche or strategy around it.