Hey Reader,

Google can spot a paid link from a mile away.

You know the ones I’m talking about:

• 500-word low-quality guest posts w/ one external link
• Links from low-quality link farm domains
• Anchor text that’s way too perfect
• Contextual placement that makes zero sense

If your link building looks like link building, you’re doing it wrong.

Today, I’m going to show you how to build links that look completely natural – the kind Google can’t easily detect and actually helps your rankings long-term.

The “Obvious Paid Link” Red Flags

Before we get into what works, let’s talk about what screams “PAID LINK” to Google:

Red Flag #1: Links from websites that clearly exist just to sell links

• Domain created 6 months ago
• 90% of content is guest posts
• Every article has 3+ outbound links to different industries
• Zero organic traffic despite “high” DR

Red Flag #2: Perfect anchor text distribution

• All your links use exact match keywords
• “Best email marketing software” linked 47 times
• Zero branded or generic anchors
• Competitor analysis shows completely unnatural patterns

Red Flag #3: Contextual placement that makes no sense

• Links stuffed into random paragraphs
• Zero relationship between the link and surrounding content
• Multiple outbound links in the same paragraph
• Links that clearly interrupt the natural flow

Red Flag #4: Guest posts that are basically ads

• 90% about your company/product
• Zero value for the reader
• No other external links
• Author bio longer than the actual content

Sound familiar? Yeah, most people are building links that wave giant red flags.

How to Build Links That Look Editorial

The goal isn’t just to get links. It’s to get links that look like a real editor decided to include them because they genuinely add value.

Here’s how:

1. Only Target Real Websites (Not Link Farms)

Before you pitch anyone, run this 30-second check:

The Real Website Test:

• Does it get actual organic traffic? (Check Ahrefs/SEMrush)
• Are there real author bios with social media profiles?
• Does the content look like it’s written for humans, not search engines?
• Would you actually read this site if you weren’t trying to get a link?

Green flags to look for:

• Consistent publishing schedule
• Engaged comments section
• Social media presence
• Email newsletter
• Real contact information
• Content that’s actually helpful

Red flags to avoid:

• Domain created in the last year
• Generic “admin” or fake author profiles
• Content that’s clearly AI-generated without editing
• Accept any guest post for a fee
• DR/DA that seems inflated compared to traffic

2. Master Natural Contextual Placement

Your link should feel like it belongs there. Here’s how:

Bad example: “Email marketing is important for businesses. Best email marketing software can help increase conversions. Many companies use different strategies.”

Good example: “After testing five different email platforms over the past year, we found that segmentation features vary dramatically. Tools like Klaviyo excel at behavioral triggers, while simpler platforms like ConvertKit work better for creators who need straightforward automation.”

See the difference? The link adds genuine value and context.

The Natural Link Placement Framework:

1. Set up the context - Explain the situation where this resource would be helpful
2. Make a specific claim - Don’t just link randomly, link to support a specific point
3. Add your perspective - Include why this resource is relevant or how it relates to your experience
4. Keep it flowing - The sentence should read naturally even without the link

3. Make Your Guest Posts Actually Good

This is where most people completely blow it. They write guest posts that are thinly veiled advertisements.

Here’s how to write guest posts that editors actually want:

Include Multiple External Links:

• Link to 3-5 other relevant resources (not just your site)
• Reference industry studies and data
• Cite other experts and tools
• Link to complementary resources

Add Internal Links Too:

• Link to other articles on their site
• Reference their existing content when relevant
• Show you actually read their blog

Provide Genuine Value:

• Share real experiences and case studies
• Include specific examples and data
• Give actionable advice readers can implement
• Write in the site’s existing tone and style

Example structure for a guest post about email marketing:

• Link to your tool in context (1 link)
• Link to Mailchimp’s pricing page when discussing costs
• Link to a HubSpot study about open rates
• Link to the host site’s previous article about automation
• Link to a ConvertKit case study
• Reference a Neil Patel article about subject lines

Now your post looks editorial, not promotional.

4. Split Your Anchor Text Like a Pro

This is where most people screw up big time. They either:

• Use exact match for everything (“best CRM software” 20 times)
• Go too far the other way (only branded anchors)

Here’s the natural anchor text distribution that works:

40% Branded anchors:

• Your company name
• Your website URL
• Variations of your brand

30% Generic anchors:

• “this tool”
• “click here”
• “learn more”
• “check it out”
• “read more”

20% Partial match:

• “CRM platform”
• “email tool”
• “project management solution”
• Related but not exact keywords

10% Exact match:

• “best CRM software”
• “email marketing platform”
• Your actual target keywords

Pro tip: Track this in a spreadsheet. Most people have no idea what their actual distribution looks like.

The “Editorial Decision” Test

Before you submit any guest post or build any link, ask yourself:

“If I were an editor at this publication, would I genuinely want to include this link?”

If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.

If you’re trying to convince yourself it adds value… it probably doesn’t.

The Bottom Line

Good link building doesn’t look like link building.

It looks like:

• Genuine mentions in helpful content
• Natural references that add value
• Editorial decisions an editor would make
• Links that readers actually click

Stop building links that look like link building. Start building links that look like editorial decisions.

Your rankings will thank you.

- Nick