Guest Posting Vs Other Link Building Strategies: What Works Best?
When it comes to optimizing a website, you often hear people talk about backlinks. Backlinks are votes from other sites that tell Google your website is valuable. The more quality votes you have, the better your site looks in search results.
But the real question is this: how should you get those backlinks?
There are many link building methods. Some experts say guest posting is the king. Others suggest broken link building, resource page outreach, paid links, etc. So how do you know what works best for you?
In this article, you will explore guest posting and compare it with other link building methods. By the end, you will know which method can give you the strongest results for your SEO.
What Is Guest Posting?
Guest posting, also called guest blogging, is when you write an article for another website in your niche. In return, you get a backlink to your own website. You trade your content for a link. This backlink points readers and search engines to your site.
According to statistics, many top bloggers and brands have built their authority with guest posting. When you publish on an authoritative website, you get some of its credibility. Readers start to see you as a trusted voice.
But is guest posting the only good way to build links? Not really. There are also other link building methods, let’s have a look!
Other Link Building Methods
Link building is a wide field. Here are some of the most common methods you will see:
- Broken Link Building
- Resource Page Outreach
- Skyscraper Technique
- Link Exchanges
- Directory Submissions
- Press Releases
- Influencer Mentions
Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some are safer than others. Some give quick results, while others take time but are more lasting.
Now, let’s compare guest posting with these methods one by one.
- Guest Posting vs. Broken Link Building
When it comes to broken link building, you act as a helper. You tell a website owner, “Hey, I noticed you have a broken link. I have a great piece of content that can replace it.”
By using this method, you solve someone’s problem. But it also has its challenges. You first need to find broken links. Then you have to write quality content to replace them.
On the other hand, guest posting gives you more control. You write fresh content, and you know exactly what link you will get. You also build stronger relationships with the site owner. If you want more reliable backlinks, guest posting often beats broken link building.
- Guest Posting vs. Resource Page Outreach
Resource page outreach looks very simple. You find a page that lists helpful links about your topic, and you ask them to include your website.
But it works only if your content is helpful. Plus, it can also be hard because many resource pages don’t get updated often. Site owners may not want to add new links unless your resource is unique.
But guest posting shows your value. Instead of just asking for a link, you provide a full article. You bring traffic and fresh insights to their audience. That’s why guest posting wins long-term partnerships.
- Guest Posting vs. Skyscraper Technique
The skyscraper technique is another popular link building strategy. You find a high-ranking article and create a better one. Then you pitch it to sites that linked to the old content. But it needs massive effort. You must create top-quality content, and then you must send hundreds of emails to get a few links.
However, with guest posting, you don’t need to replace old links. You just need to pitch your article idea, write it, and get your backlink. That makes guest posting better than skyscraper outreach.
- Guest Posting vs. Link Exchanges
Link exchanges are a shortcut to getting backlinks. You link to me, I link to you, simple. But Google watches these patterns closely. If you overdo it, your site may look manipulative.
But guest posting is natural. You give content, and you get a link in return. The link looks organic because it’s part of a helpful article. You don’t risk penalties in the same way you do with link swaps.
- Guest Posting vs. Directory Submissions
Directory submissions were popular years ago. You would list your site in hundreds of directories and watch your rankings rise. But times have changed. Most low-quality directories have no SEO value today.
But guest posting still holds strong value. When you write on real blogs, you reach a real audience. Google also values those links because they come from relevant content. So, if you have to choose between the two, guest posting is the clear winner.
- Guest Posting vs. Press Releases
Press releases sometimes bring backlinks if news outlets pick them up. But most press release links are “nofollow,” meaning they don’t pass SEO power.
When it comes to guest posting, you get a “dofollow” link, which is much more valuable. Plus, your guest post stays online for years. But the press release fades quickly.
- Guest Posting vs. Influencer Mentions
In 2025, influencer mentions are a very powerful link building strategy. If a big name in your niche links to your site, it can send traffic and authority. But you need strong networking for this.
On the other hand, guest posting doesn’t require celebrity-level connections. You can reach out to medium or small blogs in your niche and still get strong links. You can build your authority step by step with consistency.
Why Guest Posting Stands Out
After comparing guest posting with other link-building strategies, one thing becomes clear. Guest posting gives you more than just backlinks. It gives you relationships, exposure, authority, and real traffic.
When you guest post, you:
- Show expertise to a new audience.
- Build long-term partnerships with other site owners.
- Gain natural backlinks.
- Great brand awareness
- Strengthen your brand visibility.
- Create a portfolio of trusted published work.
Final Word
Guest posting vs. other link building methods—what really works best? If you want long-term, safe, and high-quality results, guest posting stands as the top method. Other link building methods can support your SEO, but guest posting gives quality backlinks, authority, and audience growth. You will see your rankings grow with consistent guest posting
