How to Get Backlinks From Blog Comments, Forums, and Reddit

Building backlinks is essential for improving your website’s search engine ranking, and one often overlooked method is through blog comments and forums. While some dismiss these tactics as outdated or ineffective, when done right, they can still provide valuable SEO benefits and even drive targeted traffic to your site. The key is to approach them with strategy and care, avoiding the common pitfalls of spam and irrelevant posting.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to use blog comments, forums, and Reddit effectively to build backlinks. You’ll learn the do’s and don’ts, the nuances of different platforms, and practical tips to make sure your efforts lead to real results.

The no.1 rule

When it comes to getting backlinks through blog comments and forums, the most crucial rule is simple: don’t spam. Spam is easy to spot, and any seasoned blogger or forum moderator can detect it instantly. Spammy comments don’t just fail – they can damage your reputation and even get you banned.

How to comment on blogs effectively

If you want your comments on blogs to be valuable (and not mistaken for spam), follow these basic guidelines:

• Be natural and authentic.
• Engage in the discussion thoughtfully.
• Avoid promoting your content directly.
• Skip the generic “thank you” or “great post” comments.

Your goal is to add value to the conversation. When you do, some blogs may allow you to include a link back to your site, but this link doesn’t always have to be directly related to the blog post. For example, you might comment on a post about guitar playing and link to your dog training website – though it’s usually better if your link aligns with the discussion.

Navigating forums for backlinks

Forums are a different beast. Posting a link to your site in a forum thread can easily be flagged as spam, especially if it’s off-topic. Unlike blogs, where relevance is more flexible, forums require your link to fit seamlessly into the conversation.

To avoid issues, many people use signature boxes. These are sections in your forum profile where you can place a link to your site. Your signature appears automatically under each of your posts, allowing you to share your link without disrupting the flow of the discussion.

However, keep in mind that some forums only allow you to set up a signature after you’ve published 5-10 posts. So, don’t be surprised if you don’t see the option to create a signature right after registration. This policy helps prevent spam and encourages genuine participation in the community.

Using Reddit for backlinks

Reddit is a unique platform for building backlinks, but it requires a careful, community-focused approach. Unlike traditional forums, Reddit’s users are quick to downvote or report any content that seems self-promotional.

To avoid getting flagged or banned, start by engaging with the community. Comment on posts, participate in discussions in your chosen subreddit, and build some karma before sharing any links. When you do post a link, make sure it’s relevant to the discussion and adds value. Redditors appreciate context, so always explain why your link is worth clicking.

Here are some extra tips:

• Some subreddits have karma or account age requirements before you can post links, os be patient.
• Each subreddit has its own guidelines, and many restrict link-sharing by new or inactive users.
• Focus on being a valuable member of the community before attempting to share your content – contribute first.

The value of getting links on blogs, forums, and Reddit

When it comes to getting backlinks through blog comments and forums or Reddit, there are two key benefits:

1. SEO benefits

While blog comment links are often nofollow, they still contribute to your overall backlink profile.

Search engines like Google notice these links, and when you build a substantial number of them consistently, they can enhance your site’s authority.

Although individual comment links may not carry much weight on their own, the cumulative effect of being active across multiple blogs can positively impact your rankings.

2. Traffic generation

Surprisingly, both blog comment links and forum links can drive significant traffic to your site. People do click on links in comments that catch their interest, curious to see what’s on the other side. In fact, I regularly receive a steady flow of traffic from sites where I’ve only posted comments – no guest posts or other content.

The same goes for forums, but with a twist. Forum traffic often comes from returning visitors because these platforms tend to have close-knit communities with fewer new members joining over time. This can lead to consistent traffic from users who engage with your posts regularly.

How to find blogs and forums in your niche

You might already know a few relevant blogs and forums, but it’s always worth expanding your list. A simple way to find new ones is by using Google. Try searching for phrases like:

• your-keyword-phrase forum
• best blogs about your-keyword-phrase

Nearly every niche has several active blogs and forums where you can participate. While link building is a valuable benefit, being a member of these communities offers much more, such as networking and staying updated on industry trends.

To get started, challenge yourself to find 5-10 blogs, 1-2 forums, and 2 subreddits related to your niche. Then, start commenting. Make it a habit: whenever you read something interesting, leave a thoughtful comment to share your perspective.

Are you currently an active commenter or forum participant? How often do you engage with blogs or forums in your niche?