You don’t need another SEO post packed with the same tired tips or giant “100+ free backlink sites”, where half the links don’t even work. You’ve seen those before. Sure, they get clicks, but let’s be real—they don’t actually help much.
Big names like Backlinko, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz? They’re pros at marketing themselves. They’ll walk you through the theory, push their backlink SEO services, and keep building their own backlinks while you’re still trying to figure out how to get backlinks that actually move the needle.
I’m not here to explain backlinks or walk through the basics. I’m here to hand over the exact free backlink sites I used to boost my business directory’s page rank and Domain Authority from 1 to 7 in just a month and a half. Not just a list of names, either—I’ll show you how to actually use them, how to get real value, and how to get more backlinks without wasting your time.
1. Substack: Substack isn’t just a home for newsletters—it’s a legit backlink powerhouse. With a high DA over 90, it’s fast, free, and built to get your stuff noticed. Here’s what I do: set up a Substack account, write quick posts that fit my niche, and drop clean backlinks to my blog. No spam, no tricks—just real posts with real context.
Why bother? Two big reasons. First, it helps Google with indexing your blog posts faster, so you rank higher. Second, it tells Google your content lives on a high-authority, secure platform—which is exactly what search engines want to see. If you’re starting from scratch, Substack is a smart, easy win.
Read More – How I went from invisible to visible with 5 real marketing moves
2. Tumblr (no-follow): Don’t write off Tumblr just because the links are no-follow. Google still finds and indexes them. It’s visual, quick to set up, and more effective than you’d think. I made a Tumblr blog themed around my niche, shared visuals and quick updates, and slipped in backlinks to my site.
You build a visual content trail for Google to crawl, all tied to your brand. Plus, you add some variety to your inbound link profile, showing you’re active on trusted sites. Even with no-follow links, Tumblr helps with indexing and adds trust signals.
3. Medium: Medium is like a magnet for trust and SEO power. It’s made for repurposing and sharing your best stuff. I take my top blog posts, rewrite them for a broader crowd, and link back to my originals.
This does two things. Your content gets a second shot on a big platform, and you drive traffic (and trust) back to your own site—no paid backlinks needed. If your blog is strong, Medium ramps up your reach in a big way. Yes, medium for SEO is real.
4. Blogger: Blogger’s owned by Google, and that alone gives it a punch. It’s free, flexible, and your posts get indexed fast. I create a blog in my niche, write resource posts, and link back to my main site with natural anchors.
The result? Your posts get indexed quickly thanks to Google’s tight integration, and you build authority with clean, relevant backlinks. If you want links Google actually respects, Blogger is a no-brainer.
5. LiveJournal: LiveJournal still holds some old-school SEO weight. It’s personal, authentic, and Google still crawls it. I use it for founder-style posts, sharing honest reflections and naturally dropping backlinks.
This approach adds a human touch to your backlink mix and taps into a platform that quietly builds credibility. If you want backlinks that actually feel real and send trust signals to Google, LiveJournal is a low-key win.
6. OverBlog (do-follow): OverBlog flies under the radar, but it’s got real SEO potential. I publish focused guides and startup resources here, each linking back to my blog in a clear, relevant way.
You end up with a content trail that’s easy for Google to follow, without the noise of overcrowded platforms. If you’re looking for best backlink websites that don’t get lost in the crowd, OverBlog is worth your attention.
Read More – These 8 SEO wins helped me rank faster
7. Write.as: Write.as lets you publish articles for free on a minimalist, distraction-free platform. But by default, all backlinks are no-follow.
If you want your links to be do-follow, Write.as requires a paid subscription.
It’s fast, clean, and ideal for lightweight publishing—just be mindful of the link type before you commit.
8. BookmarkLinking: BookmarkLinking is a free (social bookmarking site) where you can submit links to your blog or website. The backlinks are usually no-follow, so they don’t pass SEO authority—but they can help with indexing and visibility. Use it as a lightweight tool in your broader link building strategy, not as your main source of SEO traction.
9. Hashnode: Hashnode is built for developers—but it’s perfect for founders too. I post product updates and startup stories, all with backlinks to my site.
You get SEO-friendly content on a high DA domain, and you can use a custom domain for full brand control. If you’re building in public or sharing insider knowledge, Hashnode is a smart move.
10. Foundigy: Foundigy is my platform—a global business directory built for startups, creators, and solopreneurs. It’s designed to offer clean, high DA backlinks while giving founders a credible space to showcase what they’re building.
Every listing includes a contextual backlink, optimized for SEO and trust. Foundigy isn’t just about visibility—it’s about positioning your startup in front of early adopters, creators, and fellow founders who are actively exploring new ideas. If you want traction, credibility, and a top directory that respects your work, Foundigy is built for you.
Strategy Note
To maximize impact, I didn’t just create one account per platform—I created five accounts across these platforms, each with a unique angle, each linking back to my blog. This multi-account strategy helped me build a small backlink network that Google could crawl, trust, and rank.
Every post passed a backlink to my main site. Every platform reinforced my page rank. And every move was free.
Caution
Use this strategy wisely. Some platforms may flag or ban accounts if they detect repetitive behavior or unnatural posting patterns.
Avoid spam. Keep your content real. And always prioritize quality over quantity—even when chasing high quality backlinks free or free high quality backlinks.
Conclusion
Backlinks aren’t just about SEO—they’re about trust, visibility, and traction. You don’t need a massive budget or a bloated list of free backlink sites to get started. You need platforms that actually work, and a strategy that respects your time.
These platforms helped me go from DA 1 to 7 in just 45 days—without spending a dime. Use them wisely, stay consistent, and track what works.