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What is Link Submission for Backlinks SEO? Key Benefits, types, examples.

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Read time 71 minutes

In website promotion, every tool counts — especially those that help search engines find your content more quickly.

Your new page may be perfectly optimized with high-quality, engaging content, but it may be invisible if search engines haven't indexed it yet. That's where submission links come into play. They are an effective, often overlooked SEO strategy that helps accelerate indexing and improve your site's online presence.

What Are Submission Links?

Submission links involve adding your website's details and URL to various online platforms to improve its visibility, boost authority in the eyes of search engines, and attract targeted traffic.

This method includes listing your site in online directories, social bookmarking sites, business directories, profile pages, and forums.

However, successful submissions aren't just about scattering links across random platforms. To maximize their impact, carefully select high-quality websites to place backlinks on.

The key factor is the quality of the platforms where your links appear. For example, getting listed in a well-known industry directory increases the chances of both search engines and potential customers noticing your website. User engagement, such as clicks on these links, also sends positive signals to search engines, reinforcing the relevance and authority of your content.

It's important to understand that the effectiveness of submission links relies heavily on strategic execution. Mass submissions, which prioritized quantity over quality, were typical in the past. However, modern search engine algorithms are much more advanced and can penalize low-quality or spammy link placements.

That's why a well-thought-out strategy focuses on high-authority, niche-relevant platforms that align with your website's industry and provide real value.

Thus, submission links are a strategic approach to building links where every detail matters. When implemented correctly, they improve your backlink profile, boosting your website's visibility and indexability. Thoughtfully placed submission links remain a reliable and effective way to enhance your site's presence if you focus on quality over quantity and follow modern search engine guidelines and best practices.

Why Should Your Brand Use Submission Links?

Submission links are a part of a comprehensive link-building strategy. They primarily function as a foundation for initial backlinks, which help accelerate the indexing process.

Additionally, submission links diversify your website’s backlink profile. This method allows brands, especially those in the early stages of promotion, to build an online presence without significant investment.

Now, let’s explore the benefits of this approach in more detail.

Top 12 Benefits of Submission Links

Top 12 Benefits of Submission Links

  1. Faster Indexing

    When you submit your website to directories, business listings, or profile pages, these backlinks help search engines discover your site faster.

    Think of your website as a new book in the massive Internet library. Submission links serve as "bookmarks," signaling to search engines, "Hey, here am I—come check this site out!”

    It is vital for new websites that haven't been indexed yet or lack existing backlinks.

  2. A Solid Foundation for Your Link Profile

    If your website is new, submitting links provides essential backlinks that increase visibility and indicate to search engines that your site is actively referenced online.

    While they won't skyrocket your rankings overnight, they are a valuable starting point for your SEO efforts.

  3. Increase Online Visibility

    Submission links benefit both new and established brands looking to experiment with new promotion methods.

    For example, submitting your website to industry-specific directories, review platforms, and business catalogs expands your brand's presence across multiple platforms. It creates additional touchpoints where real users might stumble upon your website while browsing these sources.

  4. Drive Targeted Traffic

    Unlike other link-building methods, submission links sometimes drive direct visitors to your site from the platform where they are placed.

    For example, being listed in a niche directory related to your industry can help attract highly targeted traffic—users who are already interested in your product or service.

  5. Enhance Trust Through Mentions

    Search engines place more trust in websites that receive backlinks from authoritative sources like popular catalogs or directories.

    If your link appears in respected directories or business listings, it signals to Google that your site is legitimate and worth indexing. While this effect isn't as powerful and superior to other promotion methods, consistent placements in reputable sources contribute to long-term credibility.

  6. Boost Local SEO

    For local businesses, submission links are a must-have. Listing your business in local directories, city-specific catalogs, and forums makes you more visible to a local audience.

    Beyond just search rankings, this can also improve your Google Maps positioning, helping you attract more local customers.

  7. Diversify Link Profile

    Search engines favor natural link profiles. Submission links help with diversification by coming from multiple domains, using different anchor texts, originating from various sources (directories, forums, profiles, business listings, etc.)

    A well-diversified backlink profile looks organic and trustworthy for search engines, reducing the risk of penalties.

  8. Increase Brand Awareness

    When your website appears on multiple platforms, users who have never heard of your brand start recognizing your name.

    Even if they don't click your link immediately, they might remember your company name or domain later. This subtle brand exposure builds familiarity over time, eventually leading to lead conversions. Trust that, in a while, such a user will go to your website and learn what your brand is promoting.

  9. Cost-Effective Link Building

    Submission links don't require huge investments. Many submission platforms offer free listings, while others provide affordable premium options, such as featured placements.

    For companies with tight budgets, submission links are an attractive and low-cost SEO strategy.

  10. Control Over Link Placement

    With submission links, you control platform selection where your backlinks appear, anchor text generation, and site descriptions. This level of control ensures quality and allows you to optimize your submissions for maximum impact.

    At LinkBuilder.com, we optimize the workflow by providing an extensive database of high-quality domains and user-friendly submission tools, making the process faster, easier, and more effective.

    If you prefer not to handle the submission links manually, our team at LinkBuilder.com can manage the entire process for you. You'll be able to track all placements through your personal account. We provide everything you need to understand the steps taken to achieve your brand goals.

  11. Long-Term SEO Impact

    Submission links become permanent assets when properly placed, which we guarantee if you use our services, steadily contributing to your website's authority and visibility.

    Unlike temporary paid ads, submission links often remain active for years, continuously benefiting your SEO.

  12. Niche Authority & Industry Recognition

    Listing backlinks in highly relevant industry directories or catalogs strengthens your brand's professional image.

    When potential customers or business partners see your website on respected industry platforms, it enhances your credibility and trustworthiness.

Are There Any Downsides to Submission Links?

Are There Any Downsides to Submission Links?

If links are placed on low-quality or spammy websites, they can have zero impact. As of today, all “bad” links, according to Google and other search engines, have no effect. There is no negative impact or penalties for placing low-quality links, as otherwise dishonest businesses could exploit this for manipulating their competitors’ search rankings.

  1. Risk of Low-Quality Backlinks

    Not all directories and submission sites are beneficial. Low-quality, spammy directories can harm your SEO rather than help it, for example, resulting in search engine penalties.

    Solution: Carefully vet submission sites before placement. Choose platforms with relevant topics, strong reputations, and organic traffic.

  2. Slow SEO Impact

    Since submission links, like those in catalogs, often have low authority, they might not provide an immediate ranking boost. You may notice measurable results taking longer than expected.

    Solution: Use submissions as part of a broader link-building promotion strategy, combining them with forum posting, guest posts, niche edits, etc.

    At LinkBuilder.com, we specialize in creating custom link-building strategies tailored to your brand's unique needs!

  3. Limited SEO Value

    Many catalogs and directories for placing submission backlinks utilize no-follow tags, which means they offer little link juice. Additionally, some are oversaturated with external links, diminishing the value of individual links.

    Solution: Review link settings and prioritize indexed platforms with do-follow links or indirect SEO advantages. Please ensure that the site where you intend to place backlinks regularly checks and updates its content.

  4. Search Engine Algorithms Risks

    Adding too many submission links at once can appear like unnatural backlink profile growth, potentially triggering Google's spam filters.

    Solution: Build submission links gradually and mix them with other link types to maintain a natural profile.

  5. Low Referral Traffic

    Many business directories and catalogs attract very few real users, meaning submission links rarely generate significant direct traffic. Their main advantage lies in SEO rather than user engagement.

    Solution: Submit your site to active, niche-specific directories where potential customers actively browse for services, increasing your chances of driving targeted traffic.

    Although using submission links has certain limitations, they can become a valuable part of a comprehensive SEO strategy when approached correctly.

    When effectively implemented, submission links serve as a useful link-building tool. Though they won't instantly elevate your site to the top, they establish a strong foundation for long-term SEO success, ensuring sustainable growth and visibility.

    Where Can Submission Links Be Placed?

    Submission backlinks are one of the most versatile link-building methods since they can be placed on various platforms. This flexibility allows for a strategic approach to SEO, selecting platforms based on relevance and domain authority.

    A wide selection of placement options helps create a diverse backlink profile while attracting targeted traffic.

    Submission Links from Directories

    Submission Links from Directories

    Directories are among the most effective places for submission links. These platforms function as structured databases where users can list their website mentions.

    Placing links in directories helps increase a website's online visibility and improve its search engine optimization. Directories are helpful because they often have high authority and trust from search engines, which can positively impact your site's ranking.

    Furthermore, directories can attract targeted traffic since users looking for specific services or products often use these resources.

    Benefits of directory submissions:

    • Increased online visibility: Directories enhance your site's discoverability.
    • Categorization: Websites are sorted by category, which makes navigation easier.
    • Getting more backlinks: This helps build a solid backlink profile.

    Popular directories for placing submission links:

    • Yelp
    • Yellow Pages
    • Forsquare.com
    • Best of the Web
    • Moz Directory
    • Superpages
    • Giganticlist.com
    • Local.com
    • Hotfrog.com
    • Whitepages

    Links from Website Analyzers

    Links from Website Analyzers

    Website analyzers are another powerful promotional tool that allows users to place submission links and improve their site's visibility.

    These platforms enable the analysis of website performance, usability, and other key insights. Placing links on such websites strengthens backlink profiles and boosts organic traffic.

    Advantages of submission links from analyzer websites:

    • High domain authority: Many analyzers rank well in search results, passing link equity to your site.
    • Target audience: Visitors are often interested in improving their websites, making them potential clients for digital services.
    • Analytics & reports: Some tools provide reports on your site's performance, helping you better understand audience engagement.
    • SEO optimization: Backlinks from search engines and SEO tools can help improve rankings.

    Well-known website analyzers for link submissions:

    • Ahrefs
    • SEMrush
    • Seositecheckup
    • Moz
    • Similarweb
    • Rankwatch
    • BuzzSumo
    • Screaming Frog
    • GTmetrix
    • Seoptimer
    • Sitechecker

    Backlinks from Freelance Platforms

    Backlinks from Freelance Platforms

    Freelance platforms are becoming an increasingly relevant link-building tool, especially for digital marketing, design, and development professionals.

    Posting links on these platforms provides valuable backlinks and attracts potential clients.

    Pro Tip: Check user-profiles and platform policies before registering on a freelance site to ensure active links are allowed if you don't want to waste your time.

    Advantages of freelance platform submissions:

    • Target audience: Freelance platforms attract people seeking professional services, creating direct opportunities for potential customer engagement.
    • Enhanced credibility: A strong profile can showcase expertise and authority in your niche, building trust in your brand.
    • High-quality links: Many freelance sites have strong domain authority, benefiting SEO rankings through backlinks.
    • Review system: Your quality services can receive positive client feedback, which enhances your competitiveness and attractiveness.
    • Content diversity: Many platforms allow portfolio uploads, blogs, and articles, which increase visibility and link to your website.

    Popular freelance platforms for posting your backlinks:

    • Upwork
    • Freelancer
    • Fiverr
    • Toptal
    • Guru
    • PeoplePerHour
    • 99designs
    • Aguent
    • Nexxt
    • We Work Remotely

    Links from Job Search Websites

    Links from Job Search Websites

    Like freelance platforms, job search websites provide an excellent opportunity for link submissions.

    These platforms attract many users searching for jobs and employer information, making them highly effective for promoting professional services and personal brands.

    Advantages of placing links on job search website:

    • Wide audience reach: Millions of users visit job boards, exposing brands to a broad audience.
    • High-authority links: Many job search websites have strong domain authority, which can help you gain backlinks to your source and improve its positioning in search engine rankings.
    • Niche relevance: Job boards can be especially effective if your site offers career, employment, or professional development-related services.
    • Profile customization: Adding links to your profile can help people get more information about you and your services, increasing brand awareness and attracting potential customers or business partners.
    • User interaction and feedback: Some platforms allow reviews and comments, helping you build trust with your audience.

    Best job portals for backlink placement:

    • LinkedIn
    • Indeed
    • Monster
    • Linkup
    • Glassdoor
    • CareerBuilder
    • SimplyHired
    • Angel.co
    • ZipRecruiter
    • Jooble

    Submission Links from Document-Sharing Sites

    Submission Links from Document-Sharing Sites

    Professional link builders recognized the high value of document-sharing platforms long ago. These websites are typically well-moderated, reducing the risk of spam and ensuring link longevity. You can access powerful backlink opportunities by preparing and uploading relevant documents or presentations.

    These platforms allow users to share diverse content, including texts, presentations, researches, study materials, etc.

    Why use document-sharing sites for link-building?

    • Target audience: Users searching for specific information may become potential customers.
    • Authority boost: Many platforms rank well in search engines, strengthening your backlink profiles and website's visibility.
    • Content-driven SEO: You can submit valuable documents with embedded links to your website, enhancing your credibility and establishing your expertise in your niche.
    • SEO optimization: Posting links like quality content can help improve SEO performance since such backlinks are valuable.
    • Audience interaction: Users can leave comments and feedback, which helps create additional user engagement opportunities and enhances trust.

    Top document-sharing sites for adding submission links:

    • Scribd
    • Google Docs
    • SlideShare
    • Issuu
    • Academia.edu
    • ResearchGate
    • Notion
    • DocShare
    • Brainshark
    • Slides.com

    Links from PDF Directories

    Links from PDF Directories

    Submitting links through PDFs is a great way to place backlinks online, which allows SEO-optimized document uploads with embedded backlinks to your website. It is a practical, frequently used, and cost-efficient link-building method.

    Advantages of PDF directory submissions:

    • Fast indexing: Search engines quickly detect PDF content and embedded backlinks.
    • Boost website's authority: Links in PDFs can improve site rankings in search engines, enhancing credibility.
    • Long-term value: PDF documents from quality sources can provide long-term value by remaining accessible for extended periods, offering sustained link benefits.
    • Diverse sources: This method allows you to use multiple PDF platforms, which is crucial for a natural and diverse backlink profile.

    Best PDF directories for backlink placement:

    • SlideShare
    • Scribd
    • Drive.google.com
    • Issuu
    • Calameo
    • Myebook
    • Sharefile

    Backlinks from Video Hosting Platforms

    Backlinks from Video Hosting Platforms

    Video hosting platforms allow for backlink placements in descriptions, comments, and video content on popular platforms. This strategy enhances SEO, increases traffic, and raises brand awareness.

    How do you benefit from backlinks from video hosting platforms?

    • Massive audience: Video platforms attract millions of users daily, enabling you to reach a wide target audience.
    • Cross-platform impact: Videos spread via social media and messengers easily, increasing traffic to your website.
    • Boost traffic: Embedded links in video descriptions can enhance engagement, particularly when your content aligns with audience interests.
    • Brand credibility: Links on popular video platforms appear more trustworthy to users.

    Top video hosting sites for placing submission links:

    • YouTube
    • TikTok
    • Vime
    • Dailymotion
    • Twitch
    • Wave.video
    • Rumble
    • Odysee
    • Dacast

    Links from Podcast Platforms

    Links from Podcast Platforms

    Podcast links can be included in episode descriptions, show notes pages, podcast host profiles, or within the content.

    This approach leverages the growing audio content trend for effective brand promotion.

    Benefits of placing links in podcasts:

    • Access to niche audiences: Podcasts cater to specialized interests, which allows you to promote your website or products to interested listeners.
    • SEO benefits: Backlinks on podcast pages are indexed well by search engines, improving your website's visibility.
    • Long-lasting impact: Podcast episodes remain available for uploading and listening for long, continuing to drive traffic.
    • Brand strengthening: Podcast mentions of your product or website improve trust and brand awareness.
    • Low competition: Fewer businesses use podcasts for link-building, making them a more valuable promotional tool.

    Ultimate podcast platforms for backlinks:

    • Spotify
    • Apple Podcasts
    • Google Podcasts
    • Captivate
    • Anchor
    • Pocket Casts
    • Simplecast
    • Podbean
    • Transistor
    • Buzzsprout
    • Stitcher

    Submission Links from Social Media

    Ссылки с социальных сетей

    Links from social media are an essential tool in link building. They help increase website visibility, attract traffic, and build a positive brand image.

    Social media backlinks are placed in posts, comments, profiles, and ads. Even though most social media links are nofollow, they still contribute to an effective promotional strategy.

    Benefits of placing links on social media include:

    • Organic traffic boost: Social media platforms have massive audiences, which enables you to drive traffic to your website through engaging and interesting content.
    • Enhance brand awareness: Links on social media help strengthen your brand image and broaden your reach.
    • Quick page indexing: Search engines often crawl social media platforms, speeding up the indexing of your website.
    • Ease of placement: Placing links on social media is simple, and you don't need advanced technical skills.
    • Backlink profile diversity: Links from social media contribute to a more natural and diverse backlink profile.

    Popular social media platforms for placing links:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X.com (Twitter)
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Tumblr
    • YouTube
    • TikTok
    • Reddit
    • Quora
    • Telegram

    Links on Maps

    Ссылки на картах

    Links on maps refer to the placement of links on company profiles or business locations on online map services.

    How can you benefit from links on maps?

    • Boosting local SEO: Links on maps help your business rank higher in search results for local or geo-specific queries.
    • Attracting targeted traffic: People searching for services or products in your area can easily navigate to your website through map listings.
    • Increasing brand trust: Being listed on maps strengthens user trust, especially if detailed information and positive reviews are available.
    • Faster indexing: Search engines index business profiles on maps, which can accelerate the indexing of your website.

    Common maps for link placement:

    • Google Maps
    • Apple Maps
    • Bing Maps
    • OpenStreetMap
    • Arcgis
    • MapQuest
    • Here Maps

    Links on Content Aggregators

    Links on Content Aggregators

    Links on content aggregators involve placing backlinks on platforms that collect and publish content from various sources.

    These aggregators are popular among users looking for topic-specific materials, making them a valuable tool for driving traffic and improving SEO.

    Advantages of placing links on content aggregators:

    • Access to a target audience: Aggregators often specialize in specific topics (e.g., technology, fashion, cooking), allowing you to attract users interested in your niche.
    • Increased organic traffic: Such platforms typically have high traffic, and the links placed on these platforms can drive significant traffic to your site.
    • SEO support: Links from these sites can strengthen your backlink profile, especially if they come from high-authority domains.
    • Easy submission: Many aggregators allow users to add links directly or through submission forms.
    • Long-term effect: Once published, the content remains on aggregators for a long time, continually attracting new visitors.

    Top content aggregators for placing backlinks:

    • Reddit
    • Medium
    • Habr
    • Techmeme
    • Flipboard
    • BuzzFeed Community
    • Bloglovin
    • Feedly
    • AllTop
    • Slashdot

    Links from Review Platforms

    Links from Review Platforms

    Backlinks from review sites involve adding information about your website, company, or product on platforms where users leave reviews.

    These links can appear within the review text, company profiles, or even replies to comments. They play a crucial role in link building by combining SEO benefits with strengthening user trust.

    Benefits of placing links on review sites include:

    • Enhancing trust: Reviews are one of the key factors influencing user decisions, and having backlinks can help direct traffic to your website.
    • Increasing organic traffic: Review sites often rank high in search results, increasing the chances of users clicking on your link.
    • Improved SEO: Backlinks from review platforms, especially authoritative ones, can strengthen your website's backlink profile.
    • Local visibility: Many review sites support geo-targeting, which is beneficial for promoting local businesses.
    • Customer engagement: You can respond to reviews, attract attention to your brand, and manage your online reputation.

    Popular review platforms for link placement:

    • Google Reviews (Google My Business)
    • Yelp
    • Trustpilot
    • TripAdvisor
    • Turbify
    • Flamp
    • SiteJabber
    • CitySearch
    • Zoon
    • Angie's List

    Where to Place Submission Links: Paid or Free Directories?

    платные или бесплатные директории?

    The choice between paid and free directories for link submission depends on your link-building goals, budget, and the quality of the directories.

    Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each option.

    Free Directories

    Advantages:

    1. No Cost: An excellent option for startups or projects with a limited budget.
    2. Wide Selection: There are numerous free directories, allowing you to target different niches and regions.
    3. Easy Accessibility: Usually, free directories have minimal moderation requirements or verification steps.

    Disadvantages:

    1. Low-Quality Platforms: Many free directories are overloaded with spam, reducing their credibility. Finding an authoritative platform can take time.
    2. SEO Risks: Listing on low-quality or penalized directories can harm your website.
    3. Slow Moderation Process: Free directories may take weeks or even months to approve submissions.
    4. Limited Control: There is often no option to edit information after submission.

    Paid Directories

    Advantages:

    1. High-Quality: Paid directories are usually well-moderated and have high domain authority (DA).
    2. Fast Approval: Your link is checked and published quickly.
    3. Less Spam: The paywall helps prevent mass submissions of low-quality content.
    4. Better Reputation & Authority: Paid directories often attract a larger audience and rank higher in search results.

    Disadvantages:

    1. Cost: Paid submissions can be expensive, especially on well-known platforms.
    2. Limited Options: There are fewer high-quality paid directories compared to free ones.
    3. Overpriced Listings: Not all paid directories justify their pricing.

    What to Choose?

    1. If you have a limited budget
      • Start with free directories, but carefully select only reputable, high-quality platforms. Use analysis tools like Ahrefs, Moz, or Semrush to assess their authority.
    2. If you need fast & high-quality results
      • Consider using paid directories. They are especially beneficial for businesses looking to improve SEO and attract an audience through authoritative backlinks.
    3. A hybrid approach
      • Combine both paid and free directories. Use paid directories for your main pages (homepage, key categories) and free ones for additional exposure.
    4. Analyze the results
      • Monitor the effectiveness of your backlinks using analytics tools (Google Analytics, UTM tags) and adjust your strategy if necessary.

    Tips for Choosing Directories

    • Avoid platforms with low DA and excessive spam.
    • Choose platforms relevant to your niche.
    • Check if the directory is indexed by search engines (use site:domain.com in Google to verify).
    • Ensure you can update and edit your listing after submission.

    Where to Order High-Quality Submission Links?

    Where to Order High-Quality Submission Links?

    When purchasing submission links, choosing reliable and professional platforms is crucial to avoid negative consequences, such as a decline in your website's search rankings. LinkBuilder.com is one of the most trusted partners, offering a wide range of website promotion services.

    Why Choose LinkBuilder.com?

    1. Top-Quality Services

      At LinkBuilder.com, quality is the top priority. Every link placement undergoes strict verification to ensure relevance to your project's niche and publication on authoritative platforms. It guarantees maximum SEO benefits for your website.

    2. The Most Extensive Free Backlink Sites List

      The Most Extensive Free Backlink Sites List

      Unlike other companies that provide promotion services through submission links, we offer full access to our extensive database of free backlink sites, allowing you to filter and export all data.

      Our database is regularly updated, so you always have access to relevant, high-authority options for your brand's promotion.

    3. Personalized & Flexible Approach

      We offer customizable plans for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. You can choose the most suitable package based on your goals and budget.

      Need just one link? No problem! However, we recommend a larger number of backlinks for a stronger impact, delivering more significant SEO results.

    4. Full Transparency & Real-Time Reports

      All clients receive detailed reports on all completed work, available in their personal dashboard in real time. You can track where your links have been placed and assess their impact on your website's promotion.

    5. Efficiency & Professionalism

      LinkBuilder.com guarantees rapid delivery, processing up to 500 links per day! Additionally, our team responds promptly to inquiries and provides expert guidance at every stage of your campaign.

    A Comprehensive Approach

    's experts are always ready to provide professional advice if you have any questions about submission link placement. It will help you better understand how the chosen promotion strategies will benefit your project the most.

    Our strategies are custom-tailored, considering all your product's features, advantages, and key characteristics. Based on analyzing your niche, brand, and competitors, we select optimal strategies to help you achieve higher rankings in search results and attract potential customers.

    Typically, LinkBuilder.com experts choose a comprehensive approach, which, in addition to link submissions, also includes other promotional methods such as guest posting, forum posting, contextual backlinks, niche edits, and more.

    Choose proven link building solutions and trust professionals for maximum promotion effectiveness!

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