Introduction: Links Are Votes of Confidence
If search engines are a popularity contest, backlinks are the votes. Each time another website links to yours, it signals to Google, “this content is worth reading.” But not all links are equal—and in 2025, quality and relevance matter more than quantity.
At HydeasTech, we build SEO campaigns for startups and SMEs in both Nigeria and the UK. These 10 strategies are proven, sustainable, and effective—no black-hat tricks, just approaches that genuinely grow organic traffic.
1. Write Guest Posts on Niche Sites
Contributing valuable content to industry blogs or startup hubs is still one of the most reliable ways to build authority.
Example: A Nigerian food delivery startup could write “10 Healthy Lunch Ideas for Busy Professionals” on a wellness blog.
Focus on:
- Relevance
- In-content or author bio link
- Local platforms (e.g. UK Tech News, Techpoint Africa)
2. List Your Business on Authoritative Directories
Avoid shady link farms. Instead, use credible directories that get real traffic.
Suggestions:
- Yell.com (UK)
- VConnect (Nigeria)
- Clutch (for agencies)
Tip: Keep your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) consistent across all listings.
3. Create a ‘Stats or Trends’ Resource Page
Journalists and bloggers love linking to up-to-date data.
Idea: Publish “Digital Marketing Trends in Nigeria for 2025” with credible sources and original charts. This attracts natural backlinks.
4. Answer Questions on Forums and Communities
Sites like Quora, Reddit, and Nairaland are still active. Helpful, well-written answers can drive traffic and links.
Important: Avoid spamming—be genuinely useful and link only when it adds value.
5. Leverage Journalist Requests (HARO, Qwoted)
Sign up for media query platforms. Respond to journalist requests and secure links from high-authority sites.
Example: A journalist asks “How are African SMEs using TikTok for business?” — if your answer is quoted, it often comes with a backlink.
6. Strengthen Internal Linking First
Before chasing external backlinks, build strong internal linking.
- Every blog post should link to 2–3 others.
- Core service pages should be referenced in blogs.
- Navigation should guide Google through your site.
This ensures external backlinks carry more weight.
7. Offer Testimonials or Case Studies
Most software tools and platforms feature client testimonials.
Examples: Brevo, Elementor, Paystack, Notion.
A short testimonial often earns you a backlink from their website.
8. Host or Sponsor Local Events
Sponsorships and partnerships often result in links from event pages.
- In the UK: Local chambers of commerce.
- In Nigeria: Professional associations or SME fairs.
This approach builds both backlinks and offline trust.
9. Create Linkable Assets (Templates, Tools, Resources)
Offer something so useful others want to reference it.
- Free SEO checklist
- ROI calculator tool
- Downloadable pitch deck framework
These resources get shared and linked naturally.
10. Reconnect with Past Clients or Partners
Reach out to old collaborators and ask to be included on their “trusted partners” or testimonial pages.
Sample message:
“Hi Sarah, we really enjoyed working on your website redesign. If you’re updating your blog or partner page, feel free to include HydeasTech with a link.”
Bonus Tip: Focus on Relevance Over Volume
It’s better to have 10 high-quality, relevant links than 100 random ones. Google now cares about who is linking to you, not just the number of links.
Think:
- Local newspapers
- Regional business blogs
- Industry-specific platforms
- NGO or academic collaborations
Conclusion: Sustainable SEO Wins
Link-building in 2025 is about credibility, not shortcuts. By using these ten strategies, Nigerian and UK SMEs can build a stronger online presence, drive consistent traffic, and improve search performance. Hydeas Technology helps businesses grow with white-hat link-building and SEO strategies tailored for UK and African markets. Contact us today to start building authority that lasts.