If you’re running a small business, you know that creating content that can be linked and shared widely is the key to building authority, boosting traffic, and driving engagement.
But with so much content flooding the internet, how can you stand out? The answer lies in producing high-quality, shareable, and linkable content that provides value to your audience.
This article will explore seven of the most effective types of content that can attract valuable backlinks for small businesses and improve your SEO.
1. Ultimate how-to guides
One of the most effective types of linkable content is the ultimate how-to guide. People are always searching for detailed instructions on how to solve a specific problem or learn a new skill, and when you provide an in-depth guide, you’re offering exactly what they need. A well-crafted how-to guide can become a reference piece that others will naturally link to in their own content.
Example: If you’re a small business in the retail space, you could create a guide like “How to Set Up a Retail POS System for Maximum Efficiency.” This type of content can attract backlinks from industry websites, blogs, and even government or educational resources, all looking to share valuable information with their readers.
The key to creating a successful how-to guide is ensuring it’s comprehensive and easy to follow. Break the process down into steps, use visual aids like infographics or videos where necessary, and make sure each section is clear and actionable. When people find value in your guide, they’re far more likely to link back to it.
2. Beginner’s guides
Beginner’s guides are another excellent type of linkable content because they simplify complex topics. Many people are intimidated by new subjects and will appreciate a beginner-friendly approach that demystifies the basics. These guides are valuable resources, making them prime candidates for backlinks.
For example, you could create a post titled “A Beginner’s Guide to Email Marketing for Small Businesses.” In this guide, you would break down the essentials, such as how to build an email list, design effective campaigns, and measure success.
By targeting a specific audience—like small business owners just getting started with email marketing—you increase the chances that others will link to your content when discussing the topic.
3. Infographics
People love visuals, and infographics are a powerful way to present complex information in an easily digestible format. An infographic combines text, data, and images, making it more engaging than text alone.
When you create an informative and visually appealing infographic, others are more likely to share it or link to it in their own content.
Example: If your small business operates in the food industry, you could design an infographic titled “The Journey of Coffee: From Bean to Cup.” This could include visuals of the coffee-growing process, the different types of beans, and brewing methods. Not only will this attract coffee lovers and bloggers, but it’s also likely to gain attention on social media platforms, driving even more traffic.
To make your infographic linkable, focus on a relevant topic with high search potential, ensure it’s well-designed, and provide a code for easy embedding.
Tools like Canva make designing infographics more accessible for small businesses, even if you don’t have a graphic design background.
4. Checklists
Creating a checklist offers practical value for your readers, and it’s the type of content that’s often bookmarked or shared across multiple platforms. Checklists help your audience stay organised and ensure they don’t miss any steps, making them highly linkable.
For instance, if you run a consultancy business, you could create a checklist like “10 Essential Steps to Starting Your Own Business.” This would cover everything from business registration to creating a marketing plan.
People are more likely to refer back to and share content like this because it’s practical, and the straightforward format makes it easier for others to incorporate into their own content.
Checklists are also versatile—you can offer them as downloadable PDFs, share them on social media, or include them as part of a blog post.
5. Customer success stories
Nothing builds credibility like showcasing real-life customer success stories. By sharing stories of how your product or service has helped a customer overcome a challenge or achieve a goal, you provide potential clients with the social proof they need to trust your brand.
Make sure to include real data and measurable results to make the story more impactful. Success stories also work well in various formats, including written articles, videos, or even podcasts. The more relatable and actionable the story, the more likely it is to be shared and linked to by others.
6. Industry statistics and surveys
Another highly shareable and linkable content type is industry statistics and surveys. Businesses, researchers, and bloggers are always looking for credible data to back up their claims, and by providing up-to-date statistics, you become a trusted source of information.
By offering original research, you increase your chances of attracting backlinks from industry publications, blogs, and even media outlets.
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The key to making this type of content successful is ensuring the data is accurate, relevant, and presented in an easy-to-read format.
7. Step-by-step tutorials
People often search for step-by-step tutorials to learn how to use a product, service, or tool. These tutorials break down complex processes into manageable steps and can be a magnet for backlinks, especially if you’re covering a popular topic.
Example: If you offer a digital product like project management software, you could create a tutorial titled “How to Set Up Your First Project in [Your Software].” The more comprehensive and clear your tutorial, the more likely others in your industry will link to it as a resource.
Tutorials are particularly linkable because they solve specific problems that people are actively looking to fix. Video tutorials can also be highly effective, as visual content often drives higher engagement rates.
Let your small business boom
Creating linkable content doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. By focusing on valuable, actionable, and engaging content types, you can significantly boost your small business’s online presence.
When done well, these types of content not only attract backlinks but also build your brand’s authority, driving long-term success.