What backlink types are still working for you in 2026?

[Anton_Ingachev]

With Google getting stricter, I’m trying to focus more on links that actually bring traffic + relevance instead of just DR.
Have you seen better results from:

• forum links
  
• niche edits
  
• guest posts
  
• directories
  
• or something else?
  

Would love to hear what’s working for you recently.

[Solo Launches]

Yes, I did directory submissions and saw very good results from posting in high DR directories

[sophietcl]

It's certainly getting harder, but we still get good results from guest posts from legit websites and directories. One of the biggest recent wins has come from launching a podcast with links in the descriptions. That's my top tip that you might not have tried yet!

[LeoNatriy]

I still see solid results from niche edits on real sites and contributor posts where I already have a relationship. Even small community mentions seem to help if the context is legit. I’ve also been testing AI visibility work through https://lavio.ai/, and funny enough, some of those optimizations end up boosting the kinds of links that AI answers pick up and repeat, which feeds into referral traffic in a nice, roundabout way.

[paulnewport85]

Yes, some directories are still works perfect.

[nzseoagency]

Directories as well as reddit mentions are working well. Even profile submissions are working well.

[wootro]

For our website is working awesome guest posts

[brandonjetso]

Relevance has always been the key. With relevance comes quality, with quality comes trust.
Therefore (guest) posts are vital.

[Kasanje]

Directories as well as reddit mentions are working well. Even profile submissions are working well.

I've seen a boost in site traffic specifically from Reddit after posting in r/blogs and other subs.

[websolutionzoneUAE]

With Google getting stricter, I’m trying to focus more on links that actually bring traffic + relevance instead of just DR.
Have you seen better results from:

• forum links
  
• niche edits
  
• guest posts
  
• directories
  
• or something else?
  

Would love to hear what’s working for you recently.

I’d focus less on the link type itself and more on relevance, placement, and the potential to attract real visitors. In my experience, niche-relevant guest posts and genuine editorial mentions can be more useful than links chosen mainly for high DR.
Niche edits can also work when the existing page is already relevant, indexed, and receiving organic traffic. Directories are worth considering mainly when they are reputable and relevant to the business or location.
Forum or SVG-based links may have some value for discovery or referral traffic, but I wouldn’t rely on them as a primary SEO strategy. A smaller number of relevant, naturally placed links is generally a better long-term approach than building large volumes of low-value links.