What is a linkable asset?
A linkable asset is any resource good enough that other websites choose to link to it on their own. Here is what they are, what makes them work, and how to build one.
A linkable asset is a piece of content or a tool created to inform your audience and earn backlinks naturally. It can be original research, an infographic, a free tool, a glossary, or the most useful guide on a topic. The common thread is value. When something genuinely helps people, others reference it, and each reference is a link you did not have to buy.
What makes an asset linkable
The best assets share four traits. Miss one and the links do not come.
It delivers real value
It teaches, saves time, or answers a question better than anything else out there.
It is genuinely original
Data, a tool, or a point of view that others cannot simply copy from elsewhere.
It is easy to reference
Clear and quotable, with a stat, chart, or definition people can point to.
It gives a reason to share
Useful enough that linking to it makes the person linking look good too.
Earned links beat bought links
You can buy links from countless providers, but they violate search engine guidelines, are easy to detect, and put your site at risk. Earned links work the opposite way.
- Stays within Google and Bing guidelines
- Comes from reputable, relevant sites
- Compounds as more people cite it
- Lives on your own domain
- Cannot be detected as a scheme
- Keeps working for years
50 examples to start from
The fastest way to understand linkable assets is to see them. We put together 50 formats that consistently earn backlinks, grouped by type.
Browse the 50 examplesLinkable assets in your field
The right asset depends on your niche. Here is how it looks across industries.
SaaS
Earn links from review sites and founder communities.
Ecommerce
Earn links from gift guides, reviewers, and shoppers.
Legal
Earn links from local press and consumer research.
Healthcare
Earn links from trusted health publishers.
Finance
Earn links with calculators and original data.
Home services
Earn links from local press and home blogs.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a linkable asset?
How many links can one asset earn?
How long does it take?
Do we need to promote it?
Ready to build your first linkable asset?
Tell us about your site and your niche. If it is a fit, we research, create, and help you publish the asset most likely to earn links.
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