Have you ever clicked on a website link and ended up on a page that says, “404 – Page Not Found”? That’s a broken link. Now imagine using those broken links to help your own website grow. Sounds smart, right? This is what we call “broken link,” and in 2025, it’s still one of the best and safest ways to improve your website’s SEO — the white hat way.
Let’s break it down in simple steps so anyone, even an 8th grader, can understand it.
What is Broken Link Building?
Broken link building is a smart SEO trick where you find broken links on other websites, then ask the website owner to replace that broken link with a link to your content.
Why would they do that? Because nobody likes broken links — they make a website look bad and confuse visitors. If you help them fix a problem and offer a helpful link in return, it’s a win-win!
Why is This a “White Hat” SEO Technique?
White hat SEO means doing things the right way. No tricks. No spam. No lies. Broken link building is white hat because:
- You’re offering real value.
- You’re helping others improve their websites.
- You’re earning links honestly.
It’s like offering a helping hand, not sneaking through the back door.
How to Do Broken Link Building in 2025 Step by Step:
1. Find Websites in Your Niche
Start by looking for websites that talk about the same things you do. For example, if you run a blog about healthy food, search for websites that write about recipes, nutrition, or wellness.
Use Google searches like:
CopyEdit
“Healthy eating tips” + “resources”
“Nutrition blogs” + “useful links”
2. Look for Broken Links
Now that you have found some good websites, it’s time to check for broken links.
You can use free tools like:
- Check My Links (a Chrome extension)
- Broken Link Checker (online tool)
These tools scan web pages and show you which links don’t work anymore.
3. Create or Use Content That Matches the Broken Link
Let’s say you find a broken link that used to go to an article called “10 Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water.” You can:
- Write your own helpful article about lemon water
- Or use an existing article on your site that fits the topic
4. Reach Out to the Website Owner
Now, send a friendly email to the person who runs the website. Keep it short and polite.
5. Repeat the Process
You won’t get a “yes” every time, and that’s okay. Keep going. The more websites you help, the more backlinks you get. And the more backlinks you recevied , the higher your website can rank on Google.
Tips for Success in 2025
- Focus on quality – Don’t just create random articles to replace broken links. Write helpfull content people want to read.
- Be kind and respectful – Website owners get a lot of emails. A friendly message stands out.
- Stay patient – SEO takes time. But the results are worth it.
Why Broken Link Building Still Works in 2025
Google loves websites that give users a good experience. Broken links hurt that experience. When you help websites fix those links and offer something better, you’re not only helping them—you’re helping yourself too.
This method doesn’t involve tricks or fake tactics. It’s honest. It’s helpful. And best of all, it works.
