Steal backlinks from the competition 

The definitive guide

Written by Manuel Lamas | Updated: August 3, 2025 

Why are backlinks crucial for online stores?

 

Definition and importance of backlinks in SEO

Backlinks, also known as inbound links, are links from other websites that point to your online store . They act like endorsements that indicate to search engines the value and relevance of your content. For online stores, quality backlinks can significantly improve your ranking in search results.

 

Impact of backlinks on ranking, traffic, and conversions

A strong backlink profile contributes to:

 

• Improve SEO ranking:

Google places high importance on sites with links from trusted sources, as this boosts their credibility and leads to better rankings in search results, generating more organic traffic .  

 

• Increase traffic:

Users click on these links to discover your store.

 

• Boost credibility:

Backlinks from reputable websites build trust with potential visitors, increasing your chances of conversion.

 

Why analyze and "steal" backlinks from the competition

Analyzing and leveraging your competitors' backlinks is an effective strategy to:

 

• Discover opportunities:

Identify relevant link sources in your industry.

 

• Optimize your SEO efforts:

Invest in actions that have already proven successful for other players.

 

• Outperform your competitors:

KingEshop, for example, offers flexible tools to integrate advanced SEO practices directly into your online store. With strategic analysis and expert advice from professionals like Manuel, you can turn your competitors' efforts into your advantage.

 

This page will guide you through every step to identify, analyze, and leverage competitors' backlinks to propel your online store to new heights, while raising your awareness about the risks of negative SEO (negative SEO), a harmful practice that can damage your rankings if not detected in time.

Understand the role of backlinks in SEO

 

What is a quality backlink?

A quality backlink comes from a reputable and relevant website in your field. These links tell search engines that your content is trustworthy and deserves to be ranked higher. Quality backlinks are characterized by:

 

- A source with high domain authority.

 

- Relevant context between the source site's content and your store.

 

- A natural placement in the content, without the appearance of manipulation.

 

Difference between dofollow and nofollow backlinks

 

• Dofollow backlinks:

They pass authority (link juice) from the source site to your store. These links are crucial for improving your SEO ranking.

 

• Nofollow backlinks:

While they don't directly pass authority, they can generate traffic and boost your credibility with visitors.

 

• Tip:

A balanced strategy includes both link types, as a profile made only of dofollow links may appear unnatural to search engines.

 

Factors that influence the value of a backlink

 

• 1. Domain Authority:

Links from high-authority sites (like major media outlets) have a stronger impact on your SEO.

 

• 2. Relevance:

A link from a website in the same industry or a related topic is more relevant and beneficial.

 

• 3. Anchor text:

The anchor used for the link should be descriptive and natural, like “ethical clothing store” rather than “click here”.

 

Understanding these nuances will help you build a strong backlink profile and optimize your online store's visibility, especially if you use platforms like KingEshop to maximize your SEO efforts.

Identify your main online competitors

 

How to identify direct and indirect competitors

To establish an effective backlink strategy, it is essential to distinguish between:

 

• Direct competitors:

Shops selling the same products or services as you, targeting a similar audience.

 

• Indirect competitors:

Sites that don't sell exactly the same products but meet the same needs or share a related theme.

 

• Tip:

Do a Google search using keywords specific to your niche to see which stores appear in the top results.

 

Using tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush and Ubersuggest to analyze competitors

These tools help you understand where your competitors get their backlinks from:

 

• Ahrefs:

Identify the sites linking to your competitors and analyze their best pages in terms of backlinks.

 

• SEMrush:

Get an overview of your competitors' backlink profiles, including link types and referring domains.

 

• Ubersuggest:

Explore your competitors' backlinks with simplified data on domain authority and link relevance.

 

Identify the pages of your competitors that generate the most backlinks

Focus on the pages that attract the most backlinks, such as:

 

• Blog posts or guides:

Often shared for their educational or informational value.

 

• Popular products:

Linked by bloggers or influencers.

 

• Special offers or promotions:

Attracting mentions in articles or newsletters.

 

By understanding the strengths of your competitors' backlinks, you can develop a targeted strategy to surpass them, whether with your KingEshop store or another online platform.

Analyze your competitor's backlink profile

 

Tools to analyze competitors' backlinks

To understand where your competitors get their backlinks and their quality, use these powerful tools:

 

• Ahrefs:

Provides a detailed list of backlinks, with information about link type and domain authority.

 

• SEMrush:

Analyzes backlink distribution and highlights the best opportunities.

 

• Ubersuggest:

Provides clear data on backlinks with a user-friendly interface for small shops.

 

Understand the data: domain score, link type, content relevance

Data analysis helps target the most useful backlinks:

 

• Domain Authority Score:

Indicates the strength and credibility of the referring site, on a scale from 1 to 100.

 

• Link type:

Dofollow links pass SEO authority, while nofollow links are useful for traffic but do not directly boost SEO.

 

• Content relevance:

A link from a site related to your industry or niche is far more valuable than a general link.

 

Identify opportunities: specific pages, types of referring sites

Explore areas where you can capitalize on backlinks:

 

• Specific pages:

Look for your competitors' pages that attract the most backlinks, such as blog posts or popular product pages.

 

• Types of referring sites:

Identify blogs, forums, or news sites that mention your competitors. These platforms might be interested in your products or content.

 

A deep analysis of your competitors' backlink profiles is essential for developing a growth strategy for your store, especially on KingEshop, by targeting the most promising sources.

Strategies to replicate and outperform competitors' backlinks

 

Replicate your competitors' existing backlinks

Start by identifying your competitors' top-performing backlinks and work on acquiring similar ones:

 

• Create equivalent or improved content:

If a competitor gets backlinks for a guide or study, offer an updated or more detailed version.

 

• Reach out to referring sources:

Send a personalized email to websites that have already linked to your competitors, highlighting the strengths of your content or product.

 

• Use automation tools:

Platforms like MailShake or BuzzStream can simplify your outreach campaigns.

 

Enhance backlink value with superior content ("Skyscraper technique")

The "Skyscraper technique" means outperforming existing content to attract more backlinks:

 

• Identify the best-performing content:

Use tools like Ahrefs to identify articles, guides or videos generating the most links.

 

• Create exceptional content:

Add original data, interactive visuals or in-depth analysis to provide more value.

 

• Actively promote your content:

Target the same sources that linked to your competitors and show why your content is a better resource.

 

Creative approach to attract attention from the same link sources

To outperform your competitors, adopt creative tactics that capture the interest of referring sites:

 

• Collaborations:

Offer interviews, testimonials, or co-created content with bloggers or influencers.

 

• Contests or events:

Host an online event or contest that generates buzz and mentions.

 

• Infographics or exclusive studies:

Create visual content or unique reports that naturally encourage sharing and backlinking.

 

These strategies allow you not only to match your competitors but also to surpass them by boosting the visibility and authority of your online store, like KingEshop.

Create a list of targeted sites and contacts

 

Gather information on relevant backlink sites

The first step is to identify websites that could offer quality backlinks for your online store :

 

• Competitor analysis :

Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to extract the lists of sites linking to your competitors.

 

• Manual research :

Look for blogs, forums or niche-specific websites that publish content similar to your products or services.

 

• Identification of existing opportunities :

Identify sites that have already mentioned your brand or products without including a link.

 

Sort the sites by authority and ease of access

Once the sites are identified, rank them based on strategic criteria to prioritize your efforts :

 

• Domain Authority (DA) :

Focus your efforts on websites with a high DA (50+).

 

• Content relevance:

Prioritize websites aligned with your niche or industry.

 

• Ease of contact :

Evaluate the chances of getting a response based on the presence of a contact form, an email address or an active social media profile.

 

Use tools like Google Sheets to organize and prioritize your efforts

Organize your data in a structured way to maximize the effectiveness of your outreach :

 

• Create a clear spreadsheet :

Include columns for the site name, domain authority, link type, contact, and outreach status.

 

• Sort by priority :

Filter your table to focus first on the most promising opportunities.

 

• Update regularly :

Record responses, follow-ups and results to maintain an overview.

 

These actions allow you to establish a targeted and effective strategy to reach the right audiences and strengthen your online store's SEO—just as KingEshop has done to solidify its online presence.

Effective approaches to recover backlinks

 

Directly contact the referring sites

A direct and often effective method is to contact sites that already link to your competitors :

 

• Personalize your messages :

Write clear and engaging emails explaining why your content or product deserves to be mentioned.

 

• Highlight added value :

Emphasize what you offer beyond your competitor's current content.

 

• Follow up :

Politely follow up if you haven't received a reply after a week.

 

Offer higher-quality or updated content

To convince referring sites, show that you can provide superior content :

 

• Use the "Skyscraper" technique :

Create an improved version of already popular content.

 

• Update the information :

Offer recent data or unique insights to make their content more relevant.

 

• Add attractive visuals :

Offer infographics, videos, or charts that enrich the existing content.

 

Offer collaborations (guest posts, interviews, partnerships)

Collaborations can be an excellent way to earn backlinks while strengthening your network:

 

 

• Guest posts :

Write articles for blogs or websites in your niche, with links pointing to your shop.

 

• Interviews :

Offer to give interviews or testimonials as an expert in your field.

 

• Strategic partnerships :

Collaborate with complementary brands or influencers to generate mentions and backlinks.

 

By applying these strategies, you will not only improve your online store's visibility but also build lasting relationships with influential partners, as KingEshop has demonstrated in its growth efforts.

Leverage digital public relations to gain backlinks

 

Use of press releases and public relations campaigns

Well-written press releases can attract media attention and generate quality backlinks :

 

• Write compelling press releases :

Highlight interesting announcements, such as a product launch or an innovative collaboration.

 

• Distribute your press releases :

Use specialized platforms like PRWeb or HARO to reach journalists and bloggers.

 

• Target niche publications :

Prioritize specialized sites that attract a relevant audience for your shop.

 

Collaborate with influencers and bloggers to maximize visibility.

Influencers and bloggers can amplify your message and help you earn backlinks :

 

• Identify relevant influencers :

Look for those with an audience aligned with your niche.

 

• Propose authentic collaborations :

Offer products for honest reviews or suggest creative partnerships.

 

• Encourage sharing :

Ask influencers to mention your store and include links in their content.

 

Identify relevant local or online events for your niche

Participating in events can boost your visibility and generate backlinks :

 

• Look for events related to your industry :

Webinars, conferences or trade shows.

 

• Sponsor relevant events :

Get a mention on the event's website with a link to your store.

 

• Create content around events :

Write articles or guides about these events to attract attention and backlinks.

 

By leveraging these digital public relations strategies, you can strengthen your store's online presence—just like KingEshop did by partnering with influential players and actively participating in industry events.

The most valuable types of backlinks for online stores

 

Editorial backlinks

Editorial backlinks come from content written by journalists or bloggers who naturally mention your store :

 

• Source :

Informative articles, guides or comparisons that include a link to your site.

 

• Why they are valuable :

They come from credible sources and bring qualified traffic.

 

• How to get them :

Create unique and engaging content or collaborate with specialized writers.

 

Backlinks from specialized directories

Niche directories offer an opportunity for targeted visibility :

 

• Examples :

Local directories or platforms listing online stores specific to a sector.

 

• Benefits :

Generate relevant traffic and improve your SEO authority.

 

• Strategy to be listed :

Submit your store to reputable directories while ensuring you meet their quality criteria.

 

Backlinks from product tests or expert reviews

These backlinks come from experts who share their experience with your products :

 

• Source :

Blogs, YouTube videos or podcasts highlighting your products.

 

• Impact :

Increase your store's credibility and encourage potential customers to buy.

 

• How to benefit from it :

Send your products to influencers or experts so they can perform tests or reviews.

 

By prioritizing these types of backlinks, you can maximize the return on your SEO efforts—an approach KingEshop recommends to its users to strengthen their online visibility.

Leverage e-commerce-specific backlink opportunities

 

Special offers for associations and local events

Associations and local events can be valuable sources of relevant backlinks :

 

• Strategy :

Offer partnerships or sponsor events in exchange for a mention with a link to your store.

 

• Example :

A clothing store could collaborate with a local sports event by providing uniforms or custom accessories.

 

Seasonal promotions and targeted campaigns

Seasonal campaigns are perfect for generating attractive backlinks :

 

• Approach :

Launch unique promotions and share them through press releases or collaborations with bloggers.

 

• Example :

A home decor store can create a Christmas campaign that attracts attention from local media or niche blogs.

 

Create unique content like buying guides or interactive videos

Original and useful content naturally attracts quality backlinks :

 

• Content ideas :

Write comparison guides, publish interactive videos, or create informative infographics.

 

• Example :

A guide «How to choose the right mattress» could attract links from lifestyle and wellness blogs.

 

By leveraging these e-commerce-specific opportunities, your store can not only strengthen its backlink profile but also build loyalty among a qualified audience—a strategy aligned with the tools offered by KingEshop.

Techniques to avoid common backlinking mistakes

 

Do not buy backlinks

Buying backlinks is a risky practice that can lead to penalties from Google :

 

• Issue :

Google penalizes websites that use unnatural practices to gain links.

 

• Alternative :

Invest in quality content and genuine relationships to attract organic backlinks.

 

Avoid links from low-quality or irrelevant websites

Not all backlinks are equal, and some can even harm your SEO :

 

• Identify low-quality websites :

Beware of websites with low authority or suspicious content.

 

• Strategy :

Favor backlinks from websites that are relevant to your niche and have a strong reputation.

 

Focus on a long-term strategy instead of quick wins

A sustainable approach is essential to build a strong backlink profile :

 

• Common mistake :

Focusing only on quick tactics can harm credibility and long-term results.

 

• Solution :

Develop a sustainable strategy based on valuable content, public relations, and networking.

 

By avoiding these common mistakes, your online store, supported by a platform like KingEshop, can build a strong and lasting presence on the web.

Create irresistible content to naturally attract backlinks

 

How to create compelling case studies

Case studies provide tangible evidence and attract the attention of other websites :

 

• Focus :

Show how your product or service solved a specific problem for a client.

 

• Structure :

Include concrete data, charts, and testimonials to strengthen credibility.

 

• Sharing :

Submit these case studies to blogs or media outlets specialized in your field.

 

Create infographics and visual content

Visual content is highly shareable and ideal for generating backlinks :

 

• Advantage :

Infographics simplify complex data and make it more appealing.

 

• Strategy :

Create visuals around trending topics in your industry.

 

• Distribution :

Share your creations on platforms like Pinterest and offer them to partner sites.

 

Include helpful resources like practical guides or comparison tools

Content that delivers real value naturally attracts quality backlinks :

 

• Practical guides :

Clearly explain how to solve a common problem related to your products.

 

• Comparison tools :

Offer interactive tools that allow users to compare different products.

 

• Regular updates :

Ensure your content remains relevant and up to date to maintain its appeal.

 

Creating irresistible content is a powerful strategy to generate organic backlinks and strengthen your online store's authority—especially with KingEshop, which makes managing your online assets easier.

Automate and manage your backlinking campaign

 

Use tools to automate competitor analysis and outreach

Optimize your time by integrating automated solutions :

 

• Competitor analysis :

Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush or Ubersuggest to monitor your competitors' backlinks.

 

• Contact management :

Use platforms like BuzzStream or Mailshake to automate your outreach campaigns.

 

• Smart tracking :

Set up alerts to identify new backlink opportunities as they arise.

 

Monitor your progress with Google Search Console and Ahrefs

Regular tracking is essential to adjust your strategy :

 

• Google Search Console :

Identify the backlinks pointing to your site and check their quality.

 

• Ahrefs:

Analyze your performance in terms of new links acquired, referring domains, and domain rating.

 

• KPIs to monitor :

Number of backlinks, domain authority, traffic generated by the links.

 

Schedule regular audits to optimize your strategy

Proactive management ensures lasting results :

 

• Quarterly audits :

Review your backlinks to detect broken or low-quality links.

 

• Strategic adjustments :

Identify the campaigns or tactics that generate the best results and redirect your efforts.

 

• Documentation :

Keep a record of results to evaluate the effectiveness of your long-term strategy.

 

Automating and monitoring your backlinking campaign—combined with the efficiency of platforms like KingEshop—will help you gain visibility and performance while saving time.

Measure the success of your backlinking strategy

 

Track key performance indicators

To evaluate the effectiveness of your strategy, focus on these key metrics :

 

• Number of backlinks :

Check how many links have been acquired since the beginning of your campaign.

 

• Backlink quality :

Analyze domain authority and the relevance of referring sites.

 

• Traffic generated :

Identify how many visitors come directly from your backlinks.

 

Return on investment (ROI) analysis of your efforts

Make sure your backlinking campaigns are profitable :

 

• Calculate the cost per backlink :

Include the time, tools, and effort invested.

 

• Impact on sales :

Measure the impact of backlinks on your store's conversions and revenue.

 

• SEO visibility :

Track the evolution of your ranking in search results.

 

Adjust your campaigns based on the results achieved

Adapt your strategy to maximize your performance :

 

• Identify effective campaigns :

Determine which types of links or tactics deliver the best results.

 

• Eliminate ineffective tactics :

Stop efforts that consume too many resources without meaningful results.

 

• Continuously optimize :

Refine your approaches based on data and new opportunities.

 

Regularly measuring the results of your backlinking strategy is crucial to ensure continuous growth of your online store—especially if you use a platform like KingEshop to maximize your potential.

Practical case studies

 

Example 1: A clothing store gaining backlinks through blogger reviews

An online clothing store collaborated with fashion bloggers to get detailed reviews. These partnerships generated:

 

• Editorial backlinks :

Articles directly mentioning the store and linking to product pages.

 

• Increased visibility:

Better recognition among your target audience.

 

• Qualified traffic:

Visitors coming from these blogs were more likely to convert.

 

Example 2: A tech store outperforming its competitors with higher-quality content

A store specializing in tech accessories used the "Skyscraper technique" to create content more comprehensive than its competitors.

 

Results achieved:

 

• Acquisition of natural backlinks:

Referring sites spontaneously linked their articles to this superior content.

 

• Improved ranking:

A direct impact on SEO rankings for competitive keywords.

 

• Increased engagement:

Visitors spent more time on the site, increasing conversions.

 

Example 3: A cosmetics store leveraging local events to generate backlinks

A cosmetics store sponsored a local wellness-themed event. This initiative enabled the following:

 

• Get links from local associations:

Backlinks from websites with strong local authority.

 

• Generate media interest:

Articles in the local press and mentions on specialized blogs.

 

• Strengthen brand awareness:

A better perception among local consumers.

 

These examples illustrate how a well-designed strategy, combined with a platform like KingEshop, can turn backlinks into a powerful lever for the growth of online stores.

Future trends in backlinking for online stores

 

Impact of artificial intelligence in backlink analysis

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing how backlinks are analyzed and leveraged. Emerging trends include:

 

• Audit automation:

AI-powered tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush offer faster and more accurate analyses.

 

• Data-based predictions:

AI can predict the potential value of a backlink before acquiring it.

 

• Personalized optimization:

Suggestions for backlink opportunities tailored to the store's niche and specific goals.

 

Evolution of Google's criteria for evaluating backlink quality

Google continually refines its criteria for ranking sites. In the future, online stores will need to:

 

• Prioritize relevance:

Focus on links from websites directly related to their industry.

 

• Strengthen E-E-A-T:

Promote backlinks from trusted sources known for their expertise.

 

• Avoid outdated techniques:

Artificial or unethical link-building practices will be increasingly penalized.

 

Growing importance of backlink diversity

To stay competitive, online stores will need to diversify their backlink sources:

 

• Diversification of formats:

Editorial links, mentions in YouTube videos, and infographic backlinks.

 

• Cross-sector collaboration :

Partnerships with related industries to gain diverse and relevant links.

 

• Focus on local backlinks :

In response to the growing importance of geolocalized searches. These trends highlight the need to adopt a scalable and adaptive backlinking strategy, which KingEshop can help you integrate effectively into your SEO initiatives.

Conclusion: Building a sustainable backlinking strategy

 

Summary of best practices

To succeed in backlinking, it is essential to:

 

• Focus on quality over quantity:

Favor backlinks from relevant and trustworthy websites.

 

• Diversify your sources:

Include a variety of backlink types to maximize your reach.

 

• Create irresistible content:

Naturally attract backlinks by offering useful and unique resources.

 

Adopt a proactive and ethical approach

Success in backlinking relies on a proactive strategy that respects Google's guidelines. Invest in genuine collaborations, strong partnerships, and link-building techniques that prioritize long-term value.

 

At KingEshop, we've proven that even growing online stores can build an effective backlinking strategy. With modern tools and a proven methodology, we help our users identify unique opportunities while respecting ethical SEO principles.

 

You can not only strengthen your online presence, but also turn your backlinking strategy into a powerful lever to boost your sales.

 

A sustainable backlinking strategy is a key element for the growth of your online store. By following these practices and leveraging available resources, you can reach top rankings in search results while strengthening your credibility.

Thank you for reading this page until the end!