You’ve optimised your website content, added keywords, and improved your page speed, but your rankings still aren’t where you want them to be. That’s where off-page SEO comes in.
In this blog, we’ll break down what off-page SEO is, why it matters, and how to use it to build authority, trust, and visibility in search engines.
What Is Off-Page SEO?
Off-page SEO refers to all the actions taken outside of your own website that impact your rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs). While on-page SEO focuses on what’s on your site, off-page SEO is about how the rest of the internet perceives and interacts with your site.
The most well-known off-page SEO tactic is link building, but it also encompasses other strategies such as social sharing, brand mentions, and online reviews.
Why Off-Page SEO Matters
Search engines like Google use off-page signals to determine how trustworthy, authoritative, and relevant your site is. The more high-quality websites that link to you or mention your brand, the more likely Google is to rank your content higher.
Here’s what off-page SEO helps with:
- Improves domain authority
- Boosts keyword rankings
- Drives referral traffic
- Builds brand credibility and trust
In short, off-page SEO helps search engines see your site as a valuable resource worth ranking.
Key Off-Page SEO Techniques
Link Building
Backlinks (links from other websites to yours) are one of the most important ranking factors.
Types of backlinks:
- Editorial links: Earned naturally through great content
- Guest post links: Earned by contributing to other blogs
- Directory links: From reputable business directories
- Broken link building: Replacing dead links with your content
Focus on quality over quantity, a few links from trusted sites are better than dozens from low-quality sources.
Social Sharing
While social signals aren’t a direct ranking factor, they can amplify your content’s reach and increase the chances of earning backlinks.
Tips:
- Share your content across platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook
- Encourage sharing with social buttons and CTAs
- Repurpose content into different formats (e.g. infographics, videos)
Guest Blogging
Writing for other reputable websites in your niche helps you:
- Build backlinks
- Reach new audiences
- Establish authority
Ensure your guest posts are high-quality, relevant, and include a natural link back to your website.
Influencer Outreach
Partnering with influencers or industry experts can help you earn mentions, shares, and backlinks.
Ideas:
- Collaborate on content (e.g. interviews, roundups)
- Offer free access to your product or service in exchange for a review
- Build genuine relationships before asking for links
Online Reviews and Citations
For local SEO, reviews and citations (mentions of your business name, address, and phone number) are crucial.
Tips:
- Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile
- Encourage happy customers to leave reviews
- Submit your business to reputable directories (e.g. Yelp, Trustpilot)
How to Get High-Quality Backlinks
Here’s a quick checklist to help you earn better backlinks:
- Create link-worthy content (guides, tools, infographics)
- Reach out to websites that have linked to similar content
- Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to find backlink opportunities
- Fix broken links on other sites by offering your content as a replacement
- Avoid spammy tactics like buying links or using link farms
👉 Related: How to write blog posts that rank on Google
Final Thoughts
Off-page SEO is all about building your website’s reputation and authority beyond your own domain. By earning high-quality backlinks, engaging with your audience, and fostering relationships within your industry, you can boost your rankings and expand your online presence.