top of page
Search

How to Do Link Building Step by Step

With real examples for skincare brands, cosmetic clinics, builders, property developers & online course providers


If you’re trying to climb the Google ladder, link building isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a must. Done right, it tells search engines your website is worth paying attention to. But for most Kiwi business owners and marketers, link building feels like some vague SEO magic.


By then end of this article, you'll know how to do link building step by step. And to keep it practical, we’ll show how businesses like skincare brands, property developers, and course providers can actually use this stuff in the real world. If you cbf doing it yourself and you're curious about costings then check out our seo cost estimator.

The answer to how to do link building step by step

What is meant by link building?


Link building is the process of getting other websites to link to your website. These “backlinks” act like referrals or shout-outs — and the more credible the site linking to you, the more trust and authority your site earns with Google.


Think of it like this: if your skincare brand gets linked by Viva or a popular beauty blogger, it’s a digital thumbs up. Google notices. Your ranking improves. That’s link building at work.


Is link building good for SEO?


Yes — it’s one of the most important parts of SEO.

When Google ranks websites, it looks at three big things:


  1. Content relevance

  2. User experience

  3. Authority — and that comes largely from backlinks.


High-quality backlinks tell search engines that your site is trustworthy and worth ranking higher. It's the difference between page 7 and page 1. Especially in competitive niches like beauty, property, and online education, link building is a game-changer.


Step 1: Get Your Website Link-Worthy


Before you start reaching out for backlinks, make sure your site has content that’s actually worth linking to.That might be:


  • Helpful blog posts

  • Infographics

  • Before/after case studies

  • Research or data

  • Tools, quizzes or guides


Example – Skincare & Beauty Products


Create a blog titled “5 Skincare Ingredients You Should Never Mix” with expert commentary. Beauty bloggers and skincare reviewers are always looking for smart content to link to. Pair it with a quiz: “What’s Your Skin Type?”


Step 2: Identify Link Opportunities


Now it’s time to hunt for sites that could realistically link to you. Think:


  • Local blogs

  • Industry directories

  • News and lifestyle media

  • Suppliers and partners

  • Guest post opportunities

  • Awards & "Top 10" lists

  • Influencer shoutouts


Example – Cosmetic Clinics


Reach out to beauty or wellness bloggers offering a collab or expert comment for a story. Or submit your clinic to articles like “Top 10 Cosmetic Clinics in Auckland” — many of these lists are open to submissions.


Step 3: Outreach – Ask for the Link (But Make It Worth Their While)


Link building isn’t begging. It’s pitching — like PR, but for SEO. Your goal is to show why a link to your site will help their readers.


Here’s a basic outreach structure:


Subject: Quick idea for your next blog?

Body:“Hey [Name],


Loved your article on [relevant topic].


I recently put together a [guide/case study/tool] that expands on that theme. If you’re ever updating or writing a new post, feel free to check it out: [URL].


Happy to contribute a quote or extra info if that helps!


Cheers,

[You]”


Step 4: Build Relationships, Not Just Links


Long-term link building works best when you actually build real relationships with writers, influencers, and other businesses.


  • Comment on their posts

  • Share their content

  • Invite them to collaborate

  • Offer guest posts or testimonials


Example – Builders & Property Developers


Partner with architecture blogs or interior design influencers. Offer them a behind-the-scenes tour of a new project or a guest piece titled “5 Site Mistakes to Avoid When Building in Auckland”. That’s link-worthy content and builds buzz.


Step 5: List Your Business in High-Quality Directories


This is the low-hanging fruit. Local directories, business associations, and niche-specific platforms are still valuable.


Example – Online Course Providers


Submit your course to NZ-specific education platforms, course listing sites, and even student discount directories. Also hit up industry blogs for guest posts like “What NZ Employers Look for in [Your Subject] Grads.”


Step 6: Track and Optimise


Use tools like Ahrefs, Moz, or even Ubersuggest to:


  • See who’s linking to you

  • Identify your top-performing pages

  • Track competitors’ backlinks

  • Monitor domain authority and rankings over time


How much should I pay for link building?


This depends on your industry and the quality of links you're chasing.


  • Cheap links ($50–$150): Often low quality, spammy, and can hurt your rankings more than help.

  • Mid-range ($200–$500 per link): Decent blogs, local media, niche directories — good for most NZ small to mid-sized businesses.

  • Premium ($500–$1,500+): High-authority media (Stuff, NZ Herald, global blogs), influencer partnerships, or PR placements.


At TopTalent, we usually build link packages based on industry, competition, and goals — not just “X links for $X.”


Quality > quantity. Every time.


How hard is link building?


We’ll be honest — it can be a grind.


You’re writing content, building relationships, pitching bloggers, tracking results — and doing it consistently. Plus, you’ve got to avoid Google penalties by staying well clear of dodgy link schemes.

But it works. And once the links are live, they continue sending trust and traffic to your site long after the initial effort.


If you’ve got a solid strategy and someone who knows how to execute, it’s one of the best ROI channels in digital.


Bonus: 3 Link-Building Ideas You Can Try This Month


Launch a “Top Tips” blog post featuring quotes from influencers (they’ll usually link back).


Offer a free sample or service in exchange for a blog review.


Create a killer free guide (e.g., “How to Choose the Right Builder in Auckland” or “Free Skincare Routine Planner”) and pitch it to relevant blogs or directories.


Final Thought: Link Building Is a Slow Burn, Not a Quick Fix


But if you do it well — with useful content, smart outreach and a focus on quality — the results compound. More traffic. Higher Google rankings. More leads. More sales.


And if you don’t have the time or patience to do it yourself?That’s where we come in 😉



Let’s get your site linked, ranked, and generating leads on autopilot.


bottom of page