You pour hours into SEO, write blogs, fix technical issues, try to speed up your site and still, your competitor outranks you with half the effort.This happens more often than most people admit. And one of the biggest reasons? Backlinks. Google still treats backlinks as one of its strongest trust signals. It is how the algorithm decides who ranks higher especially in competitive niches like fashion, beauty, electronics, or supplements.

But building backlinks is not easy. Reaching out, writing content, following up… it takes time. And it is hard to scale. That’s where link building platforms help. They simplify the entire process and help you get high-quality links without the manual grind.

In this blog, we’ll break down how eCommerce brands are using these platforms to improve rankings and grow their organic traffic faster, smarter and with better results.

Why Backlinks Still Matter for eCommerce SEO?

“The three essential elements of an effective SEO are effective communication, useful information and high-quality backlinks.”  – SEO Refugee

Before we start, let’s get this straight backlinks are not outdated.

Some people say things like “just focus on great content” or “Google is smarter now.” That is partly true. But in reality, content without backlinks doesn’t rank especially in eCommerce.

Here’s why – Google sees backlinks as a vote of confidence. When other websites link to your store or blog, Google takes it as a sign that your content is trustworthy and useful. The more high-quality links you have – the more likely you are to rank.

But it is not just about quantity.

In eCommerce, relevance is everything. 

• A backlink from a fashion blog to a skincare product page? Not helpful. 
• A backlink from a skincare review site to your vitamin C serum page? Much better.

Backlinks also help Google discover your pages faster. If your product pages are buried deep in your site – backlinks from external sources can pull them into the spotlight.

And here is something else many miss backlinks bring referral traffic too. When someone clicks a link on another site and lands on your store – that is not just SEO juice. That’s potential revenue.

Fun fact – Top-ranking pages on Google have an average of 3.8x more backlinks.

So, to sum it up….

• Backlinks improve your rankings.
• They help Google trust your site.
• They bring in new traffic that can convert.

Still one of the strongest signals Google looks at and that’s not changing anytime soon.

Problem with Manual Link Building (and Why Brands Give Up)

Manual link building sounds good in theory. You find websites, send emails, pitch content, follow up… and hope someone replies.

But here’s what usually happens…..

• You spend hours researching.

• You write 20 emails.

• You get one vague response.

And that’s on a good day.

Fun fact – 41% of marketers say link building is their toughest SEO challenge.

For most eCommerce brands, manual link building becomes a time sink. You have products to sell, campaigns to run, customer queries to answer. Sitting down to pitch backlinks? It falls to the bottom of the list.

Even if you hire an in-house SEO or freelancer – the results are slow. You might get a few links here and there. But it is inconsistent. And worse sometimes the links come from low-quality or irrelevant sites that don’t move the needle at all.

Let’s not forget follow-ups. Outreach without follow-ups rarely works. But chasing people who ignore you gets old fast.

Eventually, most brands just stop. Not because link building doesn’t work but because the way they are doing it is not working.

That’s exactly why more eCommerce businesses are switching to smarter tools like a link building platform. It saves time + avoids the guesswork + actually delivers results you can measure.

Fun fact – Over 96.55% of content gets zero traffic from Google.

What is a Link Building Platform (And Why Should eCommerce Brands Care?)

A link building platform is exactly what it sounds like—it is a tool or service that helps you build backlinks without doing everything manually.

Think of it as the middle layer between your brand and thousands of relevant websites, blogs, and publishers. Instead of cold emailing and guessing who might say yes, a platform shows you who’s ready to collaborate—right now.

You get access to –

• A list of real websites open to link placements.
• Categories, traffic stats, and domain authority info.
• Content options (some let you write, others offer content done for you).
• Transparent pricing and faster turnarounds.

For eCommerce brands, this matters a lot.

You are not just trying to rank a single blog post—you are trying to rank product pages, category pages, buyer guides, and maybe even your homepage. That’s a lot to manage manually.

A good link building platform takes the hassle out of this. You get quality backlinks on relevant sites – targeted to the exact pages that matter for your business.

It is faster. It is easier to scale. And best of all—you get links that actually move your rankings. That’s why more brands are using link building platforms to grow their organic traffic + build trust + stay ahead of competitors.

Fun fact – Pages in the top 10 results are 2+ years old on average.

Inside the Toolbox – Key Features of a Good Link Building Platform

Not all link building platforms are built the same. Some just dump you into a list of websites and leave you to figure things out. Others offer real tools to help you build better links faster. Here is what actually matters when choosing a link building platform especially for eCommerce:

1. Website filtering that makes sense

You should be able to filter sites by niche, domain authority, traffic, region, and language. If you sell pet food, there is no point linking from a tech blog. Relevance is everything.

2. Clear pricing and no hidden surprises

Some link building platforms confuse users with vague pricing or “contact us” rates. A good one shows upfront costs for each placement so you can plan your budget.

3. Done-for-you content or self-writing options

If you want to write the content yourself, you should be able to.

Too busy? Then the link building platform should offer content writing that actually makes sense for your audience—not some keyword-stuffed fluff.

4. Publisher transparency

You need to see the real site before you buy. URL, traffic stats, niche, and content examples—all of it.

5. Order tracking and delivery timelines

You should know when your link will go live, and you should be able to track it. No guessing. No chasing emails.

6. Support that actually replies

If something breaks or feels off, you’ll want a support team that helps—not one that disappears after you pay.

7. Scalability

As your brand grows, you will need more backlinks. A good link building platform should grow with you, offering both one-off orders and bulk campaigns.

These features aren’t “nice to have”—they make the difference between wasting money and building real SEO results.

5 Smart Ways eCommerce Brands Use Link Building Platforms to Climb Rankings

Using a link building platform is not just about getting a few backlinks. It is about using those links the right way. Here’s how smart eCommerce brands are doing it and what you can take from their playbook.

1. Targeting product pages with intent-based keywords

Most eCommerce stores try to rank blogs. But what about the actual product pages the ones that make money?

Brands are using platforms to build links directly to high-intent pages like “best vitamin C serum” or “organic dog food for puppies.” These pages convert. And a few strong backlinks can push them from page 3 to page 1.

Pro tip – Choose anchor text that sounds natural and matches the page’s search intent.

2. Running seasonal link campaigns before peak sales

Think of the holidays. Think Black Friday. Think Valentine’s Day.

Some brands plan 2–3 months ahead and build backlinks to their seasonal landing pages. That way, when shoppers hit Google searching for “Valentine’s gifts under 500,” their pages are already ranking.

This gives them a head start while others are scrambling at the last minute.

3. Building authority with niche blogs and magazines

A link from a random site won’t do much. But a link from a trusted blog in your niche? That is gold.

Let’s say you sell eco-friendly cleaning products. Getting featured on a sustainability blog can boost both rankings and brand trust. Platforms help you find those opportunities without hours of searching.

4. Reviving old content that lost rankings

Traffic dropping on a blog post that used to perform well? Add a few fresh backlinks and watch it climb again.

Many brands use link building platforms to revive aging content. It is cheaper and faster than rewriting everything.

5. Amplifying PR and viral content with SEO power

Let’s say you launch a new campaign, and it picks up a few media mentions. That is great. But without SEO backlinks, that buzz fades fast.

Some brands build links to their press releases, case studies, or founder interviews to keep that momentum going long after the initial hype.

Fun fact – Long-form content earns 77% more backlinks on average.

Real-World Example: Wayfair – How Backlinks Fuel Massive Organic Growth

You don’t have to guess if link building works. Just look at companies like Wayfair.

Wayfair is one of the biggest online furniture stores in the world. But what’s interesting isn’t just their product range, it is how they have built authority over time using backlinks.

According to data from Ahrefs…

• Wayfair has earned links from over 40,000 referring domains.
• As that number grew steadily from 2014 to 2020, so did their visibility.
• Today, they get around 20 million organic visitors per month without relying entirely on ads.

That level of growth doesn’t come from content alone. It comes from building a strong, diverse backlink profile year after year.

Now, of course, Wayfair has been around for a while and has a huge team working on SEO. But the point is clear – backlinks still drive results at scale.

Avoid These Common Link Building Mistakes (Even If You’re Using a Platform)

Using a link building platform can save you a ton of time but it is not magic. If you make the wrong moves, even great backlinks won’t help much. Here are the most common mistakes we have seen eCommerce brands make (and how to avoid them):

1. Forcing exact-match anchor text every time

This is a big one. If every link says “buy natural face serum online,” Google starts getting suspicious.

Instead, mix it up –

• Use brand names
• Product names
• Long-tail keywords
• Even generic phrases like “check this out”

Natural anchors look… natural. And that is what works best.

2. Linking only to the homepage

This happens more than you’d think. A brand buys 10 links and sends them all to the homepage.

But that doesn’t help your product or category pages rank. You need to spread links across the pages that actually bring traffic and sales.

Start with high-converting product pages. Or blog posts targeting buying intent.

3. Ignoring link relevance

Getting a link from a car blog to your fashion store? That won’t help. In fact, it might even hurt.

Always choose websites that are closely related to your niche—or at least cover your industry in some way. Relevance matters just as much as authority.

4. Overlooking site quality

Some links are cheap for a reason.

If a site looks spammy, is stuffed with ads, or publishes random low-effort content, stay away. One bad link won’t kill your rankings, but building dozens like that? Risky.

Always check for real traffic, decent content, and active publishing history.

5. Building links too fast (or too slowly)

Google watches how fast your backlink profile grows. If you suddenly jump from 0 to 100 links in a week it looks fake.

Instead, build links gradually and consistently. Even 3–5 links a week can show progress without triggering alarms.

Final tip

Even if you are using a trusted platform, don’t “set and forget.” Review your links, adjust your strategy, and always tie efforts back to rankings and traffic.

The goal is not just backlinks it is better visibility, more traffic, and more sales.

Choosing the Right Link Building Platform for Your eCommerce Brand

There are a lot of link building platforms out there. Some promise the moon. Some flood you with options but no direction. And some… just aren’t built with eCommerce in mind.

So how do you choose the right one?

Here is a practical checklist to help you find a link building platform that actually works for your brand—not just another SEO tool collecting dust.

1. Relevance to your niche

This is non-negotiable.

You should be able to find websites that fit your industry. Selling supplements? You’ll want health blogs. Running a baby clothing store? Look for parenting or lifestyle sites.

If the link building platform doesn’t give you niche filtering, skip it.

2. Transparency up front

You should be able to see….

• The real site URL (not just “Site123.com”).
• Domain authority and estimated traffic.
• Link placement type (guest post, in-content, homepage, etc.).
• Clear pricing per link.

3. Flexible link options

Sometimes, you want full control – write your own content, pick your own anchor. Other times, you just want done-for-you backlinks with minimal effort.

A good link building platform offers both.

You choose what works for you per campaign, per link, per page.

4. Proven track record

Look for reviews, testimonials, or case studies. What kinds of brands use the platform? Have they helped eCommerce stores before? Do results look realistic?

Avoid platforms that make vague SEO claims with no real proof.

Bonus tip – Don’t be afraid to test

Start small. Pick one or two key pages. Order a few links. Track what happens.

If rankings improve or traffic increases you will know you are on the right path. If not, tweak your pages, recheck anchor text, or try different sites.

Conclusion

ECommerce SEO is not about doing more. It is about doing the right things.

You can have a fast site, solid content, and great products but without backlinks, you will always be chasing competitors who rank higher with less effort.

The good news? You don’t need to cold email, pitch endlessly, or waste time guessing.

With a reliable link building platform, you can focus on building links that actually matter relevant, high-quality, and targeted to the pages that drive revenue.

Start small. Test what works. Double down on results.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is eCommerce link building?

eCommerce link building is the process of getting other websites to link to your product, category, or blog pages to improve search rankings.

2. What is a link building platform?

A link building platform connects brands with websites, making it easier to get high-quality backlinks without doing manual outreach or pitching.

3. How many backlinks does an eCommerce site need to rank?

It depends on the competition. Often, 5–15 high-quality backlinks to key pages can significantly improve rankings in most niches.

4. Can I build backlinks to product pages directly?

Absolutely. Linking directly to product or category pages helps those pages rank and drive more buyer-intent traffic to your site.

5. How long does it take to see results from link building?

Usually 4–8 weeks. Rankings improve gradually as Google crawls the links and reevaluates the authority of the linked pages.