What is an Editorial Link?
An editorial link is a backlink that is naturally included in a piece of content by the publisher, without being paid for or explicitly requested. It is added by the author because they consider the linked content to be valuable, relevant, or authoritative.
These links are typically placed within the main body of the content and serve as a reference or recommendation, making them one of the most trustworthy and sought-after types of backlinks in SEO.
Why Editorial Links Matter
Editorial links are considered high-quality because they are earned organically, not bought or manipulated. Search engines view them as a strong signal of trust and authority.
Key reasons editorial links are valuable:
- They pass strong link equity due to their organic nature
- They enhance your domain’s credibility and trustworthiness
- They often come from authoritative sources
- They improve your chances of ranking higher in search results
- They drive qualified referral traffic
Because editorial links cannot be directly controlled, they are difficult to obtain but highly rewarding when earned.
Example in Use
A journalist writing for a leading marketing publication links to your in-depth SEO research study while referencing recent trends. You didn’t request or pay for the link, but it appears because the content is seen as a valuable resource. This is an example of a high-quality editorial link.
Producing authoritative, useful content is one of the best ways to earn editorial links over time.
Related Terms
- Backlink
- Link Building
- Outreach
- Link Equity
- White Hat SEO