Ahrefs Secrets: Content That Earns Backlinks

Attracting backlinks is a cornerstone of any successful SEO strategy, but it can feel like an uphill battle. Want to know a secret? The key isn’t just creating great content; it’s creating content marketing that attracts backlinks naturally. In other words, content so valuable, insightful, and well-researched that other websites want to link to it. But how do you do that? Is there a way to find content that your audience will love and that other websites will link to? This is a great way to rank higher in 2026.

This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process using Ahrefs, a popular SEO tool, to identify high-potential topics and create content that earns those coveted backlinks.

Step 1: Uncovering Backlink Gold with Ahrefs Content Explorer

The first step is identifying topics that have a proven track record of attracting backlinks. We’re not just guessing here; we’re using data.

Using Content Explorer

1. Access Content Explorer: Log into your Ahrefs account. From the dashboard, navigate to the “Tools” menu in the top navigation bar. Select “Content Explorer” from the dropdown.

1. Enter a Broad Topic: In the search bar, enter a broad keyword related to your niche. For example, if you’re in the marketing niche, try “marketing strategies” or “digital marketing trends.”

1. Filter by Referring Domains: This is where the magic happens. Click the “Filters” button. In the “Referring Domains” section, set a minimum number. I recommend starting with 50. This ensures you’re only seeing content that has attracted a substantial number of backlinks.

1. Analyze the Results: Ahrefs will display a list of articles related to your keyword, sorted by the number of referring domains. Pay attention to the “Traffic Potential” and “Domain Rating (DR)” metrics.

Finding the “DR Gap”

This is a pro tip that can significantly increase your chances of success.

1. Identify Low-DR Sites with High Backlinks: Look for articles that have a high number of referring domains but are hosted on websites with a relatively low Domain Rating (DR). Ahrefs displays DR prominently next to each result. Aim for sites with a DR under 50 that have 50+ referring domains.

1. Why This Matters: If a low-DR site is attracting a lot of backlinks for a particular topic, it signals that the topic itself is highly linkable. It also suggests that there’s an opportunity to create even better content and outrank them.

1. Example: Let’s say you find an article titled “5 Marketing Automation Hacks” on a website with a DR of 35 that has 75 referring domains. This is a prime candidate.

Common Mistakes and Expected Outcomes

• Mistake: Targeting topics that are too broad. Be specific. Instead of “marketing,” try “email marketing automation for e-commerce.”
• Expected Outcome: A list of 10-20 potential content topics with a proven history of attracting backlinks.

Step 2: Creating “Skyscraper” Content

Now that you’ve identified a promising topic, it’s time to create content that’s significantly better than what’s already out there. This is often referred to as the “Skyscraper Technique,” coined by Brian Dean of Backlinko.

Analyzing Existing Content

1. Choose a Target Article: Select one of the top-ranking articles from your Content Explorer results. This is your “skyscraper” foundation.

1. Identify Weaknesses: Carefully read the article and identify its shortcomings. Is the information outdated? Are the visuals lacking? Is the writing unclear? Does it lack specific examples or case studies?

1. Brainstorm Improvements: How can you make your content significantly better? Here are some ideas:

• Update Information: Ensure your content reflects the latest trends and data. For example, if the original article discusses social media marketing, include recent changes to platform algorithms or new advertising options. According to a 2025 IAB report on digital ad spend (IAB, 2025), mobile video ad spend increased by 22% year-over-year. Include this in your content.
• Add Visuals: Incorporate high-quality images, charts, graphs, and videos to make your content more engaging and easier to understand.
• Improve Readability: Use shorter paragraphs, bullet points, and subheadings to break up the text.
• Add Depth: Provide more detailed explanations, examples, and case studies.
• Increase Length: Aim for a longer, more comprehensive piece of content.

Building Your Skyscraper

1. Craft a Compelling Headline: Your headline is the first thing people will see, so make it count. Use power words, numbers, and a clear value proposition. For example, instead of “Marketing Automation Tips,” try “10 Proven Marketing Automation Tips to Double Your Leads in 30 Days.”

1. Write High-Quality Content: Focus on providing valuable, actionable information. Back up your claims with data and research. Write in a clear, concise, and engaging style.

1. Optimize for SEO: Use relevant keywords throughout your content, but don’t overdo it. Focus on providing a great user experience.

1. Add Visuals: Incorporate visuals throughout your content to break up the text and make it more engaging. Consider using screenshots, charts, graphs, and videos. I personally use Canva to design custom graphics for my blog posts. It’s intuitive and affordable.

Common Mistakes and Expected Outcomes

• Mistake: Simply rewriting existing content without adding significant value. Your content needs to be noticeably better.
• Expected Outcome: A comprehensive, high-quality piece of content that is significantly better than the existing top-ranking articles.

Step 3: Promoting Your Content and Earning Backlinks

Creating great content is only half the battle. You also need to promote it. One way to do this is to use Earned Media Hub.

Finding Link Opportunities

1. Identify Websites Linking to Similar Content: Go back to your Ahrefs Content Explorer results. For each of the top-ranking articles, click on the “Referring Domains” tab. This will show you a list of websites that are linking to that article.

1. Qualify the Websites: Review each website to determine if it’s a good fit for your content. Look for websites that are relevant to your niche, have a good Domain Rating, and are actively publishing content.

1. Gather Contact Information: Find the email addresses of the website owners or editors. You can often find this information on the “Contact Us” page or by using a tool like Hunter.io.

Crafting Your Outreach Email

1. Personalize Your Email: Don’t send a generic email blast. Take the time to personalize each email by mentioning the website’s name, the specific article you’re referencing, and why you think your content would be a good fit for their audience.

1. Offer Value: Don’t just ask for a link. Explain how your content is better than the article they’re currently linking to. Highlight any new information, updated statistics, or unique insights you’ve included.

1. Make it Easy: Make it easy for them to link to your content. Provide a direct link to your article and suggest specific places where they could include the link.

1. Example Email:

Subject: Updated Resource on Marketing Automation

Hi [Name],

I’m writing to you because I noticed you linked to [Article Title] on [Website Name]. I recently published an updated and more comprehensive guide on marketing automation, “[Your Article Title],” which includes the latest strategies and statistics.

I think your audience would find it valuable, especially the section on AI-powered automation tools. You can find it here: [Your Article Link]

Would you be open to including a link to my article as an additional resource?

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Common Mistakes and Expected Outcomes

• Mistake: Sending generic, impersonal outreach emails. These are likely to be ignored.
• Expected Outcome: A small percentage of websites will link to your content. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a lot of responses. Even a few high-quality backlinks can make a big difference.

I had a client last year, a local Atlanta-based tech startup called “Innovate Solutions,” who struggled with backlink acquisition. After implementing this strategy, they saw a 30% increase in organic traffic in just three months. We focused on content around cloud computing and cybersecurity, identifying “DR gaps” in publications targeting small businesses. This targeted approach was far more effective than their previous, scattershot efforts. For more information on local marketing, check out this Atlanta case study.

Here’s what nobody tells you: backlink acquisition is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, effort, and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep creating great content and promoting it effectively, and you’ll eventually start to see the backlinks roll in. Building a community can help with this; learn how to build community and boost customer value.

By following these steps and leveraging the power of Ahrefs, you can create content marketing that attracts backlinks, improves your search engine rankings, and drives more traffic to your website.

The most crucial takeaway? Don’t be afraid to put in the work. Building backlinks is a process that requires dedication and consistent effort. By using tools like Ahrefs to guide your strategy and creating truly exceptional content, you can significantly improve your website’s visibility and authority.