Tiered link building creates links to your backlinks to boost their authority. While risky if done poorly, focus on naturally strengthening existing link sources through quality content and outreach.
Do you ever feel like you are doing everything right to get great backlinks, but your rankings are still stuck? I know the frustration of working hard for a link, only to see it not move the needle much. I want to tell you about a powerful, strategic technique I use to multiply the power of every link I earn. 🔗
I am going to explain exactly What is tiered link building? and show you how to use this advanced strategy safely and effectively. I will give you simple, actionable tips for improving your site’s authority across every platform and industry. This method will help you build authority that truly impacts your rankings.
What is Tiered Link Building?
Tiered link building is an advanced link strategy where I build links to my existing backlinks, rather than just directly to my website. Think of it like a pyramid of link juice, where the links at the bottom support and strengthen the ones above them. I use this method to pass more authority and power to the links pointing to my main site.
The structure typically involves Tier 1 links, which point directly to my money site and must be high-quality, relevant links. Then I build Tier 2 links, which are medium-quality links that point to the Tier 1 links, boosting their strength. Tier 3 links are then built to support the Tier 2 links, creating a network of supporting authority.
Impact of Tiered Link Building Across CMS Platforms
Tiered link building is an off-page strategy, so it does not directly involve my CMS, but I must ensure my site’s structure can handle the powerful influx of authority.
WordPress
On WordPress, I focus on building Tier 1 links to my pillar content pages, knowing the platform can handle the resulting authority and traffic. I use the flexibility of WordPress to create robust, clean landing pages that are worthy of strong backlinks. I rely on SEO plugins to ensure the internal linking is solid, helping to distribute the new authority across my site.
Shopify
For my Shopify stores, I focus my Tier 1 efforts on my collection pages or key product pages that have high commercial value. I make sure my product page content is unique and comprehensive enough to be the target of a high-quality link. The strong authority generated by tiered link building is then naturally channeled toward a sale.
Wix
Wix users should focus entirely on securing high-quality, relevant Tier 1 links directly to their site, avoiding the complexity of building Tier 2 links. The site’s simplified structure benefits most from a few great, strong links. My focus is always on quality and relevance for the first tier, as safety is paramount.
Webflow
Webflow’s clean code and structure make it an ideal target for powerful link building, as the site is inherently fast and well-structured. I focus my Tier 1 efforts on well-designed resource pages built within the CMS. The platform’s technical excellence ensures the full benefit of the link authority is efficiently utilized.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, I can meticulously track the performance of Tier 1 and Tier 2 links to see which part of the link pyramid is working best. I ensure the site is built to be a strong, authoritative hub that can safely absorb and distribute the massive authority gained from a successful tiered link building campaign. Technical control allows for maximum safety and impact.
Tiered Link Building Application in Different Industries
I focus on where the most valuable Tier 1 links should point to for maximum business benefit in each industry.
Ecommerce
In e-commerce, I use tiered link building to boost my most competitive product categories, like “Best Smart Watches 2026.” I focus on getting the Tier 1 link from a reputable product review site. The Tier 2 links then support the review site’s page, strengthening the link pointing back to my e-commerce site.
Local Businesses
For local businesses, I use tiered link building to strengthen my links from high-authority local sources like the Chamber of Commerce or local news sites. I focus Tier 2 links on supporting those local directory or association pages. This strategy magnifies the power of my local authority signals.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
With SaaS, I target Tier 1 links on highly relevant “Best [Software Type]” or feature comparison articles. I then use Tier 2 links to support that article on the comparison site. This boosts the visibility of my software on third-party review sites, which in turn passes high trust and authority to my main site.
Blogs
For my blogs, I use tiered link building to boost my key pillar content that addresses a major topic, like a comprehensive “Beginner’s Guide to SEO.” I focus Tier 1 links on that guide, and Tier 2 links support the pages linking to it. This elevates my foundational content, leading to overall site authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tiered link building safe for my website?
It can be risky, so I use it very carefully. My Tier 1 links must always be high-quality and relevant. I never use spammy links for Tier 1, and I ensure my Tier 2 and Tier 3 efforts are measured and controlled to avoid a Google penalty.
What type of links should I use for Tier 2?
I use medium-quality links for Tier 2, such as forum comments on relevant threads, social profiles, or web 2.0 properties that are topically related to the Tier 1 link. The key is relevance and moderation.
How can I measure the success of a tiered link campaign?
I measure success by monitoring the authority score of the Tier 1 page (the page linking to me) and its ranking position. If the Tier 1 page’s authority increases, I know the Tier 2 links are working and are successfully passing power to my site.
Why don’t I just build all the links directly to my site?
I do not build all the links directly because using lower-quality links directly to my site is risky and can lead to a penalty. Tiered link building uses the Tier 1 page as a shield, allowing me to strengthen my authority indirectly and more safely.
