Building backlinks is a cornerstone of SEO success and a critical way to increase traffic from Google. However, the myriad of link-building strategies available can quickly lead to wasted time if not executed with focus.
Neil Patel, a renowned digital marketing expert, tackled this challenge by analyzing the types of images used in his blog posts to identify which generated the highest number of backlinks. He tested seven different categories of visuals:
- Stock photography
- Screenshots
- Hand-drawn images
- Graphs and charts
- Infographics
- Royalty-free images
- Animated graphics
The Results:
Graphs and charts outperformed all other types of images, generating 258% more backlinks than blog posts using other visuals.
Why Do Graphs and Charts Outperform?
- They Highlight Data and Facts:
Graphs and charts convey information clearly and concisely, allowing readers to quickly grasp insights without sifting through dense text. In an age where attention spans are shrinking, this instant accessibility makes them highly shareable and link-worthy. - Focused Visuals:
Unlike infographics, which often cram multiple data points into a single, sprawling image, graphs and charts are smaller and laser-focused on specific insights. This focus makes them easier to integrate into articles, presentations, and other content, increasing the likelihood that others will cite or link back to them. - Credibility Boost:
Graphs and charts give an air of professionalism and trustworthiness, especially when the data is sourced or attributed properly. This perceived authority encourages other content creators to reference and link to your post as a reliable source. - Easy to Repurpose:
These visuals can be repurposed across various formats, including blog posts, social media, reports, and slide decks, which increases their reach and backlink potential. - Engagement Factor:
Data presented visually tends to engage readers more effectively, as it simplifies complex information and makes it digestible. This enhanced engagement contributes to higher shares and backlinks.
How to Leverage This Insight for Your Content Strategy
- Incorporate Graphs and Charts Frequently:
When writing blog posts, include at least one graph or chart to present your data. Tools like Canva, Excel, and Datawrapper make it easy to create professional-quality visuals. - Use Accurate and Reliable Data:
Ensure that the data you present is credible and sourced from trustworthy studies or analyses. Proper attribution adds legitimacy and makes others more likely to link back to your work. - Keep It Clean and Simple:
Avoid overloading your graphs with excessive data points or clutter. Simplicity is key to maximizing clarity and shareability. - Promote Your Visuals:
Share your graphs and charts on social media platforms, include them in guest posts, and encourage others to embed them in their own content with backlinks to your site. - Combine Visuals for Maximum Impact:
While graphs and charts are highly effective, combining them with complementary visuals like screenshots or animated graphics can further enhance your content’s appeal and backlink potential.
By strategically using graphs and charts in your content, you can tap into their remarkable ability to generate backlinks, boosting your site’s authority and increasing traffic over time.