15 Backlink Request Email Templates That Don't Suck (and How to Use Them)

A good backlink request email points to one specific page on the recipient's site, explains why your link makes that page better for their readers, and asks for one small, easy action. Keep it under 150 words, personalize the first line, and give them the exact URL so the edit takes a minute.

Below is a quick template, the elements that make link requests work, how to prospect and personalize, and 15 templates for every common link building scenario.

Quick template: link request for a specific page

Use this as your starting point for most link building outreach. It works because it names their page, gives a reason, and makes the edit simple.

Subject: Quick addition for your [topic] guide

Hi [First name],

I read your post "[Article title]" ([URL]) and liked your point about [specific detail from the article].

In the section on [subsection], you mention [concept]. We recently published [short description of your resource], which [one concrete thing it adds: a free calculator, a step-by-step walkthrough, original data].

Here it is: [Your URL]

If you think it would help your readers, it could fit naturally after the sentence "[quote a short line from their article]." No worries if not.

Thanks for the great article either way,
[Your name]
[Title], [Company]

What makes a backlink request email work

Most link building outreach emails fail for the same reasons: they are generic, they give the site owner no reason to care, and they read like a mass blast. Fixing those three problems gets you most of the way.

A personal first line

The person you are emailing probably does not know you. Your first line has to show that you actually read their work, not that you scraped their address.

Compare these two openings:

To find a real angle, read the article you want a link from, skim the author's recent posts on LinkedIn or X, and check whether they have spoken on a podcast or webinar. Our list of cold email opening lines has more first-line patterns you can adapt for link outreach.

A specific request

Never ask for "a link to my site." Name the page on their site, the section where your link fits, and the URL you want them to add. The more precise you are, the less work you create for them.

A reason that benefits their readers

The site owner owes you nothing. Your email has to answer one question: why does this link make their page better? Good answers include replacing a dead link, adding original data, giving readers a free tool, or offering a more current resource than the one they cite.

Do not claim your link will improve their search rankings. It won't, and experienced editors know it.

A low-effort call to action

End with a single, small ask: "Would you consider adding it?" or "Happy to send a one-line description if that helps." Avoid asking for a call, a guest post and a social share in the same email.

A short, courteous tone

Keep it under 150 words when possible. Check spelling, use their name correctly, and thank them for their time. Your email may be the 20th link request they have read that day.

How to prospect for link opportunities

Personalization starts with a good list. Sending a great email to the wrong page wastes it.

Where to find link prospects

• Pages that link to similar resources. Use a backlink tool to see who links to competing guides, tools or studies, then check whether your resource is genuinely better or more current.
• Resource pages. Search for phrases like "[topic] resources", "[topic] useful links" or "[topic] tools" to find curated lists in your niche.
• Broken links. Run relevant pages through a broken link checker and look for dead outbound links where your content is a fair replacement.
• Unlinked mentions. Set up alerts for your brand, product and founder names, then look for mentions that do not link to you. Our glossary entry on brand mentions explains why these are worth tracking.
• Partners and suppliers. Vendors, integration partners, customers and associations you belong to often have partner or customer pages.

How to qualify each prospect

Before a site goes on your list, check that:

• The site is relevant to your topic and audience.
• It is a real publication with real readers, not a site built only to sell links.
• The specific page has a natural spot for your link.
• Your resource genuinely improves that page.

How to find the right contact

The page author is usually your best contact, followed by the editor or content lead. Check the author bio, the team page and LinkedIn. If you get stuck, our guide on how to find anyone's email address walks through the options.

Keep a simple outreach sheet

Track each prospect in a spreadsheet with these columns: site, page URL, contact name, email, angle or personal note, your target URL, date sent, follow-up dates, and outcome. Writing the personal note before you write the email keeps you honest about whether you actually have a reason to reach out.

Backlink request email templates

Every template below is a starting point. Replace every bracket, cut anything that does not apply, and rewrite the first line for each person.

1. Broken link building email

Use this when a page you want a link from has a dead outbound link and you have a relevant replacement.

Subject: Broken link on your [topic] page

Hi [First name],

I was reading your article "[Article title]" and noticed that the link to [description of the dead resource] in the [section name] section goes to a 404 page.

Here's the broken URL: [Broken URL]

If you're looking for a replacement, we have a guide on [topic] that covers the same ground and was updated in [month, year]: [Your URL]

Either way, you may want to fix or remove the old link so readers don't hit a dead end.

Best,
[Your name]
[Title], [Company]

2. Resource page link request

Use this when a site keeps a curated list of tools, guides or resources for a topic that matches yours.

Subject: Suggestion for your [topic] resources page

Hi [First name],

I found your [topic] resources page ([URL]) while looking for [what you were researching]. The [specific resource on their list] was new to me and really useful.

I wanted to suggest one more resource that might fit: [Resource name], a [free tool / guide / template] that helps [audience] [do something specific].

Link: [Your URL]

If it fits the list, a short description could be: "[One-sentence description]."

Thanks for keeping this page up to date,
[Your name]

3. Unlinked brand mention email

Use this when a site mentions your company, product or person by name but does not link to you.

Subject: Thanks for mentioning [Brand] in your [topic] article

Hi [First name],

Thanks for including [Brand] in "[Article title]." We were glad to see [specific thing they said about you].

I noticed the mention isn't linked. If you're open to it, linking "[Brand]" to [Your URL] would help readers find us if they want to learn more.

Either way, thanks again for the mention. If you ever need a quote or details about [your area of expertise] for a future piece, I'm happy to help.

Best,
[Your name]
[Title], [Company]

4. Data or statistics asset outreach email

Use this when you have published original data, a survey or a benchmark report that other writers can cite.

Subject: New data on [topic] for your [article topic] piece

Hi [First name],

Your article "[Article title]" uses [the statistic or source they cite] to make the point that [their point].

We just published [report name], based on [how the data was collected, e.g. "an analysis of 2,000 support tickets" or "a survey of 300 HR managers"]. One finding that relates to your article: [one specific, accurate finding].

The full methodology and charts are here: [Your URL]

If it's useful, feel free to cite it. Happy to share the raw numbers or a chart you can embed with credit.

Best,
[Your name]
[Title], [Company]

5. Guest post pitch email

Use this when a site accepts contributed articles and you have a topic its readers would value. Pitch ideas, not links.

Subject: Guest post idea for [Site name]: [working title]

Hi [First name],

I've been reading [Site name] for a while, and your recent post on [topic] was one of the clearest takes I've seen on [specific point].

I'd like to contribute an article for your readers. Here are three ideas:

1. [Working title 1]: [one-sentence summary]
2. [Working title 2]: [one-sentence summary]
3. [Working title 3]: [one-sentence summary]

A bit about me: I'm [title] at [Company], and I've [relevant experience]. Here are two pieces I've written: [Link 1], [Link 2].

I'll follow your guidelines on length, formatting and links. Would any of these work for you?

Thanks,
[Your name]

6. Skyscraper technique email

Use this when a site links to an older or thinner resource and you have built something clearly more complete or current.

Subject: Updated resource for your [topic] article

Hi [First name],

I noticed your article "[Article title]" links to [Competitor resource] for [what it covers]. It was a solid resource, but it hasn't been updated since [year] and doesn't cover [important gap].

We published a guide that covers [topic] including [new or missing element 1] and [new or missing element 2]: [Your URL]

If you think it serves your readers better, it might be worth adding or swapping in. No pressure either way.

Thanks,
[Your name]
[Title], [Company]

7. Partner or supplier link request

Use this for vendors, integration partners, clients or associations you already work with.

Subject: Adding [Your company] to your partners page

Hi [First name],

We've enjoyed working with [their company] on [project or relationship] over the past [time period].

I noticed your [partners / integrations / customers] page lists companies you work with. Would you be open to adding [Your company]? Here's what you'd need:

- Name: [Your company]
- Link: [Your URL]
- Short description: [One sentence]
- Logo: attached

If it helps, we'd be glad to feature [their company] on our [partners page / case study], since it reflects work we actually did together.

Thanks,
[Your name]
[Title], [Company]

8. Follow-up email after no reply

Use this five to seven days after your first email if you haven't heard back. Keep it shorter than the original. For more ideas, see our guide to follow-up emails after no reply.

Subject: Re: [Original subject line]

Hi [First name],

Just bringing this back to the top of your inbox in case it got buried.

Quick recap: [one-sentence summary of the request, e.g. "the link to X in your Y article is broken, and our guide could be a replacement"].

[Your URL]

No problem if it's not a fit.

Thanks,
[Your name]

9. Final follow-up (breakup) email

Use this a week after your first follow-up. After this, stop.

Subject: Re: [Original subject line]

Hi [First name],

I don't want to clutter your inbox, so this will be my last note on this.

If [the broken link / the resource suggestion] is ever useful, the link is here: [Your URL]

Thanks for your time, and I'll keep reading [Site name].

Best,
[Your name]

10. Link reclamation email (outdated or wrong URL)

Use this when a site already links to you but points to an old, redirected or broken URL on your site.

Subject: Small fix for the [Brand] link on your [topic] page

Hi [First name],

Thanks for linking to [Brand] in "[Article title]."

We recently moved that page, so the link now points to an old URL: [Old URL]

The current version is here: [New URL]

Updating it will send your readers straight to the right page instead of through a redirect (or a 404). Thanks for keeping it current.

Best,
[Your name]

11. Image or asset attribution request

Use this when a site uses your chart, photo, infographic or template without credit.

Subject: Credit for the [chart / image] in your [topic] post

Hi [First name],

I saw that your post "[Article title]" uses our [chart / infographic / photo] showing [what it shows]. We're glad it was useful.

Would you mind adding a credit line with a link to the original? Something like:

"Source: [Brand]" linked to [Your URL]

That way readers can find the full context and methodology. Thanks for sharing our work.

Best,
[Your name]
[Title], [Company]

12. Expert contribution or quote offer

Use this when a writer covers your area of expertise and you can add a useful insight to an existing or upcoming article.

Subject: An expert take for your [topic] coverage

Hi [First name],

I read your piece on [topic] and noticed you covered [point] but didn't get into [related angle].

I'm [title] at [Company], where I [relevant experience]. Here's a quick insight you're welcome to use:

"[Two or three sentence original insight, written so it can be quoted as-is.]"

If you add it, a link to [Your URL] or my author page would be appreciated, but use it however works best for you.

Best,
[Your name]
[Title], [Company]
[LinkedIn URL]

13. Tool or product list inclusion request

Use this when a site publishes "best tools" or comparison lists in your category. Be honest about where your product fits and where it doesn't.

Subject: [Product name] for your [category] tools list

Hi [First name],

I'm [name] from [Company]. I read your list of [category] tools, and I appreciated that you tested each one instead of copying feature lists.

I'd like to suggest [Product name] for a future update. It's a good fit for [specific type of user], mainly because [one clear differentiator]. It's not the best choice for [use case where competitors are stronger].

Here's the page: [Your URL]

Happy to set up a free account so you can try it yourself. No obligation to include it.

Thanks,
[Your name]
[Title], [Company]

14. Testimonial offer email

Use this when you genuinely use and like a company's product. Many companies publish customer quotes with a link to the customer's site.

Subject: A testimonial for [Product name]

Hi [First name],

We've used [Product name] at [Your company] for [time period] to [what you use it for], and it's helped us [specific, honest result].

If you collect customer testimonials, I'd be happy to provide one. Here's a draft you can edit:

"[Two or three sentence testimonial]"
[Your name], [Title], [Your company]

If you feature it, a link to [Your URL] would be great. Happy to hop on a short call for a case study too.

Best,
[Your name]

15. Existing relationship email

Use this when you already know the person through a past project, an event, a community or a previous collaboration.

Subject: [First name], a resource for your [topic] readers

Hi [First name],

Good to see your recent post on [topic]. It's been a while since [shared context, e.g. "we worked on the X webinar" or "we met at Y"].

We just published [resource name], which covers [what it covers]. Given your article "[Article title]," I thought it might be a useful addition for your readers: [Your URL]

If it fits, I'd love a mention. If not, no problem at all. And if there's anything I can share for your next piece, just let me know.

Best,
[Your name]

Personalization tips that raise reply rates

• Quote their article. A short phrase from their post proves you read it and tells them exactly where your link fits.
• Name the section. "In the part about pricing pages" is far more useful than "on your website."
• Mention something recent. A new post, a podcast appearance or a product launch makes your timing feel natural.
• Match their voice. If the site is casual, loosen up. If it is a law firm blog, stay formal.
• Cut the flattery. One specific compliment beats three generic ones.

A clear, specific subject line matters as much as the body. The patterns in our guide to sales email subject lines work just as well for link outreach.

Link building practices to avoid

Some tactics can get your site, or the site linking to you, penalized. Stay away from these:

• Paying for links. Offering money, free products or services in exchange for a followed link is a link scheme under Google's spam policies. If a placement is sponsored, it should be clearly labeled and use a rel="sponsored" or rel="nofollow" attribute.
• Link swaps at scale. An occasional, genuinely useful mutual mention between partners is normal. "You link to me and I'll link to you" deals done for rankings are not.
• Fake personas or invented claims. Don't pose as a student, a reader or a journalist, and don't invent broken links or stats.
• Guest posts written only for links. Write for the host's readers. Many sites nofollow links in contributed posts, and that's fine.
• Blasting the same email to hundreds of sites. Low-effort mass outreach gets ignored, marked as spam and can hurt your domain's sending reputation.

If you want a broader look at how to build relationships with publishers, our guide to blogger outreach link building covers the strategy behind these emails.

Common mistakes

• Asking for a link to your homepage. Editors link to useful pages, not to companies.
• Leaving template brackets in. Nothing gets deleted faster than "Hi [First name]."
• Pitching irrelevant content. If your resource doesn't fit their page, no amount of polish will fix that.
• Following up five times. Two follow-ups is plenty.
• Writing an essay. If your email needs scrolling, it's too long.
• Getting pushy after a no. Thank them. They may link to you later.

Backlink request email checklist

Before you hit send, check that your email has:

• A specific subject line that names their page or topic
• A first line that proves you read their work
• The exact page and section where your link fits
• Your full target URL
• One clear reason the link helps their readers
• A single, easy call to action
• No offer of payment or link swap
• No leftover brackets or placeholders
• A real name, title and company in the signature