Get backlinks by giving people something they can reuse, cite, or embed – not by sending another generic outreach email. The fastest wins usually come from assets that reduce someone else’s work: data, visuals, calculators, checklists, or a clean quote they can drop into a story. In influencer marketing, that “something useful” can be a benchmark table, a campaign teardown, or a mini dataset from your own creator experiments. Below are eight unusual strategies that work in 2026, plus a practical framework, definitions, tables, and templates you can copy.
Before you start: define the metrics you will reference (so others can cite you)
Backlinks are easiest to earn when your content uses clear, consistent definitions. Editors and marketers link to sources they trust, and trust starts with precise terms. Use the definitions below in your article, report, or landing page so other writers can quote you without rewriting your logic. As a bonus, consistent terminology makes your outreach emails shorter because you can point to a single “definitions” section.
- CPM (cost per mille) – cost per 1,000 impressions. Formula: CPM = (Cost / Impressions) x 1,000.
- CPV (cost per view) – cost per video view (platform-defined). Formula: CPV = Cost / Views.
- CPA (cost per acquisition) – cost per conversion (sale, signup, install). Formula: CPA = Cost / Conversions.
- Engagement rate – engagements divided by reach or impressions (specify which). Example: ER by reach = (Likes + Comments + Shares + Saves) / Reach.
- Reach – unique accounts exposed to content.
- Impressions – total times content is shown, including repeats.
- Whitelisting – a creator authorizes a brand to run ads through the creator’s handle (often called “branded content ads” or “spark ads” depending on platform).
- Usage rights – permission to reuse creator content in brand channels or ads, defined by duration, placements, and geography.
- Exclusivity – creator agrees not to work with competitors for a period of time; this should be priced separately.
Concrete takeaway: add a “Definitions” block to any linkable asset and keep the formulas visible. It reduces friction for journalists and analysts who want to cite you.
A simple framework to get backlinks (asset – targets – pitch – proof)
Unusual strategies work best when you run them through a repeatable system. Use this four-step framework to avoid random acts of content. First, build an asset that is inherently cite-worthy. Next, list targets who publish pages that need your asset. Then, pitch with a specific placement suggestion. Finally, add proof: a screenshot, a mini sample, or a short calculation that shows the asset is real.
- Asset: Create something that saves time – a benchmark, template, dataset, embed, or calculator.
- Targets: Find pages already ranking for your topic and pages that maintain resource lists.
- Pitch: Offer a clear “where it fits” suggestion (one URL, one paragraph, one anchor idea).
- Proof: Include one concrete snippet (a table row, a chart thumbnail, or a 2-line result).
Concrete takeaway: if your email cannot point to a specific paragraph on their page where your link belongs, your pitch is not ready.
Table: Linkable asset ideas mapped to who will link (and why)
Not every backlink target wants the same type of asset. A newsroom likes clean numbers and quotable lines, while a marketing manager wants templates and checklists. Use the table below to pick an asset that matches the audience you are pitching, then build the smallest version that still feels complete.
| Asset type | Best linker | Why they link | Fastest format | Proof to include in pitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benchmark table (CPM, ER, CPA ranges) | Blog editors, agencies | They need a credible reference point | HTML table + methodology note | One row + sample calculation |
| Template (brief, contract clause, tracking sheet) | Practitioners, consultants | It saves them time immediately | Google Doc + preview in-page | Screenshot + bullet list of sections |
| Embed (calculator, widget, checklist) | Resource pages, tool roundups | Embeds improve their page value | Copy-paste iframe or code block | Live demo URL |
| Mini dataset (anonymized) | Researchers, journalists | They can cite your numbers | CSV + short readme | Topline stats + methodology |
| Expert quote library | Writers on deadline | It reduces sourcing time | Curated quotes with attribution | 3 quotes relevant to their beat |
Concrete takeaway: choose one asset type and one linker type for each campaign. Mixing audiences usually produces bland assets that nobody cites.
Get backlinks with unusual strategy 1: publish a “methodology-first” benchmark page
Most benchmark posts fail because they look like opinions dressed up as data. Flip the script: lead with methodology, then show the numbers. Explain what you measured, what you excluded, and how you handled outliers. Even if your dataset is small, transparent methodology makes it linkable because writers can reference your approach, not just your averages.
Build it in three parts. First, define the metrics (CPM, CPV, CPA, engagement rate) and the exact formulas you used. Second, show a table of ranges instead of a single “average” that invites debate. Third, add a short “how to use this” section so readers can apply it to pricing or forecasting.
Example calculation you can include: If a creator charges $1,200 for a Reel that gets 40,000 impressions, CPM = (1,200 / 40,000) x 1,000 = $30. If the same post drives 60 tracked signups, CPA = 1,200 / 60 = $20. Concrete takeaway: include at least one worked example so people can sanity-check your math and cite it confidently.
Unusual strategy 2: turn your influencer brief into a public “brief grader”
Brands and agencies constantly ask what a “good brief” looks like, yet most examples are hidden in folders. You can earn links by publishing a brief grader: a one-page rubric that scores a brief on clarity, constraints, and measurement. In practice, this becomes a reference tool that other blogs link to when they write about campaign planning.
Include scoring criteria like: objective clarity, target audience detail, deliverables, do-not-say list, usage rights, whitelisting permissions, exclusivity, timeline, tracking setup, and approval workflow. Then add a downloadable template. If you want to keep it lightweight, publish the rubric as an HTML checklist and offer the template as a copyable doc.
Concrete takeaway: add a “minimum viable brief” section that lists the 10 fields you require before you will quote a price. That line alone is highly quotable and tends to attract links from agency playbooks.
Unusual strategy 3: create a “rights and whitelisting” explainer with a pricing matrix
Usage rights and whitelisting are confusing, and confusion creates demand for clear explanations. A well-structured explainer can earn backlinks from marketers, legal blogs, and creator managers because it reduces risk. Keep it practical: define the terms, show common deal structures, and give a pricing matrix that separates content creation from licensing.
When you discuss disclosure, cite an authority source. The FTC’s guidance is the safest reference point for US audiences, and it is widely accepted by editors: FTC Endorsement Guides and influencer guidance. Put that link in your disclosure section and keep your own advice focused on operational steps, like where to place “ad” and how to handle gifted products.
Concrete takeaway: separate line items in your rate examples: “creative fee,” “usage rights,” “whitelisting access,” and “exclusivity.” That structure makes your page linkable because it teaches a negotiation model, not just a number.
Table: Usage rights and exclusivity – decision rules and typical add-ons
This table is designed to be cited. It gives decision rules that help readers choose terms, plus a simple way to price add-ons without pretending there is one universal rate. Adjust the percentages to match your niche, but keep the structure consistent.
| Term | What it means | Decision rule | Typical add-on pricing | Common pitfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic usage rights | Brand reposts on owned channels | If the brand wants reposting beyond 30 days, price it | +10% to +30% of creative fee per 3 months | Undefined duration |
| Paid usage rights | Brand uses content in ads | If paid spend is involved, license separately | +30% to +100% per 3 months depending on spend | “In perpetuity” language |
| Whitelisting | Ads run through creator handle | If the brand needs access to your handle, charge an access fee | Monthly access fee + performance bonus option | No ad approval process |
| Category exclusivity | No competitor deals for a period | Price based on opportunity cost and length | +20% to +200% depending on category and duration | Vague competitor definition |
| Geography limits | Where content can be used | Wider geo usually means higher value | Increase add-on when expanding from one region to global | Geo not stated in writing |
Concrete takeaway: if a contract includes “in perpetuity,” counter with a fixed term (for example, 90 days) and a renewal option priced in advance.
Unusual strategy 4: run a “source swap” with creators and publish the roundup
Instead of asking for links, organize a source swap: invite 15 to 30 creators or marketers to answer one specific question with a number attached. For example: “What engagement rate do you consider healthy for a mid-tier creator in your niche, and what metric do you use – reach or impressions?” Publish the roundup with short, attributed answers and a summary table.
This earns backlinks because contributors often link to their quote, and writers use the roundup as a source list. To make it work, keep the question narrow, set a word limit, and publish quickly. Also, make attribution easy: include name, role, and a single preferred URL. Concrete takeaway: provide pre-written social copy and a one-line “how to cite this” snippet at the top of the post.
Unusual strategy 5: build a tiny calculator that outputs CPM, CPV, and CPA instantly
Calculators are link magnets because they turn abstract metrics into decisions. You do not need a complex app. A simple page with three input fields and a results box can earn links from resource pages and newsletters. The key is to make the output copyable and to explain what “good” looks like with ranges and caveats.
Include these formulas on the page and show a sample scenario. Example: Cost $2,500, impressions 120,000, views 60,000, conversions 80. CPM = (2,500 / 120,000) x 1,000 = $20.83. CPV = 2,500 / 60,000 = $0.0417. CPA = 2,500 / 80 = $31.25. Concrete takeaway: add a “share this result” link that encodes the inputs in the URL so people can reference the exact scenario when they link to you.
Unusual strategy 6: publish a “campaign teardown” that includes what you would do differently
Most case studies read like victory laps, which makes them less useful and less linkable. A teardown is different: it is a structured critique of a campaign, including trade-offs and missed opportunities. Choose a public campaign with enough observable details, then analyze creative, distribution, and measurement. Keep it fair and focus on lessons, not dunking on a brand.
Use a repeatable outline: objective, audience, creator fit, hook, CTA, landing page, tracking, and post-campaign iteration. Then add a “what I would test next” section with two A/B ideas. For measurement alignment, reference platform documentation when you mention how metrics are defined. For YouTube, for example, link to an official explanation of analytics terms: YouTube Analytics overview.
Concrete takeaway: end the teardown with a 5-bullet checklist that a reader can apply to their next campaign. That checklist is often what gets quoted and linked.
Unusual strategy 7: create a “linkable policy page” for your collaborations
Creators can earn backlinks too, especially when they publish a clean collaborations policy page. Brands, agencies, and even journalists link to it when they reference your work or want to contact you. The unusual twist is to make it genuinely useful: include your content formats, lead times, what you do not accept, and how you handle disclosure, usage rights, and exclusivity.
Include a short section on measurement: what tracking you can support (UTMs, affiliate links, unique codes), what you consider a successful CPA or CPM range, and what data you will share post-campaign. Then add a simple intake form. Concrete takeaway: add a “press kit” subsection with downloadable logos, headshots, and a one-paragraph bio so writers can link to you as a source.
Unusual strategy 8: turn your internal SOP into a public checklist and pitch it to resource pages
If you work in influencer marketing, you already have standard operating procedures: vetting creators, checking audience fit, setting tracking, and confirming usage rights. Publish a cleaned-up version as a public checklist. Resource pages love checklists because they are evergreen and easy to recommend.
To keep it grounded, include decision rules. For example: “If engagement rate is high but reach is low, ask for Story reach screenshots and check posting frequency.” Or: “If a creator refuses to share basic audience geography, treat it as a risk flag unless the campaign is purely awareness.” For more ongoing ideas on measurement and creator selection, reference your own learning hub in-context: browse the InfluencerDB.net blog guides on influencer marketing and link to the most relevant posts as you publish them.
Concrete takeaway: pitch your checklist to pages that already list “influencer marketing resources” and suggest the exact section where it belongs, such as “measurement” or “contracts.”
Common mistakes that stop backlinks (even when the idea is good)
Vague assets: “Ultimate guide” pages without a unique table, dataset, or template rarely earn links. Add one concrete artifact per page. Hidden methodology: if readers cannot tell how you got the numbers, they will not cite them. Overpromising benchmarks: avoid pretending your ranges apply to every niche, platform, and region. One-size outreach: sending the same email to 200 sites is slower than sending 20 tailored pitches with a clear placement suggestion. No proof: if you do not include a snippet, recipients assume the asset is thin.
Concrete takeaway: before outreach, ask “What can I paste into an email that proves value in 10 seconds?” If you cannot answer, improve the asset first.
Best practices: outreach scripts, targets, and follow-up rules
Start with targets that have already linked to similar assets. Search for pages ranking for “influencer marketing benchmarks,” “CPM calculator,” “usage rights influencer,” and “creator brief template,” then open the top results and look for external resource links. Next, build a short list of 30 to 50 prospects and categorize them by intent: resource page, how-to article, newsletter, or journalist. That categorization helps you tailor the pitch.
Use a simple outreach structure: (1) one sentence that shows you read their page, (2) one sentence describing your asset, (3) one sentence suggesting placement, (4) proof snippet, (5) a polite close. Follow up once after 5 to 7 days with a shorter note and a different proof snippet, like a table row instead of a chart. Concrete takeaway: stop after two attempts; if it is a fit, they will respond, and if it is not, you should move on to better targets.
- Subject line: “Resource suggestion for your [topic] page”
- Placement line: “It fits under your section on [specific heading], right after [existing resource].”
- Proof line: “Example: CPM = (Cost / Impressions) x 1,000, with a worked example and a rights pricing matrix.”
Concrete takeaway: always propose an anchor concept (“CPM calculator,” “usage rights matrix,” “brief grader”) rather than asking them to invent anchor text.
How to measure results: what to track beyond “number of links”
Backlinks are a means, not the end. Track three layers: link quality, ranking movement, and business impact. For quality, note whether the link is editorial, contextual, and on a relevant page. For rankings, monitor the target keyword and a small cluster of related terms. For business impact, track referral traffic, newsletter signups, demo requests, or inbound collaboration inquiries.
Set a baseline before you publish. Then, after outreach, record outcomes in a simple sheet: prospect URL, contact, status, link URL, anchor text, and date. Concrete takeaway: if an asset earns links but does not drive qualified visits, update the page with clearer CTAs and internal navigation to your most important pages.
Quick start checklist: earn your first five links in 14 days
Day 1 to 2: pick one asset type from the table and draft the smallest useful version. Day 3 to 5: publish it with definitions, methodology, and one worked example. Day 6: build a list of 30 targets and write 10 tailored pitches. Day 7 to 10: send those 10, then refine your pitch based on replies. Day 11 to 14: send the next 10 and post a short update with a new proof snippet, like an added row in your benchmark table. Concrete takeaway: speed matters early, but credibility matters more, so do not ship without clear definitions and a visible method.
