Everyone wants backlinks, because everyone knows they matter.
But most people think link building is some complicated, corporate level operation requiring software stacks, outreach teams, and a week’s worth of caffeine.
Not true.
There’s one tactic that solo entrepreneurs can use, easily, and consistently – without begging, paying, or spamming: Broken link building.
And yes, it still works.
Why Broken Link Building Still Works
Here’s why this method is perfect for one person businesses:
You’re not “asking for a favor.” You’re helping someone fix a dead resource.
You don’t need to create new content – you can reuse what you already have.
Most sites don’t even check their own links, so you’re solving a problem.
The outreach is short, simple, and doesn’t feel salesy.
You’re giving value first, and you’re making someone’s site better.
And you get a backlink as a side effect of it, hopefully.
How Broken Link Building Actually Works
Broken link building is simple: You find websites in your niche linking to pages that no longer exist, then you offer your content as a replacement.
Find Broken Links in Your Niche
You don’t need any expensive research tools.
Google Search Operators
Use queries like:
keyword + “resources”keyword + “links”keyword + “recommended tools”
Then scan the pages for dead links using tools like:
These will highlight broken URLs instantly.
Competitor Backlink Audits (Free Tools)
Use sites like:
Check their backlinks and look for broken ones – especially in resource pages or old blogs.
Wikipedia
Yes, seriously.
Wikipedia is full of dead citations.
Click “[dead link]” in your niche and find the original resource – often replaced with fresh content you already have or can create fast.
Match the Broken Link With Your Content
You need a relevant piece of content that fits the dead link’s role of course.
Examples:
- If the broken link was a guide > offer your guide.
- If it was a product list > offer your comparison page.
- If it was a definition > offer your glossary post.
And if you don’t have anything that fits?
Great.
Create one.
You now have a guaranteed purpose for that content – not just “another blog post.”
Reaching Out – Keep It Stupidly Simple
Don’t write essays when reaching out.
Don’t flatter, and don’t use templates that sound automated.
Solo entrepreneurs win with short, helpful messages.
Try something like:
Subject: Quick fix for your page
Email:
Hey [Name],
I was reading your page on [topic] and noticed this link is dead: [broken URL].
I actually have a similar resource that might work as a replacement: [your link].
Feel free to use it if it helps – just wanted to give you the heads up.
– [Your Name]
That’s it.
No groveling.
No “my content is amazing.”
Just value.
Track What Works
No need for spreadsheets from hell, just keep a simple system:
- Who you contacted
- Which link you flagged
- Whether they replied
- Whether they linked
Even 10 emails per week compounds fast.
Tips To Improve Your Hit Rate
Target older sites – they almost always have dead links.
Target resource pages – these get updated frequently.
Target small-to-mid blogs – they respond faster.
Send your email within 24 hours of finding the broken link – freshness gets replies.
And here’s the big one:
Don’t pitch them, help them.
Why This Works So Well for One-Person Businesses
- You don’t need volume; even 5–10 solid backlinks make a big ranking difference.
- You save time by focusing on high-probability, low-effort opportunities.
- You build relationships organically instead of cold-pitching strangers with ego.
- You strengthen your niche authority without writing 50 new articles.
Most competitors aren’t doing this.
Most agencies ignore it.
Most creators don’t have the patience.
Meaning you will win with consistency and patience.
Find the broken link.
Offer the fix.
Build the relationship.
Simple.
Sustainable.
And still incredibly effective.
