Research takes time—whether it’s for school, work, or building backlinks.

If you’re trying to get links from different websites, you know how tiring it can be. You type one thing in Google, open ten tabs, and still end up with nothing useful.

But there’s a better way to do it.

SEO footprints are like small tricks you type into Google to find the right kind of websites—ones that accept guest posts, list useful resources, or are open to link placements.

They work like real footprints. You follow them, and they lead you to something valuable. In this case, good websites for link building.

The problem? The term “SEO footprint” sounds confusing at first. So, before we jump into how to use them, let’s start by understanding what they actually are.

What Are SEO Footprints?

SEO footprints are small patterns or phrases that show up again and again on websites.

They help you find websites where you can build backlinks. These patterns act like signs that tell you what the website is about or what kind of content it allows.

Here are some simple examples:

• “Write for us” usually means the site accepts guest posts
• “Submit a guest post” — same as above
• “Useful resources” — shows the site has a resource page
• “Powered by WordPress” tells you the site is built on WordPress
• Author bios or comment sections — show who’s writing or engaging

Search engines like Google pick up these patterns. If you use the right combination of words in your search, you can find websites that are open to backlinks.

Let’s say you search:

“Write for us” + health blog
Google will show you health websites that accept guest posts. You can reach out to them and request a backlink.

That’s the power of SEO footprints. They save time and help you find real, relevant link-building chances—without using paid tools.

Why Use SEO Footprints for Link Building?

This section explains how SEO footprints help you find link opportunities faster, save time, and reach the right websites without relying on expensive tools.

1. Efficient Prospecting

Finding good websites to get backlinks from usually takes a lot of time. You search random keywords, check every result, and still come up empty most of the time.

SEO footprints help cut that effort in half.

You just use a smart phrase in Google—like “write for us” + your niche—and it shows you websites that are already open to backlinks.

For example, if you’re in the fitness space, search:
“submit a guest post” + fitness

It’s simple. You get straight to the websites that actually matter, instead of wasting time on ones that don’t.

If you want to build links faster and without confusion, this method makes your search more focused and less frustrating.

2. Cost-Effective Strategy

Most SEO tools that help you find backlink opportunities cost money. And not everyone has the budget for that, especially if you’re just starting out or working on a small project.

That’s where SEO footprints come in handy.

You don’t need any paid tool. Just Google and a few smart search phrases.

For example, searching “useful resources” + digital marketing can lead you to websites that list helpful links, where your site could be added to.

It’s free, easy, and works well if you know what to type.

So instead of spending hundreds of dollars on fancy tools, you can use footprints to find real link-building options without spending a dollar.

3. Targeted Outreach

When you’re building backlinks, reaching out to the right websites matters; there’s no point in sending emails to random sites that don’t match your niche.

SEO footprints help you avoid that mistake.

By using search phrases like “write for us” + photography, you find websites that are already in your topic area—and already open to contributions.

This means your emails go to people who are more likely to say yes.

It also saves you from wasting time on low-quality or unrelated sites. So instead of a wide, messy approach, you’re being smart and focused with your outreach.

Better targeting = better replies.

5 Common Types of  SEO Footprints

There are different kinds of SEO footprints. Some are easy to spot. Some take a little digging. But all of them help you find websites that might give you a backlink.

Let’s look at the most common ones:

1. Direct Footprints

These are easy to find. They clearly show that a website is open for guest posts or link suggestions.

• “Write for us”
  
• “Submit a guest post”
  
• “Become a contributor”
  

You can search for these in Google with your topic, like:
“write for us” + travel blog

2. Indirect Footprints

These are not so clear. You won’t see guest post pages, but you’ll notice patterns.

• Many websites link to the same kind of content
  
• Similar formats like “Top 10 tools” or “Best resources”
  

This tells you what kind of content gets links. If you make something similar, you may get links too.

3. Competitor Footprints

Look at where your competitors are getting backlinks from. If a site linked to them, it might link to you too.

• Search their backlinks using tools or Google
  
• Find blogs or resource pages that have linked to them
  

Follow that trail and reach out to the same sites.

4. Content Footprints

Some types of content get more links, like guides, tools, or how-to posts.

Search:
intitle:“how to” + your keyword
This shows pages that rank well and get links. Create better content in the same style.

5. Social Media Footprints

Some blogs or brands are active on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram. If they share content often, they might also accept guest posts or collaborations.

If you see a site sharing guest articles or giving shoutouts to writers, it’s a good sign they’re open to contributions.

Use these footprints to save time and find real link opportunities. Some are quick wins, others need a bit more digging, but all of them work when used right.

How to Effectively Use SEO Footprints?

This section will show you how to use SEO footprints step by step—from setting your goal to finding sites and reaching out for backlinks.

Step 1: Define Your Goal

Before you type anything into Google, pause for a second and ask yourself:

What exactly am I trying to get?

This is where most people go wrong. They start searching without knowing what kind of link they’re looking for. That’s how you waste time. 

Here are a few examples:

• Want to write a guest post?
  → Then search for blogs that allow guest articles.
  ✔ Goal: “Find 5 blogs in the travel niche that accept guest posts.”
• Want your content on a resource page?
  → Then look for websites that share helpful links or tools.
  ✔ Goal: “Get my SEO guide added to a digital marketing resources page.”
• Promoting a tool or freebie?
  → Then target blogs that post listicles like “Top 10 free tools.”
  ✔ Goal: “Find blogs listing free SEO tools and pitch mine.”
• Trying to build local backlinks?
  → Use city names in your search like:
  “submit your site” + Mumbai

✔ Goal: “Get my business listed on 3 local directories.”

Step 2: Choose Relevant Footprints

Once you know your goal, the next step is to pick the right search phrases — also called SEO footprints.

These footprints help Google show you websites that match exactly what you’re looking for.

Let’s say your goal is to find blogs that accept guest posts. Then you’d use footprints like:

• “Write for us” + your niche
  
• “Submit a guest post” + topic
  
• “Contribute an article” + keyword
  

If you’re looking to get listed on a resource page, try:

• “useful resources” + your topic
  
• “recommended links” + your niche
  
• “helpful tools” + your industry
  

Want to build links on forums or discussion sites? Try:

• “discussion board” + your topic
  
• “forum” + keyword
  
• “community” + your niche

Step 3: Conduct Targeted Searches

Now that you’ve got your goal and SEO footprints ready, this is where the real digging starts.

But here’s the truth: most people get lazy at this step. They just search for a footprint on Google, check the first page, and call it a day.

That’s not how you find quality link-building opportunities.

Here’s how to do it right 👇

✅ Don’t stop at page 1

Good backlink sites aren’t always at the top. Many helpful blogs or resource pages don’t rank well. Go deep — check pages 2 to 10. That’s where the real gems often hide.

✅ Spot red flags early

As you scan results, avoid sites that:

• Are full of spammy ads
  
• Accept any topic under the sun
  
• Have no real content, just backlinks

These won’t help your SEO. You want real websites with actual readers, not made-for-SEO junk.

✅ Combine footprints smartly

If basic searches give you weak results, mix things up.
Try footprints like:

• “write for us” + keyword + intitle:blog
  
• site:.edu “resources” + topic
  
• “submit your link” + inurl:resources
  

These Google search footprints help you cut through the noise and find pages that actually make sense.

✅ Create your own search formula

Don’t just copy what others use. Look at how sites in your niche talk. Do they say “partner with us”? Or “suggest a tool”? Use that in your search.

That’s how you move beyond generic footprints and start building a list that fits your project.

This step isn’t just about searching. It’s about searching smart, filtering fast, and saving yourself hours later during outreach.

Step 4: Evaluate Prospects

So, you’ve got a bunch of sites from your footprint searches. But here’s the catch — most of them won’t be worth your time.

Just because a site accepts guest posts or shows up in Google doesn’t mean it’s a good backlink opportunity.

Here’s how to quickly figure out which sites are worth pursuing — and which ones to close right away.

✅ Look at the blog, not just the “Write for Us” page

A lot of low-quality sites have a nice-looking contributor page, but the blog is full of thin, outdated, or off-topic content.

Don’t get tricked. Open a few posts. Check the tone, relevance, and actual effort.
If every article sounds like AI text or low-effort filler, skip it.

✅ Check if the site links to spammy stuff

You’ll often see links to payday loans, essay writers, or casinos.
If a site links to that kind of stuff, Google’s already side-eyeing it. Don’t let your brand get dragged into that zone.

✅ Scan for signs of life

Does the site have:

• A real person or company name?
  
• An “About” page that makes sense?
  
• A contact form that works?
  

If the site feels like a ghost town or a made-for-links setup, it probably is.

✅ Quick checks to save time

• Use MozBar to check DA
• Use Wayback Machine to see if the site was sold or flipped
• Check mobile view: if it’s broken, that says a lot

These checks take 2 minutes and can save hours later.

✅ Last test: Would you be proud to show this link to a client?

Seriously. If you don’t want your name on that site, don’t go after the backlink.

Even one link from a sketchy site can hurt more than help.

Step 5: Reach Out

So you’ve found a solid website. The content looks good. No spammy links. You’re happy with the prospect.

Now comes the most important part: asking for the backlink, without sounding like every other generic pitch in their inbox.

Here’s how to do it in a way that actually gets replies 👇

✅ Don’t copy-paste the same email to everyone

You might feel tempted to send out one email to 50 people. But webmasters and editors can smell a template from a mile away. And they delete those in seconds.

Instead, write a short message that sounds like it’s written by a human, not a robot.

✅ Show them you’ve read their site

Start your email by mentioning something real from their blog.

“Hey [Name], I was reading your post on [Topic] — especially liked the part about [something specific].”

This takes 30 seconds and instantly sets you apart.

✅ Be clear about what you want

Don’t dance around it. If you’re asking for a guest post, say it.
If you want to be added to their resource list, say that too.

“I noticed your [tools/resources] page on [topic]. I’ve written a quick guide/tool that your readers might find helpful. Would you be open to adding it?”

Keep it short. No long introductions. No life story.

✅ Make it easy for them

Add the exact link to the content you’re suggesting. If it’s a guest post, offer 1–2 title ideas. If it’s a resource, explain in 1 line why it’s useful.

The less they have to think, the better.

✅ Don’t be pushy — but follow up

Wait 4–5 days. If they don’t reply, send a short follow-up.
Example:
“Hi [Name], just checking in to see if you got my last note. Let me know what you think :)”

Most good links don’t come from the first email — they come from the follow-up.

Practical Examples of SEO Footprints

Here are some real search phrases (footprints) you can use on Google to find link-building opportunities, based on your niche and goal.

1. Guest Posting Opportunities

Guest post footprints help you skip the guessing game and find blogs that clearly mention they accept guest writers.

Here are some easy phrases to try in Google:

• “write for us” + [your topic]
  
• “guest post by” + [your niche]
  
• “submit article” + [your industry]
  
• “contributor guidelines” + [your keyword]
  

These are called guest post footprints — they lead you straight to the blogs that are open to publishing your content.

For someone in the fitness niche:
👉 Search: “write for us” + fitness
👉 Or: “guest post by” + health coach

This way, you find actual opportunities, not just random blogs.

2. Resource Page Inclusions

Resource pages are sections on websites that list helpful tools, guides, or references on a specific topic. If your content fits, you can ask to be included — and earn a strong backlink.

But first, you need to find those pages. That’s where footprints help.

🔍 Try These Footprints:

• “helpful resources” + [your topic]
  
• “recommended sites” + [your industry]
  
• “useful links” + [your keyword]
  
• “top resources” + [your niche]

Let’s say you have a free SEO checklist. Search:

👉 “helpful resources” + SEO
👉 “useful links” + digital marketing tools

This gives you pages where your checklist might fit in naturally.

Don’t pitch every resource page. First, check if they actually link to third-party content. If they only list their own stuff, it’s not worth your time.

Look for pages that already mention other guides, tools, or articles — those are your best chances.

3. Forum and Community Engagement

Forums and online communities can be goldmines for natural backlinks — if you engage the right way.

These places are where people ask questions, share tips, and discuss topics in your niche. If you join in with helpful answers (and not just links), you can build trust and earn links that actually stick.

🔍 Footprints to Find Active Forums:

• “discussion board” + [your topic]
• “forum” + [your industry]
• “community” + [your niche]
• “topic inurl: forum”

These will lead you to threads where real conversations are happening.

If you’re in photography, try:
👉 “discussion board” + photography tips
👉 inurl:forum + DSLR guide

This will show you threads where people are looking for advice, and you can jump in with something useful (including your blog link, if it fits).

Don’t just drop your link and leave. Forums are like neighborhoods — you need to be part of the conversation. Help people, give real input, and only add your link when it adds value.

Over time, these links don’t just help SEO — they drive real traffic too.

4. Educational and Government Sites

Backlinks from .edu and .gov websites are highly trusted by search engines, but they’re also harder to get. That’s why finding smart entry points through SEO footprints can give you a real edge.

These sites often link to helpful resources, tools, or guides — especially if they’re educational, research-backed, or community-related.

🔍 Footprints to Try:

• site:.edu “resources” + [your topic]
  
• site:.gov “links” + [your industry]
  
• site:.edu “recommended reading” + [keyword]
  
• site:.gov “external resources” + [your niche]
  

These help you locate specific pages on .edu and .gov domains that are already listing third-party content, which means they might be open to yours too.

Let’s say you’ve published a guide on climate-friendly living.

You could search:

👉 site:.edu “resources” + environmental science
👉 site:.gov “helpful links” + sustainability

You’ll often land on pages built for students, researchers, or public education, where your link can naturally belong.

When reaching out, don’t pitch like a marketer. These sites care about helping their audience, not growing traffic. Explain how your content helps their readers, and keep your message polite and to the point.

Conclusion

Good backlinks don’t come from luck. They come from finding the right pages, and SEO footprints help you do that faster.

If you use them smartly, you don’t need fancy tools or big budgets. Just a clear goal, the right search tricks, and useful content.

Stick to that, and you’ll keep finding real link-building chances that actually help your site grow.

FAQs on SEO Footprints