Image Link Building: What Is It + How To Build Them in 5 Steps

Want to build links on autopilot?

Then, it’s time to invest in image link building.

I’m talking visuals—infographics, charts, illustrations—that other websites can’t resist linking to.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1. Consider the Types of Images That Attract Links

Before you get your graphic design on, you’ll want to be clear on a couple of things: what type of images attract links and which ones work best across all niches.

The A-Team: High Link-Building Potential

1. Infographics
2. Data visualizations

Infographics

Forget what the haters say—infographics are still one of the most powerful ways to build high-quality backlinks.

Why? Because people love to share infographics. They pin them on Pinterest, tweet them out, and embed them in their blog posts. And every time they do (as long as they credit you), you get a sweet, juicy backlink. Ka-ching!

I could continue to bore you with a lecture on what makes a good infographic, but instead, I’m gonna show you. Feast your eyes on this infographic about infographics (it’s infographic inception!)

See how this infographic uses clear visuals, concise text, and a logical flow? That’s what makes this infographic so damn shareable.

Flipping nailed it, NN Group! Love ya work—here’s a backlink.

Data Visualizations

Staring at spreadsheets and raw data is as exciting as watching paint dry. But data visualizations? That’s a different story. I’m talking about transforming snooze-fest numbers into eye-catching charts, graphs, and maps that people actually want to look at.

But it’s not just about aesthetics. Data visualizations make complex information easier to understand and more engaging. They tell a story, highlight trends, and reveal insights that might otherwise get lost in a sea of numbers.

Example time.

Take a look at this bad boy the folks over at Vinepair whipped up. Great work, team—here’s a backlink!

See how it takes boring brewery data and turns it into a visually engaging map? You can instantly see which states are rocking the craft beer scene (Vermont, we’re looking at you!). This kind of visual storytelling is catnip for bloggers, journalists, and anyone who loves a good statistic.

And guess what happens when people find a data visualization they love? They share it. They embed it in their articles. They link to it from their websites. And boom—you’ve scored a backlink while barely lifting a finger.

The B-Team: Medium Link-Building Potential

1. Unique photography
2. Visual guides

Unique Photography

I know what you’re thinking: “A simple photo can attract backlinks?” And the answer is…heck yeah! But there’s a catch. It can’t just be any old photo. We’re talking about shots with unique perspectives. Something that stands out, tells a story, and captures the vibe.

Take a look at this masterpiece by Francesco Aglieri Rinella, a photographer who’s passionate about capturing the “hidden truths” and the impact of human intervention on our landscapes.

Exhibit A:

Francesco’s work here perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the American Southwest. The vibrant colors, the unique composition, and the juxtaposition of the man-made sign against the natural beauty of the Saguaros—it’s a visual story that speaks volumes.

Exactly the kind of photography that’s a magnet for travel bloggers, lifestyle websites, and anyone who appreciates the art of visual storytelling.

So, grab your camera (or your photographer) and start snapping your way to backlink glory.

A picture is worth a thousand words (and maybe a few backlinks, too).

Hit Francesco up on his website, or check out his X profile here. Love ya work, bud. Keep it up—backlink for you, too!

Visual Guides and Instructographics

Nobody has the patience for a Tolstoy novel when they’re trying to learn something new. We’re living in the age of instant gratification, people! That’s where visual guides and instructographics come in clutch.

Check out this instructographic on how to survive a bear encounter (‘cause nobody wants to end up as a grizzly snack):

See how it breaks down essential survival tips into bite-sized visuals? It’s informative, engaging, and so damn handy that even Les Stroud would be impressed. The kind of content that bloggers and outdoor enthusiasts love to link to.

Love it, Survival Life—backlink for you!

Step 2. How to Create Link-Worthy Images

Staring at a Photoshop document like a deer in headlights? Even if you have the artistic talent of a potato, you can still create visuals that’ll make people drool (and link back to your site).

Here’s some tips:

Design Principles 101: The Basics

First, let’s talk design basics:

• Composition: Think about how you arrange the elements in your image. Use lines, shapes, and negative space to create a visually appealing layout.
• Color theory: Don’t just throw a bunch of random colors together. Choose a color palette that’s harmonious and reflects your brand.
• Typography: Fonts matter, people! Choose fonts that are easy to read and visually appealing. (And please, no Comic Sans.)

Visual Storytelling: Paint a Picture with Pixels

The best images tell a story. They evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and leave a lasting impression. Think about the message you want to convey and use visuals to bring it to life.

Tool Time

There are tons of user-friendly tools out there:

• Canva is a drag-and-drop design tool that is perfect for creating everything from infographics to social media graphics.
• Adobe Spark is a great option for creating quick and easy visuals.
• If you’re feeling adventurous (or you actually know what you’re doing), Adobe Illustrator is the gold standard for image editing. (Just look out for their pricing structure and hidden fees. They’re a real doozy.)

Step 3: How to Create a Link for an Image (and Avoid Non-Attribution)

When you publish an image to the web, you can provide an HTML embed code with a link to your website. But most people won’t use the embed code—to them, it’s an unnecessary step.

Instead, they’ll download the image and add a source under the image with a backlink. This is seen as standard practice, and most people will follow it.

But sometimes, people won’t even go to that extent. They’ll simply use the image without permission or attribution.

So what to do? Here are a few extra tactics to protect your images and ensure you get those links:

• Clearly state the terms of your image usage on your website. Make it crystal clear that proper attribution is required when using your images.
• Add a watermark to your images. That way, if someone uses the image without attribution, at the very least, you’ve got your branding on there.
• Use tools like Google Lens or Google Images to help you track down who’s using your images without permission or attribution.

As I’ve shown above, Google Lens is the easiest route.

In Chrome, simply click on Google Lens from the search bar, drag to select the image, and wait for Lens to do its thing. Once it’s finished with its search, Google Lens will show you where the image appears online so you can quickly find and contact anyone using it without permission.

If a friendly email doesn’t do the trick, there are a couple of different paths you can walk.

First off, you can file a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notice with Google to request the removal of infringing content from its services.

Filing a DMCA involves submitting a detailed complaint specifying the unauthorized use. Google reviews these requests and, if valid, removes the content from its platforms.

Failing that?

In the United States, using someone else’s image without proper authorization can infringe upon the copyright holder’s exclusive rights, regardless of whether attribution is provided. Attribution alone does not grant legal permission to use the image. To legally use a third-party image, one must:

1. Secure explicit consent from the copyright owner, which may involve licensing agreements specifying the terms of use.
2. Use images that are in the public domain or those available under licenses (e.g., Creative Commons) that permit use under certain conditions.
3. In specific situations, the fair use doctrine allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission. However, this is a complex legal area, and reliance on fair use should be approached with caution.

The next step, of course, is to take legal action, which should be used as a last resort, as it can be expensive and hard to enforce, especially if the offender is located abroad.

Step 4: Optimizing Images for Link Building

Let’s start with the basics. These are the no-brainer optimization tactics that every image should have:

1. Don’t just name your image “IMG_4829.jpg.” Give it a descriptive, keyword-rich file name that tells Google what it’s all about. Think “nike-air-jordan-1-low-shoes.jpg” instead of something generic.
2. Alt Text is the text that appears if an image can’t be displayed. It’s also a valuable opportunity to provide context to Google and include relevant keywords. Write alt text that’s informative and descriptive.

Here are a few advanced tactics to try:

1. Structured data is a fancy way of saying, “Give Google more information about this image.” Use schema markup to tell Google things like the image type, the creator, and any relevant keywords.
2. Just like you have a sitemap for your website, you can create a sitemap specifically for your images. It helps Google discover and index your images more easily. Here’s a link to Google’s documentation on this.
3. If you’re sharing your images on platforms like Pinterest or social media, optimize them for those specific platforms. Optimizations might include using relevant hashtags, adding descriptions, and choosing the right image dimensions.

Learn more: Image SEO best practices.

Step 5. Finding Image Link Building Opportunities

Online communities froth a good image. Find forums and communities related to your niche and share your images in relevant discussions. Just make sure you’re not spamming—provide value and be a genuine contributor. Nobody likes a link-hungry leech.

There are also tons of online directories and resource pages that curate helpful content. Submit your images to relevant directories and get those backlinks flowing.

And, of course, there are social media platforms. Share your visuals on platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook, and encourage people to share and embed them. The more eyeballs on your images, the more backlinks you’ll earn.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Link building is a beast, even with the power of images on your side. It takes time, effort, and a whole lotta know-how. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just don’t have the bandwidth to tackle it all yourself, we’ve got your back.

At Loganix, we eat, sleep, and dream backlinks, and we’ve helped countless businesses achieve link-building success. We can do the same for you.

🚀 Head over to our link-building service page, and let’s get those backlinks a-rolling in! 🚀