Crowdfunding Link Building: The Overlooked SEO Strategy That Packs a Serious Punch
Think crowdfunding is just for raising money? Think again. It’s also a goldmine for backlinks—if you know how to use it right. Here’s how to turn platforms like Kickstarter, GoFundMe, and Indiegogo into powerful SEO link-building machines.
Crowdfunding link building is the strategy of earning high-authority backlinks from crowdfunding platforms, blogs, and media outlets that feature crowdfunded campaigns.
By launching, supporting, or getting involved in crowdfunding campaigns, you can get links from websites with strong domain authority—often without having to cold email or beg for them.
Why Crowdfunding Works So Well for Link Building
It might sound unconventional, but crowdfunding is a natural fit for SEO. Here’s why:
✅ 1. Crowdfunding Platforms Have Massive Authority
Sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have extremely high domain ratings (DR 80–90+). Getting your campaign listed on them automatically earns you dofollow backlinks from powerful domains.
✅ 2. Journalists and Bloggers LOVE Crowdfunded Projects
Crowdfunding campaigns often get picked up by:
- Tech bloggers
- Lifestyle publications
- Local media
- Product reviewers
This leads to earned editorial backlinks from niche-relevant, high-traffic sites.
✅ 3. It’s a Story—Not Just a Pitch
Unlike traditional outreach, crowdfunding comes with a built-in narrative: a problem, a solution, and a mission. This storytelling aspect naturally attracts organic links and social shares.
How Crowdfunding Link Building Works (Step-by-Step)
If you want to tap into this unique SEO opportunity, here’s how to do it right.
Step 1: Identify a Project Worth Promoting
You don’t need to create your own product—though that’s ideal. You can also:
- Support an existing campaign
- Collaborate on a cause or product launch
- Sponsor a project for brand exposure
What matters is that the campaign is relevant to your niche and provides a genuine link opportunity.
Step 2: Launch or Support the Campaign
If you’re launching your own:
- Use Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or GoFundMe
- Craft a compelling story with visuals
- Link back to your website in your profile and campaign copy
If you’re supporting someone else:
- Offer SEO or marketing support in exchange for a backlink
- Sponsor at a tier that includes a website mention
- Offer to write content or press releases that include your link
Step 3: Pitch to Journalists and Bloggers
Use platforms like HARO, Qwoted, or OnePitch to find journalists looking for stories.
Your pitch should:
- Highlight what makes the campaign unique
- Offer stats, visuals, or founder interviews
- Include a relevant link to your site (not just the crowdfunding page)
Step 4: Submit to Crowdfunding Directories
There are dozens of niche directories and aggregators that list crowdfunding campaigns:
- Kicktraq
- BackerClub
- CrowdfundingPR
- GadgetFlow
Many of these allow dofollow submissions, which can send both SEO juice and referral traffic.
Step 5: Promote on Reddit and Niche Forums
Subreddits like r/kickstarter or niche communities (e.g., r/IndieHackers, r/Entrepreneur) allow campaign promotion.
Make sure you:
- Follow the subreddit rules
- Add value to the conversation
- Include a link to your site or blog, not just the campaign
These platforms can drive organic traffic and backlinks when your post gains traction.
Real Examples of Crowdfunding Link Building in Action
Let’s take a look at how brands have used this in the real world:
💡 Example 1: A Tech Startup Launches a Wearable
They launched their product on Kickstarter, earned a link from the platform, and got featured in:
- TechCrunch
- Wired
- Mashable
- 25+ blogs
Result? Over 100 high-authority backlinks and a Domain Rating boost from 15 to 36 in 3 months.
💡 Example 2: A Health Blogger Supports a Wellness Campaign
The blogger offered free email marketing help to a supplement startup in exchange for:
- A backlink from their campaign page
- A feature on the brand’s blog
- Mentions in 4 press releases picked up by health blogs
Total cost? $0.
Total backlinks earned? 14 from DR 40+ sites.
💡 Example 3: Local Nonprofit Uses GoFundMe
They ran a charity drive and shared it with local news outlets, resulting in:
- 8 links from city newspapers
- Links from university and .org domains
- Huge increase in local search visibility
Crowdfunding Platforms That Offer Backlink Opportunities
Here’s a quick breakdown of platforms and their SEO benefits:
| Platform | Domain Rating (DR) | Dofollow Link Allowed? | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kickstarter | 93 | ✅ Yes (in profile & body) | Best for tech, gadgets, creative projects |
| Indiegogo | 91 | ✅ Yes | Flexible goals, good for international |
| GoFundMe | 90 | ✅ Yes | Ideal for nonprofits, causes |
| Crowdfunder UK | 77 | ✅ Yes | Good for social enterprises |
| SeedInvest | 79 | ✅ Yes | Great for startups raising investment |
| FundRazr | 72 | ✅ Yes | Wide range of niches |
Best Practices for Crowdfunding Link Building
To make this strategy work, avoid common mistakes and follow these pro tips:
🔹 Focus on Relevance
Don’t just chase links—make sure the campaign aligns with your brand, audience, or industry.
🔹 Build Relationships, Not Just Links
Offer real value—help campaigns get visibility, provide content, or connect them with influencers.
🔹 Think Long-Term
A crowdfunding link-building strategy works best when it’s part of a broader SEO or PR campaign. Don’t expect overnight rankings.
🔹 Avoid Spammy Directories
Stick to credible listing sites and platforms. Low-quality directories can do more harm than good.
Pros and Cons of Crowdfunding Link Building
Here’s a quick look at the benefits and limitations:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-DA backlinks from major platforms | Time-consuming to launch or support a campaign |
| Natural editorial links from journalists | Not scalable without resources or outreach effort |
| Builds trust and brand exposure | Results vary based on campaign quality and promotion |
| Works in nearly every industry | Some platforms restrict link placement in body text |
| Can earn links and customers at the same time | Press outreach requires skill or experience |
How to Measure Success in Crowdfunding Link Building
Like any SEO tactic, tracking your results is key.
Use tools like:
- Ahrefs or SEMrush to track new backlinks and referring domains
- Google Analytics to track referral traffic from campaign sites
- Google Search Console to monitor keyword movement and link performance
Track metrics like:
- Number of new referring domains
- DR/DA of acquired links
- Anchor text diversity
- Traffic spikes during campaign
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do crowdfunding platforms allow backlinks to external websites?
Yes. Most major platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow you to include dofollow backlinks in the campaign description or profile. Always double-check each platform’s guidelines before linking.
2. Do I need to create my own product to use this strategy?
Not necessarily. You can support or sponsor campaigns, offer services in exchange for a link, or collaborate with creators on shared content.
3. Are the backlinks permanent?
Campaign pages usually remain live for years—so links often stick around long-term. However, there’s no absolute guarantee, especially if the platform removes the campaign later.
4. How many backlinks can I earn from one campaign?
One campaign can result in dozens or even hundreds of backlinks when combined with proper press outreach, directory submissions, and social promotion.
5. Is this a white-hat SEO strategy?
Yes—when done transparently and ethically. You’re offering genuine value and earning links through content, support, or storytelling.
6. Can I scale this tactic for clients or multiple sites?
Absolutely. Agencies often partner with campaigns to earn links for clients. Just make sure each partnership is relevant and aligns with the brand’s message.
7. What types of industries work best for this?
Almost all industries can benefit, including:
- Tech and gadgets
- Health and wellness
- Education
- Local businesses and nonprofits
- Lifestyle brands
- SaaS and software
Final Thoughts
Crowdfunding link building might not be the most talked-about SEO strategy—but it’s one of the most underrated. By tapping into the natural authority of crowdfunding platforms, earned media, and niche audiences, you can build powerful backlinks while promoting a product, cause, or collaboration.
Whether you’re launching your own campaign or teaming up with others, this strategy offers a rare combo of SEO growth, brand exposure, and audience engagement.
In a world of spammy outreach and oversaturated content, real stories still earn real links—and crowdfunding gives you the perfect platform to tell them.