How to Use Original Images for Link Building

Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay

Most businesses think of link building as writing guest posts, submitting to directories, or trying to get mentioned in blogs. One of the most underused tactics is image-based link building, where you share original photography, graphics, or illustrations that others can use in exchange for credit.

If you create high-quality visuals and upload them to free stock photo sites, people will use them. Many will credit you with a link, and while most will be nofollow, some might pass SEO value. Even if they do not, image attribution can increase brand awareness and drive referral traffic.

This is a simple, low-maintenance way to earn links and visibility from real businesses, blogs, and even major publications.

Why This Works

Websites need visuals, and many rely on free stock photo platforms instead of paying for custom photography or graphics. By making your images available with proper attribution details, you create an opportunity to earn links when they are used.

• Bloggers and journalists need free images for articles and reports
• Businesses use stock images for websites, presentations, and marketing materials
• The demand for visuals is constant, and new content creators look for fresh images every day

Where to Upload Your Images

Uploading your images to the right platforms increases the chances of them being found and credited. Some of the best sites for this include:

• Pixabay
• Pexels
• Unsplash
• Flickr
• Shutterstock
• iStock
• Adobe Stock
• Storyblocks
• Vecteezy

Some platforms allow you to include a credit line, while others rely on users adding it manually. The key is to make it easy for people to link back to you when using your images.

How to Get the Most Out of This Strategy

Simply uploading images is not enough. They need to be well-optimised, useful, and appealing to increase the chances of being downloaded and shared.

• Create images that people actually want. Generic stock photos are everywhere. Focus on niche-specific images, local photography, or unique illustrations.
• Include attribution details. If the platform does not provide an automatic credit, add a clear request for attribution in the description.
• Reverse image search your uploads. Use Google Reverse Image Search or TinEye to track where your images are being used. If they are published without a link, you can reach out and ask for credit.
• Share infographics and data visualisations. Websites often need graphics to illustrate reports and articles, making these more likely to be linked.
• Optimise image metadata. Use descriptive file names, relevant titles, and tags to make your images easier to find.

Will These Links Help SEO?

Most image credits result in nofollow links, but that does not mean they are not valuable. They can still:

• Drive referral traffic
• Increase brand awareness
• Help search engines associate your business with specific topics
• Occasionally result in followed links if the site owner allows them

Even if the first links are nofollow, once your images gain traction, they may be picked up by larger sites that offer better link opportunities.

A Low-Effort, Long-Term Link Building Strategy

Unlike other link-building tactics, this niche method works passively once set up. Once your images are uploaded, they can attract links for months or even years with minimal effort.

If you are already creating visuals for your website, blog, or marketing, this is a simple way to get more value from your work. If you do not have the time or resources to manage it yourself, I can help. In my experience, photographs will work best.