How to Steal Your Competitor's Backlinks (Legally)

Brian Dean (Backlinko)
Brian Dean (Backlinko)Jun 13, 2026

Why It Matters

Capturing broken‑page backlinks redirects authority and traffic, boosting SEO rankings and AI‑search visibility against competitors.

Key Takeaways

  • Use SEO tools to locate competitor broken pages quickly
  • Analyze inbound links pointing to those dead pages
  • Reach out to linking sites offering a functional replacement
  • Replace broken links to capture authority and traffic
  • Combine backlink gains with AI‑friendly citations for visibility

Summary

The video explains a “legal” tactic for siphoning competitor backlinks by targeting their broken pages, positioning it as part of a broader strategy that blends traditional SEO with AI‑driven citation.

It stresses that while raw link volume still matters, modern rankings reward sites that appear in the right conversations and on the right platforms. The presenter outlines four methods, beginning with the low‑hanging fruit of broken‑page link reclamation, then mentions other tactics that align backlink growth with AI visibility.

A key example is the outreach script: “Hey, that link is broken. We actually have an updated page that covers the same thing. Want to swap it?” The speaker advises using any SEO tool to locate broken competitor pages, audit who links to them, and propose a replacement.

Executing this approach can redirect both link equity and referral traffic to your own site, improve Google rankings, and position the brand for emerging AI search results, giving a measurable edge over rivals.

Original Description

Your competitors have broken pages on their site, and other websites are still linking to those dead pages, sending authority and traffic to a 404.
That's a goldmine. Find a competitor's broken page using your SEO tool, look at who's linking to it, then reach out and say: "Hey, that link is broken. We have an updated page covering the same topic. Want to swap it?"
You're solving their problem AND earning a backlink in the process.
If you're into:
Backlink building strategies
Competitor SEO analysis
Easy link building tactics
AI visibility through backlinks
What's the most creative backlink tactic you've tried? Drop it below.
Topics covered: How broken link building works, finding broken pages on competitor sites, how to pitch site owners to swap a dead link for yours.

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