Link building is tough.
You send tons of emails, hoping for a reply, but most of them get ignored.
But why?
Most people use the wrong approach when reaching out. They send a cold email asking for a link right away. But here’s the thing that’s like asking someone to marry you on the first date.
There’s a better way, one that can increase response rate by 40% and land you more quality links. It is called the feeler emails strategy. Thanks to iGrowthful Strategies for this genius trick.
Now, let’s break it down so you can use it too.
The Two Email Outreach Options
When it comes to email outreach, you have 2 choices:
❌ Ask for a Link in Your First Email
This is the typical approach.
You email someone saying, “Hey, I love your article, can you link to mine?”
The problem?
It feels transactional.
Most people ignore these emails because they see them as just another request.
✔️ Use a Feeler Email
Instead of asking for a link upfront, you send a soft, relationship-building email first.
No request. No pressure. Just a simple conversation starter.
And that’s what makes it powerful.
But how do you write one?
Let’s break it down.
What is a Feeler Email?
It is a message you send without directly asking for a backlink.
Instead, you start by engaging the recipient, showing appreciation for their work, and subtly mentioning your content. It is like dipping your toe in the water before jumping in.
And the results?
40% more responses. More backlinks. More connections.
Here’s what a feeler email looks like:
Real-Life Feeler Email Example
Let’s say you wrote an article about SEO Services and wanted a backlink from a site that already covers the topic.
Bad Example:
Subject: Can you link to my article?
Hey [Name],
I recently came across your article on [topic], and I loved it.
I just published a similar post on [your website], and I think your readers would love it.
Would you mind adding a link to my article?
Thanks.
[Your Name]
Why this fails:
- It immediately asks for something.
- It feels like a template (because it is!).
- There’s no real engagement or value exchange.
Good Example:
Subject: Quick question about your article
Hey [Name],
I just read your article on [topic], and I loved the way you explained [specific point].
I recently put together a guide on [related topic], and I think it could add value to your audience.
Would you be open to taking a look?
Best,
[Your Name]
Why this works:
- It compliments their work.
- It doesn’t ask for a link.
- It simply starts a conversation.
And that’s the secret.
Once they reply with interest, then you can pitch your link.
Short Case Study
A marketer named Mike ran a simple A/B test:
- Group A: Sent direct link requests.
- Group B: Used Feeler Emails first.
Here’s a real-life example of the feeler emails:
See how Mike doesn’t ask for a link.
Instead, he asks the person if they’d like to see it first.
If they say yes, send them your pitch:
The Results
Group B got 40% more replies and built way more links.
Why?
Because feeler emails are about relationship-building first and requests second.
How To Use Feeler Emails In Your Outreach
Follow this process to replicate my success and start building backlinks more effectively.
1. Find Relevant Websites
Use tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Google Search to find sites in your niche that:
- Already linked to similar content
- Have engaged authors/editors
- Are active and publishing new content
2. Personalize Your Email
No “Hey there” or generic templates.
Mention something specific from their article.
Make it feel like you actually read it.
3. Send It to the Right Person
Find the author, editor, or content manager, not just a generic support email.
Use Hunter Extension or LinkedIn to track them down.
4. Send Your Pitch
Once they reply, send your pitch.
Here’s what to say once they show interest:
Subject: Re: Quick question about your article
Hey [Name],
Thanks for getting back to me!
Here’s the article I mentioned: [Your Article URL]
I think it would be a great addition to your piece on [topic].
Let me know what you think!
Best,
[Your Name]
Notice how the actual link request comes later?
That’s key.
5. Build Long-Term Relationships
Once they link to you, don’t stop there.
Stay in touch. Share their content. Offer to return the favor.
Relationships = More Future Links.
My Results
Since switching to feeler emails, I built 304 backlinks using this exact process.
No spammy templates. No mass emails.
Just smart, personalized outreach.
And you can do the same.
Final Thoughts
If you are still sending direct link requests, stop.
Feeler emails get better responses.
So, build real connections that will land you more backlinks. Not only that, since these backlinks will be the same as organic ones, but the durability of your backlinks will also be much longer.
Try it out and track your results.
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