Is creating backlinks on free website builder platforms worth it?

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boona

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I've been analyzing a site that seems to have grown quite aggressively, though gradually over time. Their homepage currently has a DR of 59 and a UR of 58, which is pretty solid.
While the business itself appears legitimate, it's clear they used a number of SEO tactics to help boost their site.

For instance, I noticed a lot of backlinks coming from blog comments and .edu sites, mostly nofollow links. But more interestingly, they’ve built tons of one-page sites on free website platforms that do give them follow backlinks to their homepage.

Some examples include:
  • WordPress.com
  • Wix
  • Canva
And user profiles on:
  • IMDB, Gravatar, Canva, ProductHunt, etc...

I'm wondering if these tactics are still effective in 2025?
Is it worth the time or money to create one-page websites or profiles on these platforms for the sake of backlinks?
Can this actually help with improving domain rating or indexability?

Also, if I wanted to hire someone to do this, what would I search for? Is there a specific term for this type of SEO strategy?


Would love to hear your thoughts or any updated takes on this approach.
 
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boona said:
I've been analyzing a site that seems to have grown quite aggressively, though gradually over time. Their homepage currently has a DR of 59 and a UR of 58, which is pretty solid.
While the business itself appears legitimate, it's clear they used a number of SEO tactics to help boost their site.

For instance, I noticed a lot of backlinks coming from blog comments and .edu sites, mostly nofollow links. But more interestingly, they’ve built tons of one-page sites on free website platforms that do give them follow backlinks to their homepage.

Some examples include:
  • WordPress.com
  • Wix
  • Canva
And user profiles on:
  • IMDB, Gravatar, Canva, ProductHunt, etc...

I'm wondering if these tactics are still effective in 2025?
Is it worth the time or money to create one-page websites or profiles on these platforms for the sake of backlinks?
Can this actually help with improving domain rating or indexability?

Also, if I wanted to hire someone to do this, what would I search for? Is there a specific term for this type of SEO strategy?


Would love to hear your thoughts or any updated takes on this approach.
Click to expand...
Yes, it still works to a degree in 2025, these are called foundational or tier 1 backlinks. They help with indexing and brand signals, especially when diversified. But alone, they won’t skyrocket rankings. For hiring, search for "foundation link building" or "web 2.0 backlink services." Just don’t rely on them as your main SEO play.
 
boona said:
I've been analyzing a site that seems to have grown quite aggressively, though gradually over time. Their homepage currently has a DR of 59 and a UR of 58, which is pretty solid.
While the business itself appears legitimate, it's clear they used a number of SEO tactics to help boost their site.

For instance, I noticed a lot of backlinks coming from blog comments and .edu sites, mostly nofollow links. But more interestingly, they’ve built tons of one-page sites on free website platforms that do give them follow backlinks to their homepage.

Some examples include:
  • WordPress.com
  • Wix
  • Canva
And user profiles on:
  • IMDB, Gravatar, Canva, ProductHunt, etc...

I'm wondering if these tactics are still effective in 2025?
Is it worth the time or money to create one-page websites or profiles on these platforms for the sake of backlinks?
Can this actually help with improving domain rating or indexability?

Also, if I wanted to hire someone to do this, what would I search for? Is there a specific term for this type of SEO strategy?


Would love to hear your thoughts or any updated takes on this approach.
Click to expand...
they used basic backlink hacks like blog comments and free one pagers, still kinda works but lowkey outdated now. helps a bit with dr and indexing but not worth going all in. just low effort link building vibes
 
boona said:
Some examples include:
  • WordPress.com
  • Wix
  • Canva
And user profiles on:
  • IMDB, Gravatar, Canva, ProductHunt, etc...
Click to expand...
Those sites are commonly included in 'foundation links' packages, in fact I'm pretty sure they're all part of whatever list a certain app posts to. On their own they won't be doing much, as they will need some way to get indexed with a supporting tier of links to begin to have any level of trust.

They won't be what is driving any aggressive growth you're seeing.
 
Steptoe said:
Those sites are commonly included in 'foundation links' packages, in fact I'm pretty sure they're all part of whatever list a certain app posts to. On their own they won't be doing much, as they will need some way to get indexed with a supporting tier of links to begin to have any level of trust.

They won't be what is driving any aggressive growth you're seeing.
Click to expand...

Got it, thanks for the response. That makes sense.
I understand these links alone won’t drive significant growth, but I assume they can play a role as part of a broader strategy that includes high-quality content, consistent social media posting, and periodically acquiring backlinks from relevant blog posts.

What I’m really looking for is a more structured, repeatable way to approach all of this.

Out of curiosity, when people build these foundational links, do they usually point a bunch of lower-quality second-tier links at them? Is the idea that those second-tier links help get the foundational links indexed and boost their ability to pass authority to the main site?
 
boona said:
Out of curiosity, when people build these foundational links, do they usually point a bunch of lower-quality second-tier links at them? Is the idea that those second-tier links help get the foundational links indexed and boost their ability to pass authority to the main site?
Click to expand...
Yes, this is the basics of tiered linking.
 
I have seen lots of seller here serving these links to the clients. So I suppose these are still effective. Also you can try it yourself. If if it is made well then chances are that they are effective.
 
They still work for diversity and indexing, but not very strong. Search for web 2.O backlinks if you want this done.
 
They’re not very powerful, but free website builder backlinks can still add diversity to your link profile if used smartly.
 
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