Question - Backlink Building

Hello guys

Quick question:

I've not built any backlinks to any of my sites in the past 9 months - my last one got dropped by Google so I stopped. (I was being stupid and just spamming links to test something out)

I've got a new website at the minute with LOTS of fresh content and it's about 2 months old - I'm wondering what's the safest way to build backlinks these days?

1) Do I need to use tiered link building
2) If so: What links should I be using for tier 1
3) Should I be using keywords as anchor text still?

Thank you

I would build links slowly over time. Focusing on quality and high PA, DA, TF, CF, PR and contextual links. Don't forget social signals as well. Once you get some good tier 1 links you could start doing tier 2 links to them. Diversify anchor text also- Brand, URL, General, Keyword

Start with self promotion sites: LinkedIn, Facebook, Yelp-like directories if that makes sense, Business Citations, Twitter, Pinterest etc. The move onto other types of LB once you established a link profile.

Quick Answer:
1. No not necessarily, but it certainly works well still
2. Press release, PBN, web 2.0, socials
3. Yes but be careful of diversity and add a mix of generics and naked urls.

btw, I wouldn't work on the site that got slapped before if I were you. Even if I am sure the penalty is gone, I will just focus my energy to the new site.

OP Yes you can use tiered LB. I recommend engaging in top social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, IG, etc) and have an established profile.

For your keywords, make sure to use lots of variations - 20% main keyword and 75% branded/URL.