Backlinks are still one of the most important ranking factors in SEO. But not all links are equal. The best ones are relevant, visible in Google, and can actually drive traffic or leads.
Most people use SEO tools to dig into backlink data. That works, but there’s a smarter and more efficient way using ChatGPT. You can surface quality backlink opportunities without paying for any software.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to how I do it.
1. Start With Google
First, search for the keywords you want to rank for. Let’s say you're targeting something like SEO consultant Sheffield.
Take note of who ranks in the top 10 to 20 results. These are your organic competitors. They’re already getting the clicks and impressions you want, so it makes sense to analyse what they’re doing.
2. Shortlist Distinctive Competitors
Pick out a few names that stand out. Brands like Wildcat Digital or Wearerise are good examples. A distinctive brand name makes it easier to find their mentions and listings online.
You’ll use these names in the next step.
3. Use ChatGPT to Find Mentions
Here’s where AI comes in.
Open ChatGPT and type in one of the brand names. Ask it what it knows about them or where they’ve been mentioned online. You’ll often see a list of pages that include:
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LinkedIn profiles
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Podcasts
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Directories like Clutch or Design Rush
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Local sites like Yorkshire Mafia or Northern Digital Awards
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Company listings and review sites
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Social accounts like Twitter and YouTube
These links matter because they are already indexed in Google. That means Google recognises them, and there’s a good chance they are contributing to your competitor’s organic visibility.
4. Spot the Gaps
Once you’ve got a list of competitor mentions, check if your business appears on the same sites. If not, ask:
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Can I get listed or featured there too?
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Is the site relevant to my audience or location?
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Could this link actually send me traffic or leads?
If your competitor has done a podcast, pitch yourself to the same host. If they’re in a local directory or awards site, submit your details. Don’t just copy what they’ve done. Look at it as a way to be in all the right places your audience is already checking.
5. Focus on Quality, Not Volume
Some directories and listing sites are easy to submit to but never show up in Google. Others are too generic or low quality. A backlink that isn’t indexed is unlikely to help much.
Stick to links that:
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Are already showing in search results
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Have some level of traffic or visibility
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Are topically or locally relevant to your business
A few good backlinks in the right places will often do more than dozens of weak ones.
Quick Summary: The Process
You can find high-quality backlink opportunities by following this method:
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Google the keywords you want to rank for
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List the competitors that appear in the top results
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Search their brand names in ChatGPT
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Find indexed mentions like directories, podcasts or social links
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Reach out to get your business listed in the same places
It’s a simple but powerful approach. You don’t need tools, and you’re basing your efforts on what already works for others in your space.