In the CBD industry, where paid ads are limited and competition is fierce, CBD SEO remains one of the most powerful ways to grow your brand online. But not all SEO tactics are created equal — and link building is arguably the most misunderstood.
Let’s break down what link building really is, why it matters, and how you can do it right for your cannabis or hemp business without getting penalized by Google or wasting time on shady tactics.
Why Links Still Matter in 2025
Despite every update Google rolls out, backlinks remain a core part of its ranking algorithm. Think of backlinks as “votes of confidence” from one site to another. The more relevant and authoritative the links pointing to your site, the more likely Google is to trust and rank your content.
That’s why CBD SEO services always include some form of link building — without it, your site will struggle to appear for even moderately competitive terms.
But not all backlinks are equal.
The Challenges of Link Building in the CBD Space
The cannabis industry faces unique limitations:
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Many mainstream sites won’t link to CBD content
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Popular platforms like HARO or Help a Reporter often reject cannabis-based responses
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Backlink brokers charge a premium due to “restricted content” policies
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There’s a risk of linking from PBNs or spammy directories that could hurt rankings
That’s why you need a smart, safe, and sustainable link-building strategy crafted specifically for your niche — ideally from a CBD SEO company that understands the landscape.
7 Proven Link Building Strategies for CBD Brands
Here’s what works right now:
1. Guest Posting on Niche Blogs
Find cannabis-related blogs, lifestyle sites, wellness communities, and hemp news platforms. Offer value-driven guest content in exchange for a backlink.
Look for opportunities like:
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“10 Benefits of CBD for Athletes”
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“How CBD is Disrupting the Wellness Industry”
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“Cannabis Trends to Watch in 2025”
These pieces can link naturally back to your home page, blog, or CBD ecommerce SEO product pages.
2. Niche Directories
Submit your brand to high-quality cannabis, wellness, and alternative health directories. Avoid spammy general directories — Google ignores or penalizes those.
Try:
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CBDMap
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Leafly Business Directory
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WeedLife
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Ganjapreneur
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Local city-based cannabis guides
This helps with both domain authority and local SEO for CBD companies.
3. Strategic Partnerships
Collaborate with:
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Hemp farms (if you’re a retailer)
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CBD influencers and micro-bloggers
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Cannabis packaging or accessory brands
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Wellness podcasts
Interview each other, write roundup posts, or run co-branded campaigns that naturally generate backlinks.
4. Product Reviews and Sponsorships
Send your products to trusted reviewers in the CBD or wellness niche. Ask for a genuine review that includes a backlink to your site.
Important: Always follow FTC guidelines and disclose sponsorships properly to avoid any legal issues.
5. Digital PR Campaigns
Announce:
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Product launches
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Legal compliance milestones
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Clinical studies
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Expansion into new regions
Submit press releases to cannabis media outlets and journalists. These high-authority editorial backlinks are SEO gold — and boost your reputation.
6. Skyscraper Technique
Find popular content in your niche that has tons of backlinks. Then:
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Create something better
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More detailed
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More up-to-date
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With better visuals
Then reach out to sites linking to the old post and suggest yours as a better alternative. This is ideal for brands with a strong CBD content marketing strategy already in motion.
7. Internal Link Optimization
This isn’t external link building, but it’s just as critical. Make sure your site is linking between blog posts, categories, and product pages.
Example: From a blog post about “CBD for Anxiety,” link to your anxiety-specific product line.
This helps distribute authority across your site and improves crawlability — a key part of CBD website optimization.
What to Avoid at All Costs
❌ Buying spammy backlinks from Fiverr or low-quality marketplaces
❌ Submitting to PBNs or link farms (unless you own the network and know what you’re doing)
❌ Keyword-stuffing your anchor text
❌ Getting links from completely unrelated industries (like gambling or adult sites)
❌ Using automated link exchange tools — they’re outdated and easily flagged
CBD is already a sensitive niche. Don’t add risk with reckless link tactics.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Link building is a long game. You may see movement in 30–60 days, but strong link campaigns typically produce significant results within 90–120 days.
The key is consistency.
Partnering with a reliable CBD marketing agency ensures that you’re getting fresh, relevant links every month — all without risking penalties.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about growing your online presence and traffic, link building isn’t optional — it’s essential.
But in the CBD industry, it needs to be done differently. Focus on high-quality content, real partnerships, strategic outreach, and CBD brand marketing SEO that respects both Google’s rules and the unique realities of your niche.
Want better rankings and links that actually move the needle?
Then it’s time to work with a team that lives and breathes SEO for CBD websites — because generic agencies just won’t cut it.
