Voices of Search Podcast: Link Building & Automation – Detailed Summary

Release Date: March 24, 2025
Host: Jordan Cooney
Guest: Alex Goffstein, Co-Founder of Pitchbox

1. Introduction to Link Building and Automation

In this episode of Voices of Search, host Jordan Cooney welcomes Alex Goffstein, the co-founder of Pitchbox, to delve into the critical topic of link building automation. The discussion sets the stage by emphasizing the resurgence of link building and digital PR in the age of AI-driven search engines. Jordan highlights the importance of authoritative resources as Google refines its algorithms to better identify and rank content based on relevance and authority.

2. Understanding Pitchbox and the Concept of Influencers

Alex Goffstein introduces Pitchbox as an automation platform designed to manage the complete link building cycle, which mirrors the sales process. He explains how Pitchbox automates prospecting, personalization, outreach, and relationship management, making the link building process more efficient and scalable.

Notable Quote:

"If you're not automating, you're really stuck in the cold ages because there's going to be somebody out there that's just going to outrun you."
— Alex Goffstein [03:14]

3. Evolution of Link Building

The conversation transitions to the evolution of link building. Alex explains that while the foundational purpose of link building—enhancing visibility through backlinks—remains unchanged, the methods have significantly transformed. Traditional strategies like buying any kind of links are obsolete. Today, successful link building hinges on building relationships with relevant and authoritative platforms, such as digital PR outlets and influencers.

Notable Quote:

"The quality of the link is extremely important... It has to be legitimate, it has to be a reason. No more just spray and pray somebody gives me a link."
— Alex Goffstein [05:25]

4. The Necessity of Automation in Modern SEO

Jordan and Alex delve into why automation is indispensable in contemporary link building. Alex outlines the labor-intensive nature of manual link building processes, from prospecting to outreach, and how automation tools like Pitchbox streamline these tasks. He emphasizes that without automation, agencies and in-house teams risk falling behind competitors who leverage technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Notable Quote:

"Automation really saves you time, saves you money and gets you to the end result much faster."
— Alex Goffstein [04:46]

5. Strategies for Effective Link Building and Outreach

The discussion moves to strategic approaches in link building. Alex highlights the importance of understanding both what the outreach is about and what's in it for the recipients. He stresses the need to present valuable and relevant content to potential partners, such as proprietary data studies that can benefit their audience. Additionally, Alex discusses keyword research and topic segmentation as foundational steps in identifying the right targets for outreach.

Notable Quote:

"If you can segment the type of people you're reaching out to, there is definitely a place for sort of one, one to one."
— Alex Goffstein [04:46]

6. Measuring Success: Data Insights on Automation

As the episode progresses, Jordan asks Alex to shed light on how success is measured in automated link building campaigns. Alex redefines durability success by focusing on the number of sites reached rather than the sheer number of emails sent. He explains that a 20% response rate from outreach efforts is indicative of a successful campaign, considering the quality and relevance of the targets.

Notable Quote:

"I have a thousand sides all with contacts and the contacts already you have the email verification in place... I just click the button and now I'm getting responses."
— Alex Goffstein [21:15]

7. Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

The episode wraps up with a brief mention of the next installment, where Jordan and Alex will explore email deliverability—a crucial aspect of successful outreach campaigns. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and stay tuned for deeper insights into optimizing their SEO and link building strategies.

Key Takeaways

• Automation is Essential: Modern link building demands the use of automation tools to handle the extensive and repetitive tasks involved, ensuring efficiency and scalability.

• Quality Over Quantity: The focus has shifted from acquiring any backlinks to obtaining high-quality, relevant links from authoritative sources that add genuine value.

• Strategic Outreach: Successful link building requires thoughtful strategy, including understanding the value proposition for both parties and leveraging data-driven insights to identify the right targets.

• Measuring Success Differently: Instead of tracking the number of emails sent, measuring the number of targeted sites reached and their response rates provides a more accurate picture of campaign success.

Further Resources

• Pitchbox: Learn more about Pitchbox and its link building solutions at Pitchbox.com.
• Upcoming Episode: Stay tuned for the next episode on email deliverability, where Jordan and Alex will provide actionable tips to enhance your outreach effectiveness.

This episode of Voices of Search offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of link building and the indispensable role of automation. Whether you're an SEO professional or a marketer, understanding these dynamics is crucial for staying competitive in today's digital environment.