Link reclamation recovers links you've lost or should have. This includes fixing broken links to your site, recovering links that disappeared, and addressing redirect issues. It's one of the most efficient link building tactics because these links were already earned.
Types of Link Reclamation
Lost External Links
Links that once existed but no longer do.
Causes:
- Linking page removed or changed
- Linking site went offline
- Content updated without your link
- Site migration broke links
Broken Internal Links
Links from external sites that point to broken URLs on your site.
Causes:
- Your page was moved or deleted
- URL structure changed
- Redirects not implemented
- Technical issues
Redirect Chain Issues
Links going through multiple redirects, losing value.
Causes:
- Multiple site migrations
- Incremental URL changes
- Redirect implementation issues
Suboptimal Links
Links that exist but could be better.
Examples:
- Links to wrong page (homepage vs relevant page)
- HTTP links instead of HTTPS
- Old URL instead of new one
- Links missing from updated content
Finding Reclamation Opportunities
Using Backlink Tools
Ahrefs:
- Site Explorer → Backlinks
- Filter by HTTP response: 404
- Export broken backlinks
- Identify valuable links to reclaim
Semrush:
- Backlink Audit
- Filter for lost links
- Review recently lost links
- Identify high-value losses
Moz:
- Link Explorer
- Check lost links
- Filter by authority
- Prioritise for reclamation
Lost Link Discovery
Compare over time:
- Export backlinks from 6 months ago
- Export current backlinks
- Compare for differences
- Identify valuable lost links
What to look for:
- High DA/DR domains
- Relevant industry sites
- Editorial placements
- Previously valuable traffic sources
Technical Audit
Find your own issues:
- Crawl your site (Screaming Frog)
- Identify 404 pages with external links
- Check redirect chains
- Find orphaned redirects
Prioritising Reclamation Efforts
Value Assessment
Not all lost links are worth recovering.
High priority:
- High-authority domains (DA/DR 40+)
- Relevant industry sites
- Editorial placements
- Links that drove traffic
Low priority:
- Low-quality sites
- Irrelevant links
- Minimal traffic impact
- Already replaced by better links
Effort Assessment
Easy fixes:
- Implement redirects on your site
- Fix technical issues
- Update internal link structure
Medium effort:
- Outreach for simple fixes
- Content still exists, link just removed
- Clear reason for the link
High effort:
- Outreach for removed content
- Site has changed significantly
- Unclear contact information
Priority Matrix
| Value | Effort | Action |
|---|---|---|
| High | Low | Immediate fix |
| High | Medium | Priority outreach |
| High | High | Worth pursuing |
| Medium | Low | Quick fix |
| Medium | Medium | If time allows |
| Low | Any | Skip |
Technical Reclamation
Implementing Redirects
For links pointing to pages that have moved:
301 redirects:
- Point old URLs to new locations
- Preserve link equity
- Implement at server level or through CMS
Redirect rules (example):
# Apache .htaccess
Redirect 301 /old-page/ /new-page/
Best practices:
- Direct redirects (avoid chains)
- Redirect to most relevant page
- Avoid redirecting everything to homepage
- Test redirects work correctly
Fixing Redirect Chains
For links going through multiple redirects:
Identify chains:
- Use crawling tools
- Check backlink reports
- Test sample links
Fix by:
- Updating redirects to point directly to final destination
- Removing intermediate steps
- Consolidating redirect logic
Restoring Deleted Pages
If valuable pages were deleted:
Options:
- Restore the page: If content still valuable
- Create new page: Updated version of old content
- Redirect to best alternative: If page not needed
Outreach-Based Reclamation
Lost Link Outreach
For links removed from still-existing pages:
Process:
- Identify what changed
- Find appropriate contact
- Reach out politely
- Request reinstatement or update
Template:
Subject: Link on your [page name]
Hi [Name],
I noticed our link was removed from your article on [topic]
during what looks like a recent update.
We'd be happy if you could restore it—our [resource] at
[URL] still provides [relevant value] for readers looking
into [topic].
If there's different content that would be a better fit,
I'd be happy to discuss.
Thanks,
[Your name]
Broken Link on Their End
When linking site has issues:
Template:
Subject: Broken link on [page name]
Hi [Name],
Just noticed that the link to our [resource] on your
[page name] appears to be broken—it's pointing to [old URL]
which no longer works.
The correct URL is: [current URL]
Would you be able to update it? Happy to help with
anything needed.
Thanks,
[Your name]
Suggesting Better Target
When they link to suboptimal page:
Template:
Subject: Suggestion for link on [article]
Hi [Name],
Noticed you linked to our homepage from your article on
[topic]. We actually have a more relevant page that might
be more useful for your readers:
[More relevant URL]
It covers [specific topic] directly rather than our general
site. Thought it might be a better fit for the context.
Either way, thanks for the mention!
[Your name]
Preventing Future Link Loss
Technical Hygiene
Maintain URL structure:
- Avoid unnecessary URL changes
- Implement redirects immediately when needed
- Monitor for 404 errors
Regular auditing:
- Monthly check for broken inbound links
- Quarterly lost link review
- Technical audit for redirect issues
Link Monitoring
Set up alerts:
- Lost link notifications
- Mention monitoring (don't forget to track unlinked brand mentions as well)
- Brand alerts
Regular reviews:
- Monthly backlink report comparison
- Identify new losses quickly
- Act while relationships fresh
Documentation
Track important links:
- High-value link sources
- Relationship contacts
- Link context and history
When links are lost from documented sources, reclamation is easier.
Measuring Success
Metrics to Track
Reclamation activity:
- Opportunities identified
- Outreach sent
- Technical fixes implemented
Results:
- Links recovered
- Link equity restored
- Traffic recovered
Success Rates
Technical fixes: Near 100% (you control) Outreach reclamation: 20-40% (varies widely)
ROI Assessment
Link reclamation typically has excellent ROI:
- Low effort per opportunity
- High success rate vs cold outreach
- Recovering already-earned links
- Minimal content requirements
Common Mistakes
Ignoring Technical Opportunities
Mistake: Only doing outreach, not fixing your own issues
Problem: Missing easy wins
Solution: Start with technical fixes you control
Mass Outreach
Mistake: Generic template to all lost links
Problem: Low success rate, poor relationships
Solution: Personalise based on context
Chasing Low-Value Links
Mistake: Spending time on every lost link
Problem: Wasted effort on low-impact recovery
Solution: Prioritise by value and effort
Not Following Up
Mistake: Single outreach attempt only
Problem: Miss many recoverable links
Solution: Appropriate follow-up (1-2 times)
Summary
Link reclamation offers efficient link building:
Types of opportunities:
- Lost external links
- Broken links to your site
- Redirect chain issues
- Suboptimal link targets
Finding opportunities:
- Backlink tool reports
- Historical comparison
- Technical site audits
Fixing issues:
- Implement redirects (technical)
- Outreach for reinstatement
- Fix redirect chains
- Suggest better targets
Best practices:
- Prioritise by value and effort
- Start with technical fixes
- Personalise outreach
- Monitor to prevent future loss
These are links you've already earned—reclaiming them is often easier than building new ones.