How to Get 54 Free Backlinks Using the Moving Man Method

What is the Moving Man Method?

The Moving Man method is a proven link building strategy that earned one marketer 54 free backlinks by finding outdated resources and helping webmasters fix broken links. Instead of cold outreach, you're providing genuine value by alerting sites to dead links on their pages.

Step 1: Find Outdated Resources

Start by identifying web pages, resources, or businesses that have:

• Changed their domain name or rebranded
• Shut down completely
• Moved their content to a new URL
• Updated their company name

Use Google searches like:

• "[industry] + moved to"
• "[company] + rebrand + announcement"
• "[resource] + no longer available"

Check business news sites and press releases for companies announcing name changes or shutdowns.

Step 2: Identify Sites Still Linking to Dead Resources

Once you've found outdated resources, use backlink analysis tools to find who's still linking to them:

• Ahrefs: Enter the dead URL in Site Explorer
• SEMrush: Use the Backlink Analytics tool
• Moz: Check Link Explorer for linking domains

Focus on high-authority sites in your industry for maximum impact.

Step 3: Craft Your Outreach Email

Your email should be helpful, not salesy. Here's the structure:

Subject: Quick heads up about a broken link on [Page Title]

Body:

• Mention you found their helpful article
• Point out the specific broken link
• Suggest your resource as a replacement
• Keep it under 100 words

Why This Method Works

High response rates: You're solving a problem, not asking for favors. Webmasters appreciate knowing about broken links because they hurt user experience and SEO.

Quality over quantity: These links come from relevant, established sites that already link to similar content.

Relationship building: You start conversations by providing value, making future outreach easier.

Pro Tips for Better Results

• Personalize each email: Reference specific content from their site
• Time your outreach: Tuesday through Thursday typically see higher response rates
• Follow up once: Send a gentle reminder after one week
• Track everything: Note response rates to refine your approach

Scale Your Efforts

Once you master this process, expand by:

• Setting Google Alerts for industry rebrands
• Monitoring competitor backlinks for broken opportunities
• Building relationships with responsive webmasters

The Moving Man method works because it's genuinely helpful. You're not just asking for links — you're improving the web one fixed link at a time.