Glossary
What is an editorial link?
An editorial link is a link a site owner or writer chose to give because it helps their readers, without payment or a trade. It's the kind of link search engines are designed to reward. Links from reviewed directory listings, press coverage and citations of your data are editorial.
Editorial vs non-editorial
| Editorial | Not editorial |
|---|---|
| A journalist cites your data | A paid guest post link |
| A blogger recommends your tool | A link you placed in a comment |
| A directory reviews and lists you | An auto-approved link farm listing |
| A partner links your integration | A link required by a badge deal at scale |
Why it matters
Google's spam policies describe the opposite (links bought, traded or self-created to manipulate rankings). Editorial links are what remain: votes from people who chose to link. They also tend to sit inside content, in context, where readers click.
How to get more
Publish things people want to cite: data, definitions, tools. Get listed on directories that review submissions. Build relationships with writers in your space.
Example
A developer writes a tutorial and links to a startup's API docs because they're the clearest explanation available. Nobody asked; it's editorial, contextual and sends developers who are ready to try the API.
FAQ
Are directory links editorial?
On directories that review submissions, yes. On sites that publish anything, not really.
Can editorial links be nofollow?
Yes. Some publishers nofollow everything; the choice to mention you is still editorial.
Is asking for a link still editorial?
If the site decides on merit without payment or trade, yes.