Deutsch
Dansk
Svenska
Nederlands
Español
To identify backlinks your competitors have that you don’t, you can use SEO tools like Morningscore, Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz to analyze their backlink profiles.
These tools allow you to see which websites are linking to your competitors and identify potential opportunities for your own site.
By comparing your backlink profile with your competitors’, you can find gaps and focus your link-building efforts on those areas.
How do I find backlinks competitors have that I do not? Step-by-step guide
For this example I am going to use Morningscore.
1. Get a free trial account (no credit card)
First, make sure you have an active Morningscore account (14 days free) by signing up below.
2. Click on “Links” in the navigational menu:
3. Scroll down to see your and your competitors’ “Linkscore.” Add competitor URL here:
4. Go to the “All Links” tab:
5. See competitor backlinks by selecting their website:
6. Now look for this: 1) means you already have the link, and 2) means you do not have the link
That’s it. You can export this data to CSV (Excel). You can expand them to see the exact landing page giving the backlink. And you can set up “missions” to add these links to your to-do list.
Get more info on the competitor backlinks tool here
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I perform a backlink gap analysis?
A backlink gap analysis involves comparing your link profile with your top competitors to find missing opportunities. You identify where they get links from, filter for quality, and focus on high-authority backlinks you currently lack. Tools like Morningscore or Ahrefs make this process much faster by highlighting these gaps automatically.
What are the best tools for competitor backlink analysis in 2026?
The most effective tools for competitor backlink analysis include SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Morningscore. While SEMrush and Ahrefs offer massive databases, Morningscore provides a more user-friendly way to track your progress and set up missions for new links. For those on a tighter budget, Ubersuggest is also a viable option for basic research.
How do I evaluate backlink quality?
Quality is measured by a site’s relevance, authority, and trustworthiness. You should look at metrics like Domain Authority (DA) or Trust Flow to ensure the source is reputable. It is also vital to check if the link is placed naturally within the content rather than hidden in a footer or sidebar, as explained in this guide by Moz.
Can I replicate my competitors’ links from directories and niche listings?
Yes, many competitor links come from industry directories or niche profiles that you can easily join. Once you identify these sources in your backlink profile analysis, you can manually submit your website to the same platforms. This is one of the simplest ways to start closing the gap with your rivals.
What should I do after finding a backlink gap?
Once you find a link your competitor has but you do not, the next step is outreach or manual submission. If it is an editorial link, you will need to contact the website owner and suggest why your content is a better or more updated resource. Keeping your outreach short and relevant is key to getting a positive response.
