Link building in Sweden differs significantly from link building in large English-speaking markets. Language, culture, and local behavior are all different, which means you need to adopt a different strategy to succeed. Understanding these differences is essential for any brand aiming to succeed in Sweden’s unique digital ecosystem.
Link building is one of the most important parts of SEO, yet also one of the most complex. It’s not only about understanding Google’s algorithms, there are many more things to take into consideration. Beyond algorithms, link building is shaped by language, culture, and market behavior. Strategies that work in one region may completely fail in another.
As a link building agency in Sweden, we at IncRev have a deep understanding of the digital landscape in our home market. And when it comes to building links in Sweden and other smaller markets, the rules of the game change dramatically.
How Link Building in Sweden Differs from the US and UK
When comparing link building in Sweden with larger English-speaking markets, several key differences stand out. The insights below are based on the research “Link Building in Large vs. Small Markets,” conducted by David Vesterlund, CEO of IncRev.
1. Lack of Link Culture
In English-speaking markets, publishers actively link to their sources. News outlets, magazines, and blogs naturally include citations. Digital PR campaigns and data-driven content pieces can generate hundreds of backlinks organically, simply because linking out is part of the culture.
In Sweden, however, that culture looks very different. Large national newspapers and established media outlets often mention brands, studies, or research without including a link. The linking culture is far more conservative — and that single fact changes everything about how you build authority in Swedish search results.
For SEO professionals, this translates into fewer natural mentions that can be converted into links, and a greater need for personal, relationship-based outreach.
2. Smaller Market, Lower Competition
Sweden’s digital market is smaller, meaning competition for rankings is not as fierce as in the US or UK. This can make it easier to achieve top positions in search results — but paradoxically, harder to get there through link acquisition.
Because the number of potential publishers is limited, earning high-quality links requires precision, creativity, and persistence. While a single digital PR campaign might generate dozens of links in the UK, the same effort in Sweden might only yield a handful — but those links can still be extremely powerful if they come from trusted local sources.
3. Language and Reach
Language is another defining factor. English-language content can attract backlinks from anywhere in the world, giving sites access to a virtually endless pool of potential referrers. In contrast, Swedish content lives within linguistic boundaries. It’s highly relevant to local users — but invisible to most of the global web.
That means link building in Sweden depends on local relevance and trust. Links must come from Swedish domains, Swedish content, and sources that Google associates with the region.
4. Precision Over Volume
In larger markets, link building often becomes a numbers game. Agencies run high-volume outreach campaigns, digital PR blasts, and large-scale guest posting operations. While this approach can work internationally, Sweden rewards precision, not volume.
A smaller number of strategic, contextually relevant links can outweigh dozens of generic placements. Success here requires knowing who to contact, what type of content resonates with Swedish publishers, and how to build genuine, long-term relationships.
Effectiveness of Link Building Strategies in Small vs. Large Markets
| Strategy | US | UK | SE | Commentary |
| Digital PR | 5 | 5 | 3 | Highly effective in US/UK with a strong media linking culture; weaker in Nordic markets. |
| Link bait / Link magnet | 5 | 5 | 1 | Viral in large markets; low linking culture limits results in SE/NO. |
| 404 reclamation | 4 | 4 | 2 | Effective in large markets with a rich link graph; fewer opportunities in small markets. |
| Brand mentions → link | 4 | 4 | 2 | Frequent in large markets; rarer in SE/NO, requiring manual outreach. |
| Link insertions / niche edits | 4 | 4 | 3 | Viable globally; saturation in big markets, impactful but harder in small ones. |
| Guest posting | 3 | 3 | 5 | Saturated in US/UK; high potential in Nordic markets if authentic and niche-focused. |
| Drop domains | 3 | 3 | 3 | Neutral across markets; depends on execution quality and domain history. |
| Private Blog Networks (PBNs) | 2 | 2 | 4 | High risk in US/UK; more effective in small markets if carefully executed. |
Why Relationships Are Key to Succeed with Link Building in Sweden
Because of the country’s modest linking culture, the key to success in link building in Sweden lies in relationships. You can’t rely solely on automation or outreach templates. Swedish site owners and publishers value authenticity, mutual benefit, and editorial integrity.
At IncRev, we’ve built strong connections with a large number of publishers across Sweden. These relationships are the foundation of our campaigns. They allow us to secure editorial, high-quality links that improve rankings and visibility in Swedish search results.
Get Access to Exclusive Publishers Through IncRev
Building on these relationships, we’ve also established a large network of exclusive partnerships with Swedish publishers.The network spans everything from large, broad-reaching news platforms to smaller, highly specialized local websites. This exclusive network gives our clients access to premium link opportunities that simply can’t be found anywhere else.
Our exclusivity ensures that:
- Every link we deliver is authentic, editorially approved, and built for long-term value.
- Our partners maintain a competitive edge in their SEO efforts.
- Agencies working with us can confidently scale their campaigns knowing their placements are safe, high-quality, and unique.
Why Choose IncRev for Link Building in Sweden
If you’re looking to strengthen your presence in the Nordic region, IncRev is the partner you need. Our expertise in link building in Sweden gives you access to:
- High-authority, relevant Swedish backlinks through our exclusive publisher network.
- Tailored strategies designed around Swedish market behavior and link culture.
- A reliable link building solution for agencies seeking scalable quality.
We help brands cut through the complexity — building not just links, but long-term trust and authority.
Want to learn more about how IncRev can help you reach the top of the SERPs? Contact us today.
