Sitewide links are part of the SEO game, even if you’ve never heard the term before.
Maybe you’ve just come across them for the first time.
Maybe you’re unsure what they really mean or how they can affect your rankings.
Here’s what you need to know, laid out simply and clearly.
What Is a Sitewide Link?
Sitewide simply means “across the entire site.
A sitewide link is a link that appears on every page of a website — no matter what article or section you’re viewing, that link stays visible.
These links are typically placed in the footer, navigation bar, sidebar, or any other repeating section of the site layout.
They’re often used to point toward important internal pages or trusted external partners.
A common example is a menu that links to the homepage, blog, or contact page.
Likewise, a link in the footer that leads to legal mentions or a privacy policy is also considered sitewide.
Some link-selling platforms even offer monthly rental of sitewide placements, but is it really worth it?
Are Sitewide Links Good for SEO?
That’s the question every SEO eventually asks:
Do sitewide links actually help rankings?
As with most things in SEO, the answer isn’t black and white.
It depends on a few key factors, including the context, the placement, and how the link is used.
Here’s a quick video that explains it clearly.
When Sitewide Links Are Used for Internal Linking
When used for internal linking, sitewide links can help reinforce the authority of key pages by increasing how often they’re crawled by Google.
The more frequently a page is linked across your site, the more visibility it gets with search engines.
That makes sitewide links useful for directing attention to important internal pages, especially those tied to business goals or SEO strategy.
They can also enhance user experience (UX).
A link placed in a consistent spot—like a sidebar or footer—is easier for visitors to notice and click. It helps them reach what they’re looking for with fewer steps.
When Sitewide Links Are Used in Link Building
If you buy or rent a sitewide link on another website, your link will appear across every page of that site.
This often means your link is placed in the navigation menu, footer, or sidebar, making it accessible from anywhere on the site.
The goal is to boost your domain’s overall authority, helping multiple pages benefit at once.
That said, if the host site has thousands of pages, you’re potentially creating thousands of backlinks pointing to your domain. Google is likely to ignore most of them, but if the site is low-quality, the association could still hurt you.
On the other hand, being visible across a well-ranked, trusted site can increase click-through rates and referral traffic. That can bring in a steady, diverse stream of visitors, especially when the link is relevant.
So yes, in the right context and used sparingly, sitewide links can support your SEO goals.
But like anything in SEO, overdoing it backfires.
And fortunately, there are plenty of other backlink types that play a strong role in off-site SEO, without the risks.
Can Sitewide Links Hurt Your SEO?
As useful as they can be, sitewide links also come with risks. Search engines like Google are increasingly sophisticated and quick to flag strategies that look artificial.
One common concern? Manipulation. Some SEO experts recommend keeping sitewide links under 20% of your total backlink profile.
If Google detects a sudden spike in external sitewide links, it may interpret that as an attempt to game the algorithm, especially if your anchor text is over-optimized. In the best-case scenario, the link gets ignored. In the worst-case? You risk a manual penalty.
Another issue is context. Sitewide links often live outside of actual content, in the footer, sidebar, or navigation, which makes them less valuable in the eyes of both Google and real users.
Contextual links, placed naturally within relevant content, tend to carry more weight and authority.
That’s why it’s important to use sitewide links with caution and intention.
And if you’re working with a tight budget, there are smarter, safer techniques to grow your authority.
Curious about affordable ways to build trust and boost your rankings?
Check out our article: How to Increase Your Site’s Authority on a Small Budget.
How to Get a Sitewide Link
AGetting a sitewide link isn’t always straightforward.
The simplest way is to use a platform that offers this type of placement. But be selective — not all sites are worth the investment.
Double-check the details before committing. You want long-term visibility, not a link that disappears after a month.
Another option? Use your own websites.
If you own several domains, you can create sitewide links between them. It takes a bit more management, but you’ll have full control, and it can save money.
Just keep in mind: the value of these links depends on the quality and authority of your other sites.
A third path is partnerships.
If you know other site owners with complementary content, consider setting up a link exchange. It’s a classic strategy but still effective when done right.
📌 Pro tip: focus on triangular exchanges rather than one-to-one swaps to keep things natural in Google’s eyes.
Whether you’re building your own network or exploring external links, sitewide backlinks still have a place in modern SEO, as long as they’re used strategically.
At Accesslink, we focus on high-quality, contextual backlinks, the kind that strengthen your SEO without putting your profile at risk.
Need a more tailored approach? We’re here to help you choose the right strategy based on your site’s reality, not just theory. Some placements (like sitewide) can work, but only when used wisely.