Once you have found a site in the marketplace that looks like a good fit, the next step is submitting a link exchange request. This article covers how to find the right listing, how to choose between exchange types, and how to fill out a request that is clear, compelling, and easy for the other party to say yes to.
Finding a Site to Request #
From the Backlink Exchange section of PitchResponse, browse the marketplace using the available filters: category, niche, country, language, and DR range. Each listing shows the domain, its description, keyword focus, and metrics, along with whether it is Owner Verified or Via Contributor.
Before submitting a request, take a moment to evaluate the listing:
- Does their content overlap with the topics you are targeting?
- Are their domain metrics a reasonable match for yours?
- Does their audience make sense as a source of a link to your content?
A well-targeted request is far more likely to be accepted than a speculative one. The site owner or contributor on the other end will be asking exactly these questions when they review your request.
Choosing Your Exchange Type #
When you initiate a request, you will first choose between two exchange structures.
1:1 Exchange #
The most common type. You link to their site from one of your pages, and they link back to your site from one of theirs. Simple, direct, and easy for both parties to understand and fulfill.
This type works best for sites that are comfortable with direct reciprocal linking and want to keep the arrangement straightforward.
3-Way Exchange #
A more advanced structure that avoids direct reciprocal links between the same two domains. Here is how it works:
- Site A (your site) links to Site B (the site you are requesting from)
- Site B links to Site C (a third site)
- Site C links back to Site A
The result is that each site gives one link and receives one link, but no two sites are directly linking to each other. When you submit a 3-way request, you specify all three sites upfront.
This type works best for SEO-focused teams who want to build a more natural-looking link profile and for situations where you have access to or a relationship with a suitable third site.
Filling Out a 1:1 Exchange Request #
Once you have selected a listing and chosen the 1:1 Exchange type, you will complete the following fields:
Your Content URL
The specific page on your site where you intend to place a link to their domain. This should be an existing, published page rather than a placeholder or a page you plan to create.
Desired Anchor Text
The exact anchor text you would like them to use when linking to your site. Make it natural and relevant to the content on both the linking page and your destination page.
Match Type
How strictly you need the anchor text to match. Options typically include exact match, partial match, or broad match, indicating how much flexibility the other party has in how they phrase the anchor link.
Alternative Anchor Texts (optional but recommended)
One or two alternative anchor text options in case your first choice does not fit naturally into their content. This gives the other party flexibility and increases the likelihood of acceptance.
Suggested Text (optional)
A sentence or two that introduces your link naturally, if you would like to suggest specific copy. This removes effort from the other party and can make your request easier to act on.
Suggested Image (optional)
If relevant, you can suggest an image to accompany the link placement.
Notes (optional)
Any additional context, preferences, or information that would help the other party understand and evaluate your request.
Since there is no negotiation phase after submission, treat your request as your one opportunity to make the case. The other party will accept or decline based solely on what you have provided, so include all relevant details upfront and use the Notes field for anything that does not fit neatly into the other fields. The more complete and clear your request is, the easier you make it for the other party to say yes.
Filling Out a 3-Way Exchange Request #
A 3-way request includes all the same fields as a 1:1 request, plus one additional field:
Your Link-From Site
The third site in the chain: the domain that will be linking back to your site. You will need to specify this upfront, since the party you are requesting from needs to know where their inbound link is coming from before they can agree to the arrangement.
Finally, make sure you have confirmed access or a relationship with the link-from site before initiating a 3-way request. Proposing a 3-way exchange and then being unable to deliver your side of it will damage your credibility in the marketplace.
As with a 1:1 request, there is no negotiation phase after submission, so make sure all the information the other party needs to make a decision is included before you send.
What Happens After You Submit #
Once your request is submitted, the site owner or contributor will receive a notification and can review it in their My Requests area. From there, they can accept your request, at which point they will respond with their own link requirements, or they can decline it, in which case no further action is required from you.
If your request is accepted and you agree to the terms they propose in return, both parties move forward with fulfilling their respective sides of the exchange. See 05. Completing an Exchange and Submitting Proof for what happens next.
If you have an active listing and want to understand how incoming requests work from the recipient’s side, see 04. Managing Incoming Exchange Requests.