Definition
Link reclamation is the practice of identifying valuable backlinks that have been removed, broken, or changed, and reaching out to restore them.
Why it matters
Lost links mean lost authority and rankings. Reclaiming them is often faster and cheaper than building new links from scratch.
Common causes of lost links
Page deletion, URL changes, CMS migrations, content updates, and site redesigns can all remove links.
How to find lost links
Compare current backlink exports to historical data, or use a monitoring tool like TraceLinker to alert you automatically.
Reclamation outreach
Email the site owner politely, point out the broken link, and suggest the correct URL or replacement content.
Frequently asked questions
How fast should I reclaim lost links?
As soon as possible. The longer a link is missing, the more ranking impact it can have.
Can TraceLinker automate reclamation?
TraceLinker alerts you when links break and drafts outreach emails to send to site owners.
What if the page no longer exists?
If the page is gone, you can ask the site owner to link to a similar page on your site instead.