Most digital marketing feels like shouting in a crowded room. Everyone’s talking over each other. You’re chasing algorithms and begging for attention from people who’d scroll past.
But, there’s a quieter, smarter corner of the internet. Imagine librarians and professors actively looking for great content to share. This isn’t fantasy—it’s the reality of resource page & edu links.
It’s like the academic’s social network. Instead of spam, you’re building a reference library. Your work gets cited in syllabi, not slapped on billboards. The goal is to contribute genuinely, not manipulate.
This approach is about experts connecting with experts. It’s a handshake between authorities, not a desperate plea for attention. The trust you earn here is real, not algorithmic.
We’re about to explore how resource link building works when you focus on utility. Forget the landfill of low-quality links. We’re building something that lasts.
Why Curators Link: The Utility, Maintenance, and Audience Service Behind Every .edu Link
Think of a university resource page as a dynamic library catalog. It needs constant care to stay useful. A page that’s not updated is as outdated as a dial-up modem.
Why would a professor or librarian link to you? It’s not out of kindness. It’s because they need your link to make their page better.
They see your link as a way to enhance their page’s value. As one source puts it: “When someone adds your link to their resource page, your link makes their page better.” You’re not asking for a favor. You’re adding something valuable to their collection.
- Utility Enhancement: Your guide, tool, or dataset solves a problem for their audience. It fills a gap.
- Essential Maintenance: Adding your fresh content is like weeding an overgrown garden. It’s proactive page upkeep.
- Audience Service: They serve students, researchers, or professionals. By providing your resource, they look like heroes who found the best reference.
Effective librarian outreach starts with a new way of thinking. You’re not just asking for a link. You’re showing them how your resource can make their job easier.
This relationship is like a partnership in biology. They get credibility and a better resource hub. You get authority and those coveted edu links. Understanding this transaction can turn you from a spammer to a valued contributor.
Identifying Resource Pages (Advanced Operators, Librarian Catalogs)
The search for .EDU link building starts with advanced search operators. It’s not just typing your topic into Google. It’s using the search bar like a pro, finding exactly what you need.
Forget broad searches. We’re going for precision. Your new tools are strings like `[your topic] inurl:resources` or `intitle:”helpful links”`. The `inurl:` command finds pages with “resources” in the URL. `intitle:` looks for pages that show their purpose in the title.
But combining them is where the magic happens. `site:.edu “helpful links” [your niche]` gets you into the faculty lounge. It limits to .edu sites, finds “helpful links,” and filters by topic. It’s like going from a crowded place to a private gallery.
The secret is, the obvious “resources” pages are just the start. To really excel in resource link building, think like a research librarian. They look for more than just “resources.” They build collections under academic names.
Your target list should include:
- Syllabi & Reading Lists: Professors use these for students. Getting listed here is a big win.
- Research Guides & Pathfinders: These are guides made by librarians. A spot here is valuable.
- Toolkits & FAQs: Academic departments make these for their community. Your asset could be perfect for their toolkit.
So, what’s the plan? Stop searching randomly. Start discovering collections that need your contribution. You’re not asking for a link. You’re suggesting a great addition to their catalog. This mindset turns a cold email into a welcome suggestion and makes finding edu links a strategic move.
Creating Curatable Assets (syllabi, safety guides, calculators)
Creating content that earns .edu links is like building monuments, not memes. Assets should be as lasting as stone tablets, not as fleeting as social media posts. Most resource link building strategies fail here. They offer snacks when curators demand sustenance.
Think about it: Would a librarian catalog a fast-food menu? Would a professor assign a BuzzFeed quiz? The answer is a resounding no. Your asset must pass the academic sniff test.
From my experience, curatable assets share four non-negotiable traits. First, they align perfectly with the curator’s topic. A marine biology resource page won’t link to your marketing guide. Second, they add something genuinely new to the conversation. You’re providing missing puzzle pieces, not rehashing Wikipedia.
Third, design and structure matter immensely. Ugly, confusing content gets rejected faster than a typo-ridden resume. Fourth, and most importantly, the asset must be link-worthy, not promotional. It serves the audience, not your brand.
The Three Pillars of Curatable Content
Let’s break down the asset types that actually work for serious librarian outreach:
- Syllabi-Style Guides: These are structured learning paths that organize complex information. Think “The Complete Guide to Digital Privacy” with modules, readings, and exercises. It’s content built like a course, not a blog post.
- Safety Guides & Compliance Checklists: These become industry standards. A “Laboratory Chemical Safety Protocol” or “ADA Website Compliance Checklist” gets cited because it solves real problems with authority.
- Calculators & Interactive Tools: Unique utility wins every time. A “Carbon Footprint Calculator” or “Historical Currency Converter” provides value no static article can match.
These aren’t articles. They’re the reference books of the digital age—evergreen, deeply researched, and objectively useful. Is your content something a professor would assign? Would a government agency cite it as best practice?
If you hesitate, you’re creating content confetti. Beautiful, perhaps. But ultimately disposable.
The Architecture of Authority
Building these assets requires a different mindset. Start by identifying knowledge gaps in your niche. What questions lack definitive answers? What processes need clearer documentation?
Then, structure like an educator. Use clear hierarchies, logical progression, and proper citations. Include summaries, key takeaways, and further reading sections. Make it easy to navigate and easier to teach from.
Design cannot be an afterthought. Clean typography, intuitive layouts, and accessible formatting aren’t vanity—they’re credibility signals. A messy resource suggests messy thinking.
Lastly, maintain your creation. Update statistics, refresh broken links, and add new research. Show curators you’re invested for the long term. This commitment transforms your asset from a one-hit wonder to a living resource.
Successful resource link building through librarian outreach hinges on this simple truth: You must build what others want to preserve. Create the textbook, not the tweet. The manual, not the meme. When you do, the links follow—not as transactions, but as acknowledgments of genuine value.
Academic/Institutional Outreach Etiquette
Emailing a university librarian is like asking to meet a curator at the Met. You wouldn’t just slide a card under the door. Instead, you’d find the curator’s name, learn about their collection, and explain why your artifact fits.
A “Contact Us” form is not the way to go. It’s like shouting into a void. Your goal is to find the specific human behind the page. It’s about connecting with people, not just departments.
Look for the Business Librarian or the Information Literacy Coordinator. These are your gatekeepers. Your first step is to show you’ve done your homework.
Your approach should be professional, not casual. It’s like introducing yourself at a symposium. Outreach with empathy and clarity means your email is respectful, to the point, and backed by solid evidence.
Don’t gush or use generic flattery. Instead, show you’ve actually used their resources. Mention a specific section you found helpful. For example, “I really appreciated your guide on quantitative research methods…” This shows you’re a peer, not just looking for a link.
You’re in their domain. Act like a respectful guest. The table below shows the mindset shift needed for successful librarian outreach.
| The Prospector (Gets Ignored) | The Peer (Gets Considered) | The Underlying Principle |
|---|---|---|
| Uses generic “library@university.edu” or contact forms. | Targets “Jane Doe, Economics Subject Librarian.” | Specificity signals respect and seriousness. |
| Opens with “I love your site!” or broad praise. | Opens with a specific reference to their content. | Evidence of engagement beats empty flattery. |
| Asks: “Can you add my link to your resources?” | States: “My resource on X complements your section on Y, and may serve your students studying Z.” | Frames the submission as a service to *their* audience. |
| Tone is promotional, focused on their own site’s benefits. | Tone is collaborative, focused on filling a content gap. | Academic culture values utility and community over promotion. |
One approach is transactional, the other is collaborative. Your goal is to show your resource adds value, not just to get a link. It’s about enriching their collection, not just taking from it.
These curators get many requests. Your etiquette, precision, evidence, and respect for their time are what make you stand out. It’s the quiet handshake that shows you understand their world.
Accessibility and Citation Standards (WCAG, MLA/APA)
Sending a curator a PDF that a screen reader can’t parse is like handing a librarian a book written in invisible ink. They might sense the value is there, but they can’t access it. And in their world, what can’t be accessed doesn’t exist. For resource link building to work with academic and institutional sites, your asset must pass two non-negotiable tests: universal access and intellectual rigor.
Let’s talk about the doors first. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) aren’t just a nice-to-have checklist. They are the blueprint for a credible resource. Ignoring them tells a curator you built your content for only one type of visitor. That’s not curation; that’s exclusion.
What does this look like in practice? Your stellar “Ultimate Safety Guide” PDF must be properly tagged for screen readers. Your interactive “Carbon Footprint Calculator” needs full keyboard navigation, not just mouse clicks. These aren’t technical afterthoughts. They are the foundation of your content’s credibility. An inaccessible resource page is, by definition, a thin one.
Now, let’s discuss the intellectual fingerprint: citations. How you cite your sources is your content’s resume. Sloppy or absent citations scream “content mill.” Using proper MLA, APA, or Chicago style isn’t academic pedantry. It’s a signal. It whispers to the curator, “I operate in your world. I understand the rules of evidence.”
It’s the difference between a well-researched white paper and a Wikipedia skim before a deadline. For a librarian or professor vetting your asset for their resource list, consistent citation style is a trust signal. It shows you respect the chain of knowledge. This attention to detail makes your asset not just linkable, but reference-able.
Think of these standards as your ticket to the curated club. Meeting them is the bare minimum price of admission. The table below breaks down the stark contrast between an asset that gets it and one that doesn’t.
| Standard | If You Meet It (The Curatable Asset) | If You Ignore It (The Link Dump) |
|---|---|---|
| WCAG Compliance | Your guide is usable by all. It signals social responsibility and broad utility, increasing its value to .EDU curators serving diverse audiences. | You automatically exclude users with disabilities. Curators see a liability, not a resource, and will bypass it for a more inclusive option. |
| Proper Citation (MLA/APA) | Your work displays academic integrity. It allows curators to verify your claims and lends scholarly weight to their resource list. | Your content appears derivative or plagiarized. It undermines your authority and makes curators hesitant to associate their brand with yours. |
| Overall Credibility | You are seen as a peer or a valuable public resource. Curators link to you to serve their audience, not just to fill a page. | You are seen as a SEO marketer. Your content is viewed as transactional, making it unlikely to earn a lasting spot on a quality resource page. |
In essence, your quest for authoritative .EDU links via resource link building lives or dies here. You can have the best data, the most beautiful design, but without accessibility and citation rigor, you’re just making noise. Build a resource that opens its doors to everyone and footnotes its claims with respect. That’s how you build a resource page that doesn’t just ask for links—it commands them.
Local/Community Resource Strategies (gov, libraries, NGOs)
Forget the ivory tower for a moment. Your city hall’s .gov page is looking for real help. While everyone focuses on university links, the real grassroots authority is at the public library and local nonprofits. It’s about trust, not just Domain Authority scores.
Think about it. When someone needs small business grants, they first check the city’s economic development site. Families looking for mental health resources start with local NGO directories. These pages are community lifelines that need current, accurate info.
Your “Small Business Grants in Austin” guide is a treasure for the City of Austin’s economic development portal. A “Community Mental Health Resources in Chicago” list can be adopted by many local organizations. This is where librarian outreach makes a real difference. Public librarians update resource pages daily, always looking for credible local info.
The beauty of local resource strategies? They create a cycle of trust. The city links to your guide. Local nonprofits and community blogs share it. You become part of the community’s info ecosystem.
| Resource Target | Content Type | Outreach Approach | Authority Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| City/County Government (.gov) | Hyper-local guides, regulatory information, public service resources | Contact specific departments (economic development, health, planning) | Official municipal endorsement, high local trust signals |
| Public Library Systems | Community resource lists, educational materials, local history | Email reference librarians or community outreach coordinators | Curatorial approval from trusted information professionals |
| Local NGOs & Nonprofits (.org) | Specialized resource directories, how-to guides, support information | Partner with program directors or communications staff | Domain diversity with mission-aligned organizations |
| Community Colleges | Practical skill guides, local career resources, community education | Connect with department heads or community engagement offices | Academic credibility with local focus and practical application |
Notice what’s missing from that table? Global Domain Authority metrics. When the Tacoma Public Library adds your “Local Senior Services Directory” to their page, it’s more powerful than any .edu link. This is precision authority building.
Consider municipal resource pages like Toronto’s social inclusion scan. These documents are living resource hubs that municipalities maintain and promote. Getting your content included here isn’t about SEO vanity. It’s about becoming part of the city’s official info architecture.
The strategy shift is subtle but profound. Instead of asking “How do I get .edu links?” you ask “What does my community need to know?” The answers create assets that local institutions want to link to. A guide to “Tenant Rights in Philadelphia” will find homes on city government sites, legal aid nonprofits, and community college resource pages simultaneously.
This approach requires different muscles than traditional academic outreach. You’re not citing research papers—you’re solving Tuesday afternoon problems. You’re not impressing professors—you’re helping librarians answer patron questions. The edu links might come later, when community colleges discover your resources. But the foundation is built at street level, not in ivory towers.
The ultimate test? If your content disappeared tomorrow, would anyone in the actual community notice? If the answer is yes, you’ve built something more valuable than a hundred generic backlinks. You’ve built relevance.
Updating and Versioning for Longevity
The digital graveyard is full of outdated guides from 2022. In resource link building, the key is not just the link but keeping it relevant. If you lose that, your link becomes just another broken URL.
Did you know the average link lasts 5+ years? It’s not a promise, but a challenge. Will your content last, or will it be forgotten when the next update comes?
Your content should grow and change over time. Think of it as a Wikipedia page, not a one-time news article. This new way of thinking changes how you approach resource link building.
Use clear version numbers in your titles and metadata. “The Ultimate Guide to Campus Safety (2025 Edition)” shows it’s current and worth linking to. The year in parentheses is your content’s update reminder.
Set a public update schedule and show it on your page. “Next review: Q1 2026” is a promise. For curators, this transparency is invaluable, making your resource reliable.
When you update, your outreach changes. You’re not just asking for a link; you’re helping. That email to the librarian who linked to your 2023 guide? It’s a service.
This process is simple yet powerful:
- Subject line clarity: “Update to [Resource Name] – 2025 Edition Now Live”
- Gratitude first: Thank them for featuring the previous version
- Value proposition: Highlight what’s new, improved, or expanded
- Zero-pressure ask: “Feel free to update your link when convenient”
This change is huge. You move from being a one-time contributor to a long-term partner. In resource link building, this is the difference between a transaction and a relationship.
Think about the curator’s point of view. Their page is their pride and joy. Dead links hurt their reputation. By keeping your content fresh, you’re not just saving your link; you’re making their page better.
Versioning creates a cycle of improvement. Each update gives you a chance to reconnect with links and find new ones. That “2026 Edition” announcement opens up new outreach opportunities. Your resource link building becomes an ongoing conversation.
This method solves the problem of keeping links current. Organizations value stability and reliability. A regularly updated resource shows you have both, while a static page shows neither.
Consider adding a version history log to your page. Show how your content has evolved. This isn’t just thoroughness; it’s storytelling. It shows curators you’re committed for the long term.
The best resource link building strategies know longevity is not by chance. It’s achieved through careful maintenance. Your resource becomes a key part of many curated pages, not just a footnote.
So, is your content built to last or is it temporary? A well-maintained resource can stand the test of time. In the world of .edu links, only the builders who last are invited back year after year.
The calendar is your most honest critic. It doesn’t care about your backlink count or domain authority. It only asks: “Are you relevant?” Your versioning strategy is how you say “yes” now and in the future.
Avoiding Thin Resource Pages and Link Dumps
Resource page prospecting is like searching for treasures in an antique shop. You want to find a carefully selected collection, not a messy pile of junk. Your aim is to place your link among respected peers, not in a digital trash heap.
Not all resource pages are the same. Some are just SEO tricks in disguise. You should feel suspicious when you see certain warning signs.
A page with over 200 links is not a resource. It’s more like a directory that’s been forgotten. Too many ads on a page is another bad sign. It means the page is more about making money than helping people.
Look at the content too. Is it deep and meaningful, or does it seem like it was made by a machine? A good resource page has a clear voice. It tells you why it chose to link to something.
Be careful of pages that only link to .edu or .gov domains or only to their own pages. Trying to get a link on these pages is like trying to get into a club you’re not invited to. It’s a waste of time. Focus on realistic targets.
A good target is like a well-organized museum. It has a few dozen links, each with a clear purpose. These links are organized in a way that makes sense, like “Primary Source Archives” or “Interactive Learning Tools.”
| Feature | The Curated Museum (Quality Target) | The Chaotic Flea Market (Link Dump) |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Voice | Clear introductions, annotations, or categorization explaining the link’s value. | Bare-bones lists with no context or obvious automated generation. |
| Link Volume & Quality | Manageable number (e.g., 20-80 high-quality, relevant outbound links). | Excessive links (200+), often with low-quality or irrelevant destinations. |
| Monetization | Minimal, non-intrusive ads, or none at all. Purpose is audience service. | Heavy ad blocks, pop-ups, or affiliate links. Purpose is revenue. |
| Link Policy | Open to valuable external resources that fit the theme. | Restrictive (“*.edu only*”) or solely internal, creating a walled garden. |
| Potential for .edu links | High. A thoughtful curator values authority, not just domain extensions. | None. It’s a numbers game, not an authority play. |
Being picky about your targets saves you a lot of time and keeps your reputation safe. Don’t waste your time on pages that have given up on their audience. Spend your energy on places where your resource will be valued and displayed proudly.
This careful approach helps you build real authority with edu links, not just a bunch of low-value backlinks.
Tracking Adds, Edits, and Removals
Think of the ‘yes’ in librarian outreach as the start of a game of digital hide-and-seek. You’ve got the curator’s approval. Now, the real work starts in website CMS panels and resource page updates. This phase is all about digging through digital history.
Why be so careful? Curators often add links quietly. No email to confirm. Your link might just show up one day, like a shy plant. If you’re not watching, you’ll miss it. This isn’t being paranoid—it’s just good resource link building management.
You need two things: automated tools and manual checks. Tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Google Search Console watch backlinks. But, they miss some updates. That’s when you do manual checks.
Save every resource page you suggest. Use a spreadsheet or a project tool. Check them every few months. When you visit, do a full audit.
| What to Track | Why It Matters | Action if Missing/Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Exact Placement | Is your link in the right spot? A good spot is more valuable than a bad one. | Make a note for future plans; where you are affects your authority. |
| Dofollow vs. Nofollow | Does your link pass SEO “juice”? A nofollow link is useful but different. | Understand the curator’s policy; it’s rare to change. |
| Anchor Text & Context | How your brand or resource is described. Is it right? Is it good? | If it’s wrong, a polite email might fix it. |
| Page Health | Has the page moved or been deleted? Is it full of spam? | This shows if your link is valuable or not. |
Edits are normal. A page redesign might move your link. A new librarian might remove old resources. But a removal is different. It’s a breach of trust.
If your link disappears, don’t freak out. Send a polite question. “I noticed our guide is gone. Was there a problem with the content?” This keeps the relationship good and often finds simple mistakes.
Tracking isn’t about controlling. It’s about protecting your intellectual assets. Each link from a .edu domain is valuable. You wouldn’t ignore changes in your financial portfolio. Don’t ignore your digital assets either.
The best resource link building campaigns see curation as a conversation, not a one-time ask. By tracking changes, you become a reliable partner. You’re not just getting links—you’re building a network.
KPIs: Domain Mix, Longevity, Referral Quality
A link portfolio is like a garden, not a trophy case. You measure its health by biodiversity, resilience, and the quality of life it supports. Anyone can count links. But the real art is analyzing the narrative of influence your links create.
Stop reporting raw numbers. Start telling the story of your link-building campaign with three key KPIs.
Domain Mix: The Ecosystem of Authority. A single type of link is like a monoculture. It’s fragile and screams “campaign” to algorithms and humans alike. A healthy portfolio has a spread across .edu, .gov, .org, and authoritative .com domains.
Think of it as building a board of directors for your site’s credibility. That niche .edu page from a university lab? That’s your esteemed academic advisor. The local .gov library resource list? Your community liaison. This mix signals natural, earned relevance.
Longevity: The Test of Time. In link building, survival is a superpower. A link that vanishes in six months was a transaction. A link that thrives for 36 months is an asset. Track how many of your edu links and other placements stay live over 12, 24, and 36-month periods.
This KPI turns link building into digital archaeology. You’re not just placing markers; you’re creating layers of trust that accumulate. Longevity is the ultimate sign that a curator truly values your resource.
Referral Quality: The Ripple, Not the Splash. Here’s where you silence the bean counters. Does traffic from these links actually do anything? Do visitors from a university safety guide page subscribe, download, or engage deeply?
A link from a popular “resources” page that sends 100 bouncing visitors is noise. A link from a specialized academic portal that sends three passionate graduate students your way every month is a strategic pipeline. That’s referral quality. Measure conversions, time-on-page, and return visits from these referrers.
This proves your edu links are not just backlinks; they are front doors for the right people.
The table below contrasts the old way of counting with the new way of analyzing. It shows what you should be tracking to build a narrative of real ROI.
| KPI Focus | Old Metric (The Splash) | New Metric (The Ripple) | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domain Mix | Total # of Links | % Breakdown by .edu, .gov, .org, .com | Shows earned authority diversity, not campaign volume. |
| Longevity | Links Acquired This Month | % of Links Active at 12/24/36 Months | Measures sustainable value and curator satisfaction. |
| Referral Quality | Total Referral Traffic | Conversion Rate & Engagement from Key Domains (e.g., .edu) | Translates links into tangible business outcomes. |
Shifting to these KPIs moves the conversation from “How many?” to “How valuable?” It proves your resource page work builds lasting influence, not just a temporary score. That’s a story everyone, including the finance team, wants to hear.
Case Studies: Safety Guide → .EDU Links
Let’s look at real examples where resource link building turned a safety guide into a key academic resource. Theory is nice, but case studies show us what really works.
Our first example is a B2B company that made a “Laboratory Safety Protocol Guide for University Labs.” It was perfect for research librarians, following all the rules for accessibility and citations. It was even updated for 2025 with clear logs.
This wasn’t just any blog post. It was a serious contribution to academia.
The outreach was very targeted. They used site:.edu "lab safety resources" to find specific pages on university sites. Their emails were personalized, pointing to parts of the guide that matched each department’s needs.
The results were amazing. They got links from .edu sites in chemistry, biology, and engineering. The traffic was small, but every visitor was important. The guide became a key reference in training manuals.
Now, let’s look at another example. A SaaS company made an “HR Compliance Checklist.” They targeted university human resources and business school pages. In just 45 days, they got links from .edu and .gov sites. The same pattern happened: being specific, useful, and well-formatted drew links.
| Case Study | Core Asset | Primary Targets | Time to Links | Link Quality Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Safety | Comprehensive Safety Protocol Guide | University EH&S Departments, Science Dept. Resource Pages | 60-90 days (sustained accrual) | Extremely low bounce rate ( |
| HR Compliance | Interactive HR Compliance Checklist | University HR Portals, Business School Libraries | 45 days (initial links) | Direct downloads, saved resource referrals |
| Common Success Drivers | WCAG/APA Compliance, Version Control | Advanced Operator Targeting | Relationship to Academic Calendar | Becoming Institutional Reference Material |
What’s the common thread? Both cases showed that .edu sites want useful content, not just ads. They’re looking for tools that solve real problems.
The safety guide was a hit because labs need to follow strict rules. The HR checklist was useful because compliance officers need up-to-date templates.
This approach to resource link building is different. You’re not just asking for a link. You’re giving a service that institutions want to share.
The payoff is huge. These links are not just any links. They’re .edu citations that last, even through website changes. The guide becomes a part of the institution’s knowledge base.
Your takeaway should be to find the gaps in academic and institutional workflows. Then, fill those gaps with useful, well-formatted resources. Use precise librarian outreach to reach the right people.
The academic web values usefulness over popularity. Trade in that currency, and the links will follow.
Email Scripts & Submission Forms Toolkit
Enough theory. Consider this your field kit for librarian outreach. We’re moving from lecture hall to library stacks.
The standard resource page pitch needs academic tailoring. Drop the sales speak. Frame your asset as a curriculum supplement or research aid. Your subject line should reference the specific course or department. This isn’t spam; it’s a scholarly contribution to their digital collection.
The broken link build transforms into an “Outdated Citation Replacement” proposal. Find a dead link on their .edu resource page. Offer your updated, authoritative content as a public service. This approach shows diligence, not desperation. It’s resource link building with a librarian’s mindset.
Those “Suggest a Resource” forms are golden gates. Don’t just dump a URL. Write a mini-abstract. Explain why your content meets their collection criteria—accessibility, citation style, depth. You’re not submitting; you’re curating for the curator.
These scripts are a chassis. Your research and specificity are the fuel. Personalize every line. The best edu links come from conversations, not broadcasts. Now go build something.