To answer your question about how to start building up your link profile from scratch I would start by looking into guest-blogging on a website geared around your niche. It shouldn't be that hard if you have written all your content yourself just simply put your links on your post. Make sure that your links will not have a no-follow attribute when its published. Granted I don't know your niche or how unique it is maybe but that's a good way to start.
