Google and other search engines can now recognize the intent of our queries and provide us with the most relevant results. But search engines are just algorithms. They can’t tell the accuracy or credibility of a page without relying on backlink signals to give them insight. So what exactly are backlinks?
Backlinks are one of the main building blocks of any SEO strategy. Although several factors contribute to your overall SEO strategy, backlinks should never be ignored. In fact, Google has revealed that link building is one of the top three factors affecting search rankings.
This article cuts through the jargon and explains backlinks, why Google crawls them, and how a thoughtful link building strategy can increase your online visibility.
Table of Contents
What are backlinks?
Whenever you read an article, you probably come across a sentence associated with some other resources. This refers to backlinks, links created when a website is introduced to others.
Backlinks, also called “backlinks” and “inbound links,” tell search engines how trustworthy and authoritative your content is. The more links you get, the more Google considers you a valuable and legitimate website.
The term “World Wide Web” was named for this very reason. With millions of sites and pages connected by a series of links, it resembles a web.
Are backlinks important for SEO?
Short answer: Yes
Long answer: Backlinks are very valuable for SEO because they serve as a “vote of confidence” from one site to another.
Search engines like Google see them as an endorsement of your content. Search engines use these links to rank pages higher in the SERPs. According to a Moz study, 99.2% of all top 50 results have at least one backlink to their page.
Better search engine rankings benefit businesses by providing more organic traffic and increased visibility.
Additionally, backlinks provide readers with related and useful information. When a reader lands on a page that links to your website, they are likely to visit it in search of more information.
Backlinks are so important to Google that they served as the basis for the creation of the original PageRank algorithm. 20+ years later, backlinks are still critical to your online success.
Four Characteristics of Valuable Backlinks
Although backlinks are generally a good idea, some are inherently better to monetize and others should be avoided whenever possible.
Let’s look at four factors that affect backlink value.
1. Relevance
One of the basic procedures used by search engines is to sort links according to their relevance.
Their goal is to find out if certain websites or pages are related to each other. Google gives more weight to websites that are currently relevant to you because people are more likely to click on them.
If a “how to golf” blog post links to your tech company’s home page, it’s not considered relevant or a quality backlink.
So if the content linking to your site is not mutually beneficial, the result will be minimal.
2. Authority
Links from high authority sites carry more weight and value than links from lower quality sites.
For example, Google values a backlink from CNN as having more authority than a link from an unimportant site. This concept is known as “Domain Authority”.
The more authority a website has, the more it benefits you. Sites with an authoritative backlink profile generate more traffic and rank higher in search engine results.
3. Anchor text
Anchor text refers to clickable text that forms a backlink. Generally, you want your links to have anchor text that includes your targeted keyword.
You can greatly influence your keyword ranking by telling Google that your page is related to a specific query or phrase.
4. DoFollow vs. No Follow
A nofollow link is a link that brings no value to the page. They do not increase PageRank and do not help a page’s SERP ranking
On the other hand, Followed Links tells search engine crawlers to follow hyperlinks and signal relevant and valuable links to crawlers
Nofollowed backlinks do not significantly affect the ranking of the linked page. It is important to prioritize getting backlinks because link building takes time and work.
How to get more backlinks?
Now that we’ve answered the most important questions, let’s take a look at some of the most beneficial backlink building strategies for your website.
● Make Yourself Link Worthy
In general, your goal when writing should be to create something that other content creators and subject matter experts find valuable. This information may be linked back to your site.
You can create content that you are confident about or present existing content better than your competitors.
Creating valuable and relevant content with high authority will generate backlinks. When you deliver high-quality content, it helps generate equally high-quality backlinks.
So start creating assets that people are likely to share.
● Guest posts
Another reliable way to get backlinks is by using guest posts. It will expose your content to a newer audience and give you the exposure you need to set up your brand.
Many sites offer contributor accounts or a Contact Us section where people can write their articles and be featured on the site.
Additionally, they allow you to link to your website in the author bio section or in your article.
Guest posts drive more traffic to your website by targeting a wider audience. Finding these audiences will give you an idea of all the new spaces you can target to get more exposure.
So consider reaching out to potential sites and try to get a guest post opportunity.
● Use a broken link building strategy
Broken links refer to links that are no longer working properly and require updating. Several websites have broken links hidden on their pages, causing minor performance issues.
To find broken links, you can first look at your competitors and then go to other websites in your niche. Then use tools like Semrush or Ahrefs to uncover any broken links.
It’s a practical strategy to maintain a positive user experience while reaping the benefits of SEO and backlinks.
It works so well because it adds value to the brand page. It helps them fix errors on their sites, allowing you to present your site as a replacement.
● Create infographics
Infographics are a remarkable way to present pieces of information using graphics, images and charts.
They help provide a quick and engaging overview of a topic and break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand visuals.
You don’t need many tools to create an infographic. However, a significant part of the infographic is made up of images. Several websites offer high-quality photos. So take your time and find the right photos for your infographic.
Condensing niche and complex information into digestible graphics will make your website more shareable.
Wrap up
In short, Google considers more than 200 factors or more when ranking a website. But one thing is certain: backlinks are one of the most important SEO factors.
Backlinks can give your website that extra push to get to the top and reap the benefits of 24/7, non-stop organic traffic.
But getting these valuable links is not easy. Website owners tend to spend all their time building great websites. However, they don’t get the ranking they deserve because of a poor link profile.
You need the right techniques and time to boost your link profile. Follow the instructions above to get started. Good luck!
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