What Are Backlinks?
Backlinks, also known as inbound or incoming links, are links from one website to another. When a website links to another, it creates a pathway for users to navigate to content that is considered relevant or valuable. These links can originate from various sources, including blogs, news articles, forums, and social media platforms.
A backlink is a link created when one website links to another. Backlinks are also called “links”, or "inbound links", or "incoming links." Backlinks are important to people moving around the internet and to Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Think of them as votes of credibility from other websites, signaling to search engines that your content is valuable, credible, and useful. When a reputable site links to your content, it's like receiving a nod of approval in the vast digital landscape. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the higher your website is likely to rank in search results. This is because search engines view these links as endorsements, helping to boost your site's authority and visibility.
For example, a website about British hedgehogs has a page about a hedgehog awareness drive and links to a helpful and relevant resource that aids in documenting hedgehog sighting. The hedgehog map can then be said to have received a backlink from the British hedgehog site. The blue underlined text is the backlink pointing from the first site to the second, and it is typically found within the main content of web pages.
Creating a quality blog post that provides valuable information or insights can increase the likelihood of others linking to your content, thus enhancing its visibility in search results.
Backlinks are made up of HTML, which is a language that can be used to mark up the text on your website pages. If you are working with the raw code of a website, a backlink looks like this within a page's content:
The “a” portion of the links stands for attribute, the “href” stands for hypertext reference, meaning you are about to enter the destination of the link, the URL portion beginning with “https” is the page you are pointing the link to, the word “hedgehog map” is the anchor text and is the clickable, visible part of the link, and the “< /a> closes off the attribute.
Additionally, most CMS or website builder products will simply have fields that allow you to highlight text, click a link icon, and paste in the URL of the page you want to link out to. This may include the text “insert link” a link icon or both. Your CMS may also allow you to view and edit your links so you can enter the link information without having to enter the HTML code, including opening link in a new tab.
The HTML or the code-free solution in your CMS or website builder would result in the words “hedgehog map” being linked to the URL you have entered.
Traditionally backlinks are blue and frequently underlined, but site owners can choose to style them in other ways. When hovering over a linked word or phrase your cursor changes from an arrow icon to a pointer icon, if you want to know where the link will direct you we can see the destination URL appear in the bottom left corner of your browser window. Source: moz.com
In its simplest form, a backlink can be likened to a vote of confidence—when one website points to another, it effectively endorses the content found there. The quality and quantity of these links play a crucial role in determining the authority of a website within the vast realm of the internet.
Types of Backlinks
Understanding the different types of backlinks is essential for optimizing your SEO strategy. Here are the primary categories:
1. Natural Backlinks
These are earned organically without any direct action from the website owner. For instance, a journalist may reference a well-researched article, including a link back to the original source. Natural backlinks are often seen as the most valuable due to their authenticity.
2. Manual Backlinks
These are acquired through deliberate efforts, such as outreach campaigns where website owners request links from other sites. This method can include partnerships, guest blogging
, or collaborations that encourage other websites to feature your content. Manual backlinks allow website owners to strategically build their link profile and can be particularly effective when done through networking within industry circles or by contributing valuable content that resonates with the target audience.
3. Self-Created Backlinks
Self-created backlinks are links that website owners create themselves, often through user profiles, forum signatures, or blog comments. While these links can drive traffic and increase visibility, they may be viewed as less authoritative compared to natural or manual backlinks. Search engines tend to scrutinize self-created backlinks, so it's crucial to engage in this practice with care and ensure they are placed within relevant, high-quality content.
4. Editorial Backlinks
These backlinks are generated when authoritative websites link to your content in their articles as a reference or citation. Generally achieved through high-quality, valuable content that piques the interest of editors or influencers, editorial backlinks are the gold standard in link-building. They not only enhance credibility but also boost traffic significantly as they often stem from reputable sources.
Why Are Backlinks Important for SEO?
Backlinks play a fundamental role in the SEO landscape, serving multiple purposes that significantly influence a site’s search engine ranking. Here are a few reasons
why backlinks are crucial for SEO:
1. Improved Search Engine Rankings
Search engines, like Google, consider backlinks a vote of confidence from one site to another. The more backlinks a page has from reputable sources, the more likely it is to rank higher in search results. This is because search engines interpret these links as endorsements of content quality and relevance. Thus, a well-linked site tends to dwarf its competitors in search rankings, driving more organic traffic.
2. Increased Referral Traffic
Backlinks from other reputable websites can funnel users to your site directly. When a user clicks on a backlink, they are redirected to your content, potentially increasing your traffic. This referral traffic is valuable because these visitors are often highly interested in your content or offerings, which can lead to higher engagement rates, conversions, and ultimately, sales.
3. Enhanced Domain Authority
A robust backlink profile helps to establish and improve a site’s domain authority — a metric that predicts how well a website will rank on search engines. Sites with diverse and high-quality backlinks are viewed as authoritative by search engines, which can further boost their visibility and credibility in their respective niches.
3. Enhanced Domain Authority (Continued)
Domain authority is not just a measure of how many backlinks a site has; it also considers the quality, relevance, and trustworthiness of those links. A few key aspects contribute to enhancing domain authority through effective backlink strategies:
a. Quality Over Quantity
While having a large number of backlinks can be beneficial, the quality of those links takes precedence. A single backlink from a high-authority site can have a more significant impact on your domain authority than numerous links from low-quality sites. Therefore, focusing on acquiring high-quality backlinks from reputable sources is crucial for long-term SEO success.
b. Diversity of Backlinks
Having backlinks from a variety of domains signals to search engines that your content is valuable and widely recognized. This diversity helps build trust and authority, as it shows that different websites in your niche find your content worth linking to. Engaging with various formats of content, such as guest posts, infographics, and social media mentions, can help create a diverse backlink profile.
c. Relevance Matters
The relevance of the linking site to your own content is another essential factor. Backlinks from sites that operate within your industry or niche provide more value
to your SEO efforts than links from unrelated sites. When a reputable site within your niche links to your content, it serves as a recommendation to both users and search engines that your content is credible and authoritative. This relevance creates a connection that can enhance your visibility in search results, as search engines prioritize delivering relevant results to user queries.
For example, if you run a health and wellness blog, a backlink from a popular fitness magazine or a respected health organization would yield more SEO benefit than a link from a site focused on automotive repairs. This is because the fitness magazine likely shares an audience interested in health, making the link more meaningful.
4. Improved Search Engine Rankings
Obtaining high-quality and relevant backlinks can significantly contribute to improved search engine rankings. Search engines, particularly Google, utilize algorithms that analyze backlinks as a signal of content quality and authority. When they notice numerous authoritative sites linking to your content, they interpret this as an indicator that your site has valuable information that deserves to rank higher in search results.
However, it’s not just about the quantity of backlinks; the overall link profile—comprising its diversity, quality, and relevance—plays a crucial role in determining your rankings. As a result, implementing a thoughtful backlink strategy
Is essential for achieving sustainable SEO success.
To construct an effective backlink strategy, focus on the following best practices:
a. Quality Over Quantity
While it may be tempting to accumulate as many backlinks as possible, it’s far more beneficial to prioritize high-quality links from reputable sources. A few backlinks from authoritative websites can outweigh numerous links from lower-quality sites. Search engines tend to trust links from established, credible websites more than those from lesser-known or unreliable sources.
b. Natural Link Building Techniques
Aim for organic link-building methods rather than manipulative tactics that might trigger penalties from search engines. Some effective natural strategies include:
- Creating High-Quality Content: Producing well-researched, original, and engaging content encourages others to link to your site naturally. Content that solves problems or offers unique insights tends to get more attention.
- Guest Blogging: Writing guest posts for reputable websites in your niche not only helps you establish authority but also secures backlinks to your site. Ensure that the content you provide is relevant and beneficial to the host site’s audience.
- Networking and Collaboration: Building relationships with influencers and fellow content creators can lead to collaboration opportunities. This networking may result in reciprocal linking or mentions, further
4. Facilitates Indexing
Backlinks
Backlinks, sometimes referred to as inbound links or incoming links, are hyperlinks that direct users from one website to another. Essentially, when one website links to another, it creates a backlink. This is significant because it is a primary method by which search engines like Google gauge the authority, relevance, and trustworthiness of a webpage.
Types of Backlinks
- Dofollow Backlinks: These are the standard type of backlinks. Search engines follow them and pass on "link juice," which can improve the linked site’s search engine rankings.
- Nofollow Backlinks: These links come with a rel="nofollow" tag, instructing search engines not to pass on link equity. While they do not contribute directly to SEO rankings, they can still drive traffic and enhance brand visibility.
- Natural Backlinks: These occur organically, when other websites naturally link to your content because they find it valuable and relevant.
- Manual Backlinks: These are created through deliberate actions, such as outreach to bloggers or site owners to request a link to your content.
- Self-created Backlinks: These are links that you create yourself from forums, blog comments, or directories. However,
Types of Backlinks
Understanding the different types of backlinks is essential for optimizing your SEO strategy. Here are the primary categories:
1. Natural Backlinks
Natural backlinks are those that are earned organically without any effort from the website owner. They typically occur when a content creator identifies a valuable resource and links to it in their own content. For instance, a blogger writing about digital marketing might link to a reputable article on SEO strategies from your website simply because they found it informative and useful. These links are often viewed as the most valuable since they stem from genuine recognition of quality content.
2. Manually Built Backlinks
These backlinks are created through deliberate efforts on the part of a website owner, such as outreach campaigns or guest blogging. For example, if you collaborate with a fellow content creator and write a guest post on their blog, and they include a link back to your site, you have successfully built a manual backlink. Although these links require a proactive approach, they can still be quite valuable if they come from authoritative sources.
3. Self-Created Backlinks
Self-created backlinks are links generated by website owners themselves, often found in forums, blog comments, or online directories. While they can
be easy to acquire, their effectiveness can vary significantly. Many search engines have become sophisticated in recognizing this type of link and may discount their value if they appear spammy or irrelevant. For example, posting a comment on a blog with a backlink to your site that merely plugs your product without contributing to the discussion can be considered low-quality and could even harm your site’s credibility.
Risks of Self-Created Backlinks
Creating self-generated backlinks can come with risks, especially if done indiscriminately. Websites that engage in aggressive self-promotion in comments or forums may be perceived as spammy by both users and search engines. This can lead to penalties that diminish your site’s ranking or, in severe cases, result in complete removal from search engine results.
Best Practices for Self-Created Backlinks
If you do choose to pursue self-created backlinks, it’s essential to adhere to best practices to ensure they are beneficial rather than detrimental. Here are some recommendations:
- Be Relevant: Ensure the links you create are relevant to the discussion or content where you are posting. Avoid random comments that do not provide value to the conversation.
- Add Value: Instead of simply linking to your site, contribute meaningful insights or additional resources
Best Practices for Self-Created Backlinks
- Focus on Relevance: Ensure that the platforms where you create backlinks are relevant to your industry or niche. This increases the likelihood that users will click through while also signaling to search engines that your content is pertinent, which can boost your SEO rankings.
- Use Natural Anchor Text: The text used to hyperlink, known as anchor text, should be descriptive and relevant to the linked content. Avoid keyword stuffing; instead, use variations that appear natural within the context of your writing. This not only improves user experience but also adheres to search engine guidelines.
- Diversify Your Link Sources: Reliance on a single source for backlinks can raise red flags to search engines. Create links from different types of platforms such as blogs, forums, social media, and industry directories. A diverse link profile helps establish credibility and authority in your niche.
- Engage in Guest Blogging: Contributing articles to reputable blogs in your field can effectively establish backlinks while also showcasing your expertise. Always prioritize quality over
If you do choose to pursue self-created backlinks, it’s essential to adhere to best practices to ensure they are beneficial rather than detrimental. Here are some recommendations:
What Are Backlinks and Why Are They Important for SEO?
Backlinks
A backlink is a link created when one website links to another. Backlinks are also called “links”, or "inbound links", or "incoming links." Backlinks are important to people moving around the internet and to Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Think of them as votes of credibility from other websites, signaling to search engines that your content is valuable, credible, and useful. When a reputable site links to your content, it's like receiving a nod of approval in the vast digital landscape. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the higher your website is likely to rank in search results. This is because search engines view these links as endorsements, helping to boost your site's authority and visibility.
Tools: Check your backlinks with Link Explorer
For example, a website about British hedgehogs has a page about a hedgehog awareness drive and links to a helpful and relevant resource that aids in documenting hedgehog sighting. The hedgehog map can then be said to have received a backlink from the British hedgehog site. The blue underlined text is the backlink pointing from the first site to the second, and it is typically found within the main content of web pages.
Creating a quality blog post that provides valuable information or insights can increase the likelihood of others linking to your content, thus enhancing its visibility in search results.
Backlinks are made up of HTML, which is a language that can be used to mark up the text on your website pages. If you are working with the raw code of a website, a backlink looks like this within a page's content:
The “a” portion of the links stands for attribute, the “href” stands for hypertext reference, meaning you are about to enter the destination of the link, the URL portion beginning with “https” is the page you are pointing the link to, the word “hedgehog map” is the anchor text and is the clickable, visible part of the link, and the “< /a> closes off the attribute.
Additionally, most CMS or website builder products will simply have fields that allow you to highlight text, click a link icon, and paste in the URL of the page you want to link out to. This may include the text “insert link” a link icon or both. Your CMS may also allow you to view and edit your links so you can enter the link information without having to enter the HTML code, including opening link in a new tab.
The HTML or the code-free solution in your CMS or website builder would result in the words “hedgehog map” being linked to the URL you have entered.
Traditionally backlinks are blue and frequently underlined, but site owners can choose to style them in other ways. When hovering over a linked word or phrase your cursor changes from an arrow icon to a pointer icon, if you want to know where the link will direct you we can see the destination URL appear in the bottom left corner of your browser window.
Source: moz.com
Why are backlinks important?
There are two main reasons that website owners want to earn backlinks. The first is very practical: discovery by searchers. It's easy to imagine an internet searcher visiting a page about hedgehogs and encountering the backlink to the hedgehog mapping site. If they click on that link they could likely spend time there and become a fan, a subscriber, and a person who shares that link with their family, friends, and followers. Links are what enable searchers to move from one place to another around the web, and the more links a site has pointing to it, the greater its chances of being discovered by people.
Backlinks are a crucial component of search engine optimization, as they help improve a site's visibility and ranking in search results.
The second reason backlinks are so important is a bit of a longer story, which we can break down into three easy-to-understand numbered points:
1. Backlinks for search engine crawling and indexing
It isn't just people who use backlinks to get around the web. Search engines (like Google) use programs called crawlers, bots, or spiders to crawl the web from link to link, discovering content by following the paths links create and then putting that content in their index. In order for a search engine to display a page in their results, they first have to find it, and the simplest way that happens is via a link.
2. Backlinks as a ranking signal
Search engines don't merely use links to crawl the web, discover, and index content - they also use backlinks to evaluate where a web page deserves to be ranked within their results, but it's important to note that not all backlinks are equally beneficial. In this context, it can help to think of each backlink you earn as being like a “vote” for the value of the page being linked to. It stands to reason for Google to believe that if your page on hedgehogs has earned 500 backlinks from sites across the web, and a competitor's similar page has only earned 3, your page might be the better resource.
In Google's explanation of how they generate search engine results, shown above, they state that backlinks are one of the factors they take into consideration to determine how prominent a given page should be.
This ties in most closely with the “A” (authority) portion of Google's E-E-A-T signals that they train their quality rater workforce to evaluate in their job of analyzing the quality of the search engine results. This concept of authority largely hinges on whether third party publications recognize your page as an authoritative source, and they signal this by either linking to or mentioning your publication.
For example, a gardening site, or site about wildlife linking to a hedgehog mapping website tells Google that it considers this to be an authoritative resource on the subject at hand. The more often relevant sites link to your published content, the better your chances of being displayed as an authoritative resource in Google's search engine results. The quest, then, to earn lots of high quality backlinks from trusted websites has become a cornerstone of SEO work.
3. Backlinks as a source of competitive intelligence
Because backlinks are believed to play such a big role in how pages and websites rank in the search engine results pages (SERPs), it stands to reason that being able to find out who is linking to your competitors could give you a sense of the sources you'll need to earn links from to level up or surpass the competition.
In general, what you're looking for is backlinks from high-quality publications that are relevant to yours. Is it easy to see the relationship between a site or page? In the example we've been using through out this article it's easy to understand the relationship between a site or page that focuses on eco-friendly gardening and a second site or page that is explaining how to ensure you're making a place in your garden for an endangered species, like hedgehogs. It would be less understandable if the hedgehog site had earned links from an online shoe store, or a site devoted to fashion, or cooking. In evaluating your competitors' backlinks you'll want to consider whether all the links they've earned are truly high quality, or if some of them are not so good and possibly even represent link spam.
In addition to the number of backlinks, the diversity of referring domains is also crucial for establishing a strong link profile and enhancing SEO performance.
But in order to assess the state of your own backlinks or your competitors', you'll need to be able to look at them all in one place, and this brings us to the subject of SEO tools.
Source: moz.com
What are nofollow links?
If you sign give Moz Pro a free test drive, you'll see that this software reports on the percentage of no-follow links associated with sites you're investigating. A nofollow link is a link that contains instructions for search engine crawlers not to follow either an entire page on a website or a particular link on a page. In HTML, nofollow links look like this:
It's the rel=”nofollow” segment that instructs the crawlers not to bother crawling the link in question. While this command makes no difference to what human visitors see on a live webpage, it can be a useful protocol for site owners in specific scenarios.
For example, if your site is a forum, a blog, an open source editable platform, or any other entity that accepts inputs from the public, you may experience a lack of control over what your members, contributors, or commenters link out to. Linking out to trusted websites is always fine, but linking out to spammy content could make your site appear suspicious by association to people and search engines. By using the “nofollow” element in such links, you are letting Google and other search engines know that these links are not meant to be seen as your site's votes for the authority, relevance, or trustworthiness of the content being cited and should not pass equity from your site to theirs. Search engines originally developed the nofollow attribute to confront the big problem of blog comment spam.
Another common practice is to make all links associated with paid advertising nofollow links. For example, the hedgehog mapping site bought a banner ad on a gardening site, Google would want the link associated with the banner to a nofollow link, because money has changed hands for the publicity. Meanwhile, the presence of a nofollow policy can also discourage some spammers from trying to exploit your site to build up their own domain authority and page authority.
On the flip side of the coin, you may earn a desirable backlink and discover it's a nofollow link. While this can be disappointing, because the link will not be passing equity to your site, nofollow links can still be treated as mentions of your site and followed by human visitors. They can still contribute to your overall marketing plan because they increase visibility, clickthrough rate and other helpful metrics.
Source: moz.com
Does linking out with nofollow links hurt your site's SEO?
Backlinks are something you can give as well as receive. Any time you link out from your site to a third party site, you're conferring authority to that third party. There is a persistent myth that providing backlinks to third parties somehow drains your site of power, but this is simply not the case. In fact, Google's John Mueller has stated
“Linking to other websites is a great way to provide value to your users. Often, links help users to find out more, to check out your sources and to better understand how your content is relevant to the questions that they have.”
Creating a well-optimized blog post can serve as a linkable asset, encouraging other websites to reference and link back to it, thereby enhancing your site's SEO performance.
In other words, if a hedgehog related site published an article about the best hedges to plant in your garden to shelter hedgehogs and they linked out to the eco-friendly gardening site for more information on native hedging plants, it's signaling that both publications exist in a related world of ideas and information. So long as what you link to is of real benefit to your site's visitors (and you aren't engaging in any of the bad link building practices) linking out can be a positive thing.
Source: moz.com
What Are Backlinks and Why Are They Important for SEO?
Backlinks
A backlink is a link created when one website links to another. Backlinks are also called “links”, or "inbound links", or "incoming links." Backlinks are important to people moving around the internet and to Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Think of them as votes of credibility from other websites, signaling to search engines that your content is valuable, credible, and useful. When a reputable site links to your content, it's like receiving a nod of approval in the vast digital landscape. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the higher your website is likely to rank in search results. This is because search engines view these links as endorsements, helping to boost your site's authority and visibility.
Tools: Check your backlinks with Link Explorer
For example, a website about British hedgehogs has a page about a hedgehog awareness drive and links to a helpful and relevant resource that aids in documenting hedgehog sighting. The hedgehog map can then be said to have received a backlink from the British hedgehog site. The blue underlined text is the backlink pointing from the first site to the second, and it is typically found within the main content of web pages.
Creating a quality blog post that provides valuable information or insights can increase the likelihood of others linking to your content, thus enhancing its visibility in search results.
Backlinks are made up of HTML, which is a language that can be used to mark up the text on your website pages. If you are working with the raw code of a website, a backlink looks like this within a page's content:
The “a” portion of the links stands for attribute, the “href” stands for hypertext reference, meaning you are about to enter the destination of the link, the URL portion beginning with “https” is the page you are pointing the link to, the word “hedgehog map” is the anchor text and is the clickable, visible part of the link, and the “< /a> closes off the attribute.
Additionally, most CMS or website builder products will simply have fields that allow you to highlight text, click a link icon, and paste in the URL of the page you want to link out to. This may include the text “insert link” a link icon or both. Your CMS may also allow you to view and edit your links so you can enter the link information without having to enter the HTML code, including opening link in a new tab.
Source: moz.com
While growing your good backlinks over time should help your website build authority, it's crucial to know that Google specifically calls out bad link building practices in their Webmaster Guidelines, and can heavily penalize websites that engage in forbidden link building practices.
For example, if your site is a forum, a blog, an open source editable platform, or any other entity that accepts inputs from the public, you may experience a lack of control over what your members, contributors, or commenters link out to. Linking out to trusted websites is always fine, but linking out to spammy content could make your site appear suspicious by association to people and search engines. By using the “nofollow” element in such links, you are letting Google and other search engines know that these links are not meant to be seen as your site's votes for the authority, relevance, or trustworthiness of the content being cited and should not pass equity from your site to theirs. Search engines originally developed the nofollow attribute to confront the big problem of blog comment spam.
Within their documentation, Google states that PageRank is:
Let's look at findings from Ahrefs, Backlinko and MonsterInsights:
According to Google, backlinks are one of the top three ranking factors it considers. In addition, the more backlinks a page has, the more organic traffic it typically gets from search engines.
According to Ahrefs, over 43% of top-ranking pages on Google contain reciprocal links.
Utilize comprehensive tools such as Ahrefs, Moz, or SEMrush to monitor your profile, analyze competitor backlinks, and identify new link-building opportunities.
Skyscraper technique:Improve upon a currently-linked article andoffer yours as an alternative. Make sure your resource is easier to understand or more in-depth to persuade the site to link to yours instead.
Backlinks for Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Another effective strategy for building backlinks is through the Guest Blogging method. By writing high-quality articles for other websites in your niche, you not only get exposure to a new audience but also have the opportunity to include a link back to your own site in your author bio or within the content, if allowed. When executing this tactic, ensure that the blogs you target are reputable and relevant to your industry to maximize the impact on your SEO.
Building Relationships for Backlink Opportunities
Networking with other bloggers and businesses can open up valuable opportunities for backlinks. Building genuine relationships through social media, industry events, or online forums can lead to collaborative projects, interviews, or simply requests for backlinks. When others recognize you as a thought leader in your field, they're more likely to reference your work and link to your site.
Diversifying Your Backlink Profile
It is vital to have a diverse backlink profile, meaning your backlinks should come from a variety of sources—different websites, domains, and types of content. A healthy mix of follow and nofollow links can contribute positively to your site's authority. Pay attention to the context of where your backlinks are placed—being linked from a related context signals to search engines that your content is relevant and valuable.
Creating
Creating a Strong Backlink Profile
To build an effective backlink profile, you need a strategic approach. Here are some essential methods to consider:
1. Quality Over Quantity
While it might be tempting to amass as many backlinks as possible, it’s crucial to focus on the quality of the links rather than just the sheer number. Backlinks from high-authority websites carry more weight and can significantly impact your search engine ranking. Aim to secure links from reputable sources relevant to your niche, as these will enhance your site's credibility.
2. Diverse Link Sources
As mentioned earlier, diversifying your backlink sources helps create a more natural link profile. Engage with a mix of blogs, news sites, academic journals, and social media platforms. Additionally, consider guest blogging or collaborating with influencers in your field. These methods can provide valuable opportunities to earn quality backlinks and widen your reach.
3. Create Shareable Content
Producing high-quality, valuable content is one of the best ways to attract natural backlinks. Infographics, comprehensive guides, listicles, and original research pieces often get shared more widely. If your content addresses specific pain points or provides unique insights, it’s more likely to earn links
