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Backlinks 101: What are Backlinks and Why should you care?

Jan 22

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A poster showing the word Backlinks

When it comes to digital marketing, there’s one unsung hero that holds the keys to your site’s success — backlinks. What are Backlinks and Why should you care?


Now let’s face it, unless you’ve been hanging out in SEO circles or talking shop with a bunch of webmasters, you might be wondering.......


A poster with the question; What on earth are backlinks and Why should I care about them?


Great news: You're about to embark on an epic journey to understand backlinks in a fun and approachable way. Buckle up!


A though bubble with the words; What are backlinks anyway?

What Are Backlinks Anyway?


First, let’s break it down..........


A backlink is like a vote of confidence from one website to another.


If Website A links to Website B, Website A is essentially saying, "Hey, this website is worth your time and attention!" It's like being recommended by a friend who vouches for your expertise—only this friend is a fellow website, and this recommendation tells search engines like Google that you’re reputable.


Why Should You Care About Backlinks?


You might be wondering, "Cool, but why should I focus on getting backlinks?"


The answer’s pretty simple:


  • Google Loves Them: Google’s job is to present the best, most relevant content to its users. Backlinks are like a stamp of approval, showing Google that other websites trust your content and think it’s valuable enough to share.


  • Improved Search Rankings: More quality backlinks mean more credibility, which leads to higher search rankings. When you rank better, more people discover your site, and more traffic flows in. That’s a win-win!


  • Referral Traffic: Even if you’re not ranking #1 on Google (yet!), backlinks are a way to drive direct traffic to your site. If someone clicks on a link from another site to yours, you get traffic without having to lift a finger.


  • Building Relationships: Backlink building isn’t just about adding links to your site—it’s about building relationships in your industry. Reaching out to other websites and collaborating opens doors to partnerships, guest posts, and other growth opportunities.


So, where do we sign up to collect them?


Rubbing his hands in glee.....

How to Get Backlinks Without Appearing Desperate.....


Alright, just to be clear: there’s no need to slide into DMs or beg anyone for backlinks.


A desk with the words above stating Quality over quantity, remember?
Quality over Quantity

You want to be the “chill” website everyone naturally wants to link to.


Here’s how to make some digital friends:


  • Create Content That’s Worth Linking To - Backlinks don’t grow on trees (sadly) ; they come from high-quality, valuable content. When you write something informative, helpful, or downright epic, others will want to reference it. Think blog posts, infographics, videos, case studies — the good stuff people can’t help but link to.


  • Guest Blogging (But Do It Right) - One of the oldest tricks in the backlink book is guest blogging. Reach out to reputable websites in your niche and offer to write an article. Not only do you provide value to their audience, but you also get a shiny backlink in return. Remember: don’t pitch everyone. Target sites that are genuinely aligned with your niche.


  • Broken Link Building (Like Digital Triage) - The internet has tons of broken links—pages that lead to nowhere. You can find broken links on other websites and offer your own content as a replacement. This not only helps out website owners by fixing dead ends but also gives you a link to your well-crafted content.


  • Use Social Media to Build Backlinks - While social media links don’t directly impact SEO, the exposure and traffic you get from sharing your content can lead to organic backlinks. If your blog post or article catches someone’s eye, they might reference it elsewhere, giving you the backlink you deserve. Social signals can be an indirect factor, boosting your visibility.


  • Ask and You Shall Receive - Don’t be afraid to ask for backlinks, but do it the right way. Reach out to bloggers, influencers, and other websites and kindly ask if they’d consider linking to your article—make it clear how it would benefit their readers. Personalize each request. Nobody likes spam!


  • Collaborate with Industry Leaders - Maybe you’re not quite the backlink king or queen yet, but you’re about to get closer. Teaming up with influencers or respected figures in your industry opens the door for backlinks. A well-placed link from a high-authority site can make all the difference in your rankings.


Avoid the Dark Side of Backlinking


A sign plate stating the words; The Bad Side you want to avoid

Now that we know how to win friends and influence people,

let’s talk about the bad stuff you want to avoid:


  1. Buying Backlinks - NO, No, No.... It’s tempting to speed up the process by buying backlinks, but DON’T. Google isn’t a fan of this, and it could lead to penalties, harming your site’s ranking rather than boosting it.


  2. Link Farms and PBNs (Private Blog Networks)These are shady, artificial methods of getting backlinks. Not only are they not sustainable, but Google can spot these “black hat” tactics from a mile away. Stick with the organic approach—quality links will always be more valuable than cheap ones.


How Many Backlinks Are Enough?


This is a tricky question. There’s no magic number, but it’s crucial to remember that quality trumps quantity. One solid backlink from a reputable site often works better than dozens of low-quality ones.


Focus on getting relevant links from trusted sources within your industry.


It’s also about a steady pace. You can’t expect to amass hundreds of backlinks overnight. Aim for continuous, strategic efforts, and you'll build a solid backlink profile over time.


Backlinks are Like Digital Street Cred


Think of backlinks like those peer-reviewed references on your resume.


They vouch for your credibility, and over time, they help build trust with Google, driving more traffic, more exposure, and ultimately more success.


Backlinks aren’t a quick fix; they’re part of a well-rounded SEO strategy.


So, now that you know how valuable backlinks are, get out there and start making some digital friends.


Whether you create epic content, pitch guest posts, or assist others by fixing their broken links, you’re sure to see your efforts pay off in improved search rankings and online visibility.


And who knows, with a few quality backlinks, you might just become the it website everyone’s talking about.


A poster with the expression 'Keep on linking and keep on winning'
Keep on linking and keep on winning!


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