Backlinks (also called “inbound links”) are links from one website to another. When Website A links to Website B, it counts as a backlink for Website B.
Search engines like Google consider backlinks as votes of confidence. The more high-quality backlinks a site has, the more authoritative it appears, leading to higher rankings.
2. Why Are Backlinks Important for SEO?
Google’s algorithm uses backlinks to:
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Determine authority – More backlinks from trusted sites = higher credibility.
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Improve rankings – Pages with strong backlinks rank better.
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Drive referral traffic – Users click backlinks, bringing visitors to your site.
According to a study by Ahrefs, 90.63% of pages get zero traffic from Google because they lack backlinks.
3. Types of Backlinks (Dofollow vs. Nofollow)
| Dofollow Backlinks | Nofollow Backlinks |
|---|---|
| Pass SEO value (link equity) | Do not pass SEO value |
| Help improve rankings | Still drive traffic |
| Example: Guest posts | Example: Forum links, social media |
While dofollow links are stronger, a natural backlink profile should include both.
4. How to Check Your Backlinks (Free Tools)
Want to see who’s linking to your site? Use these tools:
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Ahrefs Backlink Checker – Best for detailed analysis.
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SEO Review Tools Backlink Checker – Free & easy to use.
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SE Ranking Backlink Checker – Great for tracking competitors.
These tools show:
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Total backlinks
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Referring domains
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Anchor text distribution
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Toxic links (to disavow)
5. How to Build High-Quality Backlinks
A. Guest Blogging
Write for authoritative blogs in your niche with a backlink to your site.
B. Broken Link Building
Find broken links on high-authority sites and suggest your content as a replacement.
C. Skyscraper Technique
Find top-ranking content, make yours better, and ask for backlinks.
D. HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
Journalists need expert quotes—respond with insights and get a backlink.
E. Create Link-Worthy Content
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Infographics (Highly shareable)
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Case studies (Proves expertise)
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Ultimate guides (Long-form, detailed)
6. Common Backlinking Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Buying backlinks – Google penalizes this (Penguin algorithm).
❌ Spammy directory links – Low-quality directories hurt SEO.
❌ Over-optimized anchor text – Looks unnatural (e.g., “best SEO service” every time).
Instead, focus on natural, organic link-building.
7. FAQs About Backlinks
Q: How many backlinks do I need to rank?
A: Quality > Quantity. Even a few strong backlinks can outrank hundreds of weak ones.
Q: Can nofollow backlinks help SEO?
A: Indirectly—they drive traffic and diversify your link profile.
Q: How do I remove bad backlinks?
A: Use Google’s Disavow Tool to ignore toxic links.
