SEO

How to Get Backlinks to Improve SEO: A Non-Technical Guide

Published
October 13, 2023

In the vast world of SEO, there's one term that keeps popping up: backlinks. But what are backlinks? And why do they matter so much in SEO? More importantly, how can you, as a website owner, gain more of them to boost your site's visibility and ranking? Let's dive into the world of backlinks and explore some strategies for getting more of them.

  • Backlinks are a crucial part of SEO that can significantly improve your website's visibility in search engines.
  • They involve getting other websites to link to your site, which can boost your site's credibility and ranking in search results.
  • Quality of quantity: a few backlinks from reputable sites are better than dozens from less-reputable ones.

What are Backlinks?

Backlinks, also known as inbound links or incoming links, are links from one website to a page on another website. They are like the currency of the internet; the more you have from reputable sources, the richer your site is in the eyes of search engines.

When another website links to yours, it's like they're giving you a thumbs up. They're saying, "Hey, this site has good stuff. You should check it out!" This vote of confidence, in the form of a backlink, signals to search engines that your content is high-quality and valuable.

Why Backlinks Matter for SEO

Backlinks are important for SEO because they can help improve your site's visibility in search engine results. When a site links to your site, search engines see this as a sign that your content is high-quality and relevant. This can boost your site's credibility and authority, which can improve your ranking in search results.

But it's not just about quantity; the quality of your backlinks matters too. A few high-quality backlinks from authoritative sites can be more beneficial than a large number of low-quality backlinks. That's why it's important to focus on getting backlinks from reputable sites that are relevant to your industry or niche.

What makes a website ‘reputable’?

Reputation and backlinks go hand in hand—the more reputable backlinks you have, the more reputable you become. It might seem a little self-fulfilling, but it’s similar to the way reputation works in the real world. If a lot of people trust Alice, and Alice trusts Bob, it feels like we should be able to trust Bob too.

Online, reputable websites are usually easy to find—they’re the ones at the top of your search rankings. Large websites that you check regularly or popular blogs that a lot of people visit are good examples, but you don’t need to be a superstar to be considered reputable.

The goal of backlinking is to take the reputation from other sites and have it reflect on yours. A few good quality links can be all it takes to establish you as a reputable site. The more you get, the stronger your reputation becomes.

Tips for Getting More Backlinks

Getting more backlinks might sound complicated, but there are plenty of simple strategies you can use:

  • Create shareable infographics: Infographics are a great way to present information in a visually appealing way. They're easy to understand, shareable, and a great way to provide a lot of information in a digestible format. If your infographic is unique and valuable, other sites might link to it, giving you a valuable backlink.
  • Write articles that organise data in a unique way: If you can present data in a new and interesting way, other sites might link to your article as a valuable resource. This could be anything from a comprehensive guide to a topic in your industry, to a listicle that presents information in a fun and engaging way.
  • Reach out to people to have your link placed on their site: This can involve reaching out to bloggers, influencers, or other relevant sites and asking them to link to your content. This is often referred to as outreach link building. It requires some effort and patience, but it can be a great way to gain high-quality backlinks.

Conclusion

Backlinks are a crucial part of SEO that can significantly improve your website's visibility in search engines. By creating valuable content and using effective strategies, you can get more backlinks and boost your site's credibility and ranking.

Sam van den Nieuwenhof
Founder
,
twodoor marketing

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