What Are Backlinks? Why Are They Important?
In 2018, 60% of marketers said that inbound strategies such as SEO and blogging are great sources of links. If you own a website and you’re growing your resource library, or you’ve at least been online frequently (which we’re certain you are) you may have heard of this term at some point: backlinks.
If you’ve set goals of being found more online through your blog posts, or simply want to provide more value above all, then understanding the significance of backlinks is one of the key strategies to unlocking your website's potential of being found. Google even said it: one of their top 3 ranking factors is backlinks. In this post, we’re shining light on backlinks, and how important they are in building a compelling online presence. Whether you're running an e-commerce platform, offering services, or sharing valuable insights through a blog, the power of backlinks is far reaching.
What are backlinks?
Backlinks, also known as inbound links, are hyperlinks that connect one web page to another. They serve as endorsements from one website to another, indicating credibility and authority. In simpler terms, when another website includes a link to your content, it's like a vote of confidence in your expertise.
Its importance cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to website development. Search engines, like Google, consider backlinks as a vote of confidence in your content's reliability and quality. The more high-quality backlinks you accumulate, the higher your website climbs on search engine result pages (SERPs). For your website, this means increased visibility, organic traffic, and a broader audience reach.
Let’s say you want to shop online for gift ideas that you can find locally. To add to that, you want a locally owned business that’s committed to making a positive impact to the environment and to the world. Then you stumble upon this article from Kochie’s Business Builders:
You then click on the link and it leads you to the article. As you read through it, you notice that the author linked all the shop’s websites for your convenience. There you have it, you’ve just come across backlinks.
When a reputable website links to your content, it's like a recommendation that encourages readers to explore your offerings. However, not all backlinks are created equal. High-quality backlinks, often referred to as authoritative or contextual backlinks, come from trustworthy sources that share a thematic connection with your content. These backlinks hold more weight in the eyes of search engines, propelling your website higher in search rankings.
Why do backlinks matter?
Backlinks play a pivotal role in getting organic traffic. They establish your website's credibility, allowing you to position yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Though they’re important, a surprising amount of 66.31% of web pages have no backlinks. As you read through this blog, you now have in your hands information on how important it is to get started on building strategies for backlinks.
When authoritative websites link to your content, you're not just attracting visitors – you're attracting the right visitors, those genuinely interested in what you offer.
Furthermore, backlinks fuel the growth of your blog library, making it a treasure trove of insights and resources that resonate with your target audience. Imagine curating a collection of articles that not only showcase your expertise, but also attract readers to further explore what you have to offer. Backlinks enhance the value of your blog posts, providing readers with additional resources to deepen their understanding of a topic.
Tips and reminders for using backlinks wisely
Quality Over Quantity:
Focus on acquiring backlinks from reputable sources relevant to your industry. A few high-quality backlinks can have a more significant impact than numerous low-quality ones.
Diversify Your Backlink Portfolio:
Aim for a diverse range of backlink sources, including industry-specific blogs, news sites, and educational institutions. This diversity showcases the breadth of your influence.
Engage in Guest Posting:
Contribute guest posts to authoritative websites in your niche. This not only establishes your authority but also provides opportunities to include relevant backlinks.
The Bottom Line
As you refine the resource building strategies you have for your websites, remember that backlinks are key to enhancing your online credibility. By understanding their significance and strategically leveraging them, you're not just boosting your website's visibility – you're shaping a digital identity that resonates with your audience.
Want to build a resource library that fits your services or industry like a glove? Reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you build a library of blogs for your website.
