First and foremost, this article is really intended to be more of a point of reference for what backlinks are and does not include backlink strategy. That will be covered in later articles.
Backlinks, also known as inbound or incoming links, are hyperlinks from one web page to another. They play a crucial role in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) by influencing a website’s visibility and ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs). The fundamental concept behind backlinks lies in the idea that if a website is linked by other reputable and relevant sites, search engines consider it as a signal of credibility and authority. Essentially, backlinks serve as a vote of confidence or a recommendation from one website to another.
The importance of backlinks in SEO cannot be overstated. Search engines, such as Google, use complex algorithms to evaluate and rank websites based on various factors, with backlinks being a prominent one. Quality backlinks from authoritative and reputable websites are seen as a positive endorsement, indicating to search engines that the linked content is valuable and trustworthy. In contrast, a lack of backlinks or the presence of low-quality ones may lead to a lower ranking or even penalization by search engines.
Furthermore, backlinks contribute to the overall user experience by facilitating navigation between different web pages. When users encounter relevant links within content, it enhances their ability to explore additional information on related topics, creating a more comprehensive and interconnected web experience. This not only benefits users but also aligns with search engines’ goals of delivering high-quality and relevant content to their users.
In the realm of SEO, there are two types of backlinks: dofollow and nofollow. Dofollow links pass link equity, positively impacting the linked-to webpage’s ranking, while nofollow links signal to search engines that they should not influence the linked page’s ranking. While both types have their place, dofollow links are generally more coveted in the SEO world due to their potential to boost a website’s authority and visibility.
To build a robust backlink profile, website owners and marketers often engage in link-building strategies. This involves actively seeking opportunities to acquire quality backlinks through methods such as guest posting, influencer collaborations, and creating shareable, valuable content. It’s important to note that the focus should be on acquiring natural, relevant, and high-quality backlinks, as opposed to resorting to manipulative practices that can lead to penalties from search engines.
Overall, backlinks are a cornerstone of effective SEO, acting as a key factor in determining a website’s credibility, authority, and overall visibility on search engine results pages. As search engines continue to refine their algorithms, a strategic and ethical approach to building and managing backlinks remains essential for online success.
In the coming weeks, we will start working on articles on how to get backlinks,, paid or otherwise, and the strategy in paying for them versus getting them manually on your own. Both can be very helpful on your website.
About The Author
Mark Temte
Mark Temte is our Director of Ecommerce & Digital Marketing. He originally started working with an affiliate company HVC Enterprises from 1996-2004, and rejoined our staff here at Ecom Internet Technologies in 2020. He has more than 25 years of experience in search engine optimization, web development, and digital marketing, working for various companies throughout the world. He has also worked as a contributing editor for Website Magazine in the early 2000’s. He is now our contributing editor and author of most articles here on our blog.
