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Link Building

How valuable good (organic) backlinks for your online business?

Oct 30, 2017

In our days, terms like “natural” or “good” backlinks are going to be thrown around like crazy. To build a resultative link building campaign, you should pay your attention to good, relevant and natural backlinks as it is a basic requirement Google provide to website owners.

Whether you are going to build your link building campaign, attend SEO conference or your boss asks you about quality links to his new online project, it is significant to know all types of links.

This short article is designed to help you to understand each type of link, provide you with definitions, and help you to realize which kind of backlinks can meet your business needs.

good backlinks

Types of backlinks

Good (natural) backlinks

A natural backlinks is that occurs and exists in organic way. It is not placed by your company and not purchased by someone. It does not have any tracking parameters as well as not exist within a sponsored text or advertisement. Moreover, a good (natural) backlink is not redirected through JavaScript or any other monetization tools. It is a link which is placed manually by a user who create a reference to a piece of content or some branded product or service. He makes it by his own will without any intend to promote this brand.

Unnatural (paid) backlink

In contrast to good backlinks, this kind of links are placed in a sponsored content and can be tracked by PR agencies or being monetized through various affiliate and partner programs. They are putted intentionally by marketers or resource owners to advertise some brand. If unnatural backlinks have a status of dofollow, then it may cause Google penalties according to the updated Penguin tool. These penalties can be severe and cause a significant website rankings drop.

Google detects unnatural (paid) backlinks by the following criteria:

not naturally earned links have tracking parameters like UTM source and medium;
they surrounded by sponsored or advertising content;
they came from websites which implement monetization scripts.

quality backlinks

You can check whether a website has natural or unnatural backlinks, looking through the website's code, outbound redirects, and other unnatural techniques.

Semi-natural backlinks

There are some cases when you can discover some mixed types of backlinks. For instance, when it is a natural link on all grounds, but uses some tracking parameters. If you click on a backlink, you will be redirected to the page which can have some tracking parameters. Users who follow this link can copy and paste it directly to their web sources giving natural links that also have these settings. As a result, you get unnatural but organic backlinks.

To improve the quality of semi-natural backlinks, you need to make sure that as a user reaches your web page through a tracked link, you set a redirect to bring some specific parameters by at the same time resolve to the organic page structure.

Kate Barmina

Thank you for reading my article on Good Backlinks. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share them here!

Michael

Great article! Backlinks are definitely an important factor in SEO. I would love to hear more about how to build high-quality backlinks.

Kate Barmina

Thank you, Michael! I'm glad you found the article helpful. Building high-quality backlinks is essential for SEO success. I will cover some effective strategies in my upcoming articles.

Sara

I have heard that backlinks from authoritative websites carry more weight in SEO. Is that true?

Kate Barmina

Hi Sara! Yes, you're absolutely right. Backlinks from authoritative websites are considered more valuable by search engines. They can positively impact your website's SEO efforts.

James

What are some ways to get high-quality backlinks? Any specific strategies that you recommend?

Kate Barmina

Hi James! There are several strategies to get high-quality backlinks. Some effective methods include guest blogging, reaching out to influencers, creating valuable content, and participating in relevant online communities.

Emily

Are there any potential risks of building backlinks? I've heard about Google penalties for unnatural link building.

Kate Barmina

Hi Emily! Yes, there are risks associated with unnatural link building. Google penalizes websites that engage in manipulative or spammy link building practices. It's important to focus on building natural and relevant backlinks to avoid any penalties.

Mark

What are some tools or resources that can help with backlink analysis and monitoring?

Kate Barmina

Hi Mark! There are several tools available for backlink analysis and monitoring. Some popular ones include SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz. These tools can provide valuable insights into your backlink profile and help you track the effectiveness of your link building efforts.

Sarah

I've heard about the concept of 'nofollow' links. How do they impact SEO?

Kate Barmina

Hi Sarah! 'Nofollow' links are tags added to the HTML code of a link. They tell search engines not to follow or pass on any SEO value to the linked website. While 'nofollow' links don't directly impact SEO, they can still bring indirect benefits such as referral traffic and exposure.

Adam

Do internal links also have an impact on SEO? Should I focus on them as well?

Kate Barmina

Hi Adam! Internal links are indeed important for SEO. They help search engines discover and understand the structure of your website. Internal linking also assists in spreading link authority throughout your site. So, yes, it's a good practice to focus on internal linking as well.

Olivia

How long does it usually take to see the effects of backlinks on SEO? Is it an immediate boost?

Kate Barmina

Hi Olivia! The effects of backlinks on SEO can vary. It typically takes time for search engines to discover and evaluate new backlinks. So, the impact may not be immediate. However, with consistent link building efforts, you can see positive results over time.

Daniel

Is it worth investing in professional SEO services to build backlinks or can I do it on my own?

Kate Barmina

Hi Daniel! It depends on your knowledge and available resources. If you have the time and expertise, you can certainly build backlinks on your own. However, professional SEO services can provide valuable insights and save you time by executing effective link building strategies. It's worth considering if you have the budget.

Linda

Are there any specific metrics to consider while evaluating the quality of backlinks?

Kate Barmina

Hi Linda! Yes, there are several metrics to consider when evaluating the quality of backlinks. Some important ones include domain authority, relevance, anchor text, and the trustworthiness of the linking website. These metrics can help you determine the value of a backlink to your SEO efforts.

Tom

Is it better to focus on getting a few high-quality backlinks or many low-quality ones?

Kate Barmina

Hi Tom! It's always better to focus on quality rather than quantity when it comes to backlinks. A few high-quality backlinks from authoritative sources can have a more significant impact on your SEO efforts compared to numerous low-quality ones. Quality over quantity is key!

Michaela

What are some common mistakes to avoid when building backlinks?

Kate Barmina

Hi Michaela! Some common mistakes to avoid when building backlinks include buying links, engaging in link schemes, using irrelevant anchor texts, and focusing solely on quantity rather than quality. These practices can harm your SEO efforts instead of helping them.

Rob

I have a small local business. How can I build backlinks specifically for local SEO?

Kate Barmina

Hi Rob! Building backlinks for local SEO can be done through strategies like getting listed in local directories, reaching out to local influencers or businesses for partnerships, and participating in community events. Local citations also play a significant role. These actions can help improve your local business visibility in search results.

Emma

Can social media backlinks also help with SEO?

Kate Barmina

Hi Emma! Social media backlinks may not directly impact SEO rankings. However, social media platforms can help generate traffic and visibility for your website, potentially leading to natural backlinks from other sources. So, social media can indirectly contribute to your overall SEO efforts.

Sophia

Should I focus on building backlinks only to my homepage or also to other pages on my website?

Kate Barmina

Hi Sophia! It's important to build backlinks to both your homepage and other relevant pages on your website. Diversifying your backlink profile across different pages can help improve the overall authority and visibility of your website. So, I recommend focusing on building backlinks to various pages, depending on their relevance and importance.

Maria

Does the anchor text used in backlinks impact SEO? What is the best practice for anchor text?

Kate Barmina

Hi Maria! The anchor text used in backlinks does indeed impact SEO. It serves as a relevancy signal for search engines. Best practices for anchor text include using relevant keywords naturally, avoiding excessive exact match anchor texts, and using a mix of branded, generic, and long-tail anchor texts for a natural link profile.

William

Are there any alternatives to traditional backlinks that can help with SEO?

Kate Barmina

Hi William! While backlinks are important for SEO, there are other factors that contribute as well, such as high-quality content, user experience, technical optimization, and social signals. So, focusing on these aspects alongside backlink building can create a comprehensive SEO strategy.

Julia

How can I recover from a backlink penalty if my website has been affected?

Kate Barmina

Hi Julia! If your website has been affected by a backlink penalty, it's crucial to identify and remove any unnatural or harmful backlinks. Conduct a thorough link audit and disavow any toxic links. Additionally, focus on building high-quality and natural backlinks. Recovery may take time, but with consistent efforts, you can regain your website's SEO health.

Andrew

Is it necessary to constantly monitor and update backlinks for SEO?

Kate Barmina

Hi Andrew! Yes, it's important to monitor and update your backlinks regularly. This helps you identify any broken or removed links, ensure the relevance and quality of the linking websites, and adapt your link building strategy accordingly. Monitoring and updating backlinks contribute to maintaining a healthy and effective SEO profile.

Liam

What are your thoughts on link exchange programs? Are they still effective?

Kate Barmina

Hi Liam! Link exchange programs where websites mutually exchange links with each other are not considered as good practice in the SEO community. Search engines can recognize and devalue such link schemes. It's better to focus on natural and relevant backlinks through content creation, outreach, and building relationships with authoritative sources.

Grace

Are there any specific industries or niches where backlinks are particularly important for SEO?

Kate Barmina

Hi Grace! Backlinks are important for SEO in almost all industries and niches. However, industries that focus on information, services, products, or content creation can benefit greatly from a robust backlink profile. So, it's essential to prioritize backlinks regardless of the industry or niche you operate in.

Jacob

Is it possible for a website to rank well in search results without any backlinks?

Kate Barmina

Hi Jacob! While it's possible for a website to rank well without backlinks, it's relatively rare, especially in competitive niches. Backlinks are a crucial factor in search engine rankings, and they contribute significantly to a website's authority and visibility. So, for most websites, building a strong backlink profile is highly recommended.

Chloe

Should I focus more on acquiring new backlinks or improving the existing ones?

Kate Barmina

Hi Chloe! It's important to strike a balance between acquiring new backlinks and improving the existing ones. Acquiring new backlinks helps expand your link profile and reach, while improving existing ones ensures their quality, relevance, and authority. Both aspects contribute to a well-rounded SEO strategy.

Owen

Are there any specific strategies to build backlinks for an e-commerce website?

Kate Barmina

Hi Owen! Building backlinks for an e-commerce website can be done through strategies like product reviews, influencer collaborations, brand partnerships, content marketing, and participation in industry-related forums or communities. It's important to focus on building both product-level and domain-level backlinks for optimal e-commerce SEO.

Alex

Are backlinks from international websites equally valuable for local SEO efforts?

Kate Barmina

Hi Alex! Backlinks from international websites can still contribute to local SEO efforts, especially if they come from reputable sources or are relevant to your target audience. However, for local SEO, it's generally more beneficial to focus on acquiring backlinks from local websites, directories, or influencers, as they directly signal your local relevance to search engines.

Julian

How can I encourage others to link to my website and build more backlinks?

Kate Barmina

Hi Julian! There are several strategies to encourage others to link to your website. Creating high-quality and shareable content, reaching out to relevant websites for collaborations or guest blogging opportunities, and promoting your website through social media and networking can all help attract natural backlinks. Building relationships with influencers and providing value to your target audience are key aspects as well.

Alice

Does the placement of backlinks on a webpage matter for SEO?

Kate Barmina

Hi Alice! The placement of backlinks on a webpage can have an impact on SEO. Backlinks placed within the main content area, surrounded by relevant context, tend to have more weight than those placed in the footer or sidebar. The context and relevance of the linking page also play a role in determining the value of the backlink.

Leo

Is it possible for a backlink to harm my website's ranking or SEO?

Kate Barmina

Hi Leo! Yes, certain backlinks can harm your website's ranking or SEO. Backlinks from low-quality or spammy websites, link networks, or sources irrelevant to your niche can negatively impact your SEO efforts. That's why it's crucial to regularly monitor and evaluate your backlink profile and disavow any harmful or toxic links if necessary.

Ella

Do backlinks from social bookmarking websites hold any value for SEO?

Kate Barmina

Hi Ella! Backlinks from social bookmarking websites may have some value for SEO, although their impact is often less significant compared to other high-quality backlinks. They can contribute to your website's overall visibility and may attract referral traffic. However, it's important to focus on a diverse range of backlink sources for optimal SEO results.

Isaac

Can I remove or disavow backlinks that I consider to be harmful to my website?

Kate Barmina

Hi Isaac! Yes, you can definitely remove or disavow backlinks that you consider harmful to your website's SEO. If you have direct control, try contacting the website owner and requesting removal. For links you can't remove, you can use Google's Disavow Tool to instruct search engines to ignore those links. It's crucial to regularly monitor your backlink profile and take necessary actions to maintain a healthy link profile.

Sam

Are there any specific strategies to build backlinks for a personal blog or portfolio website?

Kate Barmina

Hi Sam! Building backlinks for a personal blog or portfolio website can be done through strategies like guest blogging on relevant websites, participating in online communities or forums, sharing your content on social media, reaching out to other bloggers or influencers in your niche for collaboration opportunities, and creating valuable and shareable content that others would naturally link to.

Nathan

How can I track the performance and impact of my backlinks on SEO?

Kate Barmina

Hi Nathan! There are several tools available for tracking the performance and impact of your backlinks on SEO. Tools like Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz provide valuable insights into your backlink profile, referring domains, and keyword rankings. Monitoring these metrics can help you assess the effectiveness of your link building efforts.

Mia

Does the type of content on a website affect the quality of backlinks it can attract?

Kate Barmina

Hi Mia! The type of content on a website can indeed affect the quality of backlinks it attracts. Websites with high-quality, informative, and valuable content tend to attract more authoritative and relevant backlinks. Creating content that appeals to your target audience and provides unique insights or solutions can increase your chances of acquiring high-quality backlinks.

Zoe

Can I find out which websites are linking to my competitors? Is it helpful for my own link building?

Kate Barmina

Hi Zoe! Yes, you can find out which websites are linking to your competitors using backlink analysis tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Moz. Analyzing your competitors' backlinks can provide valuable insights into their link building strategies and help you identify potential opportunities for your own link building efforts. It's a helpful approach to gain competitive advantage and improve your own backlink profile.

Ethan

What are some common misconceptions or myths about backlinks and SEO?

Kate Barmina

Hi Ethan! There are a few common misconceptions or myths about backlinks and SEO. Some include the belief that more backlinks always equals better rankings (quality matters over quantity), that paid backlinks are a shortcut to success (they can result in penalties), and that link building alone is enough for SEO (other factors like content and user experience are also important). It's important to be aware of these misconceptions and focus on proven SEO strategies.

Lucas

Can I use internal links to improve the SEO of my older blog posts?

Kate Barmina

Hi Lucas! Yes, you can definitely use internal links to improve the SEO of your older blog posts. By linking to your older posts from new content, you can help search engines discover and index those pages, thus improving their visibility. Additionally, internal linking within your older posts can help spread link authority and improve their overall SEO performance.

Hannah

What is the best way to approach influencers and request backlinks or collaborations?

Kate Barmina

Hi Hannah! When approaching influencers for backlinks or collaborations, it's important to start by building a genuine relationship. Engage with their content, share their work, and provide value in your interactions. Once you've established some rapport, you can politely reach out and express your interest in a collaboration or request a backlink. Personalized and thoughtful messages tend to have a higher chance of success.

Anthony

Does the age of a domain or website affect the impact of backlinks on SEO?

Kate Barmina

Hi Anthony! The age of a domain or website can have some influence on the impact of backlinks on SEO. Older domains often have more established authority and trust in the eyes of search engines, so backlinks from such domains can carry more weight. However, the quality, relevance, and context of the backlinks are still crucial factors regardless of the website's age.

Sophie

Is it possible to be penalized by search engines for having too many backlinks?

Kate Barmina

Hi Sophie! Having too many backlinks in itself is not a cause for search engine penalties. However, if those backlinks are from low-quality or spammy sources, or if they are artificially acquired through manipulative practices, they can result in penalties. It's essential to prioritize quality over quantity and focus on building natural and relevant backlinks that add value to your website.

Daniel

Does the position of a backlink within a webpage impact its value for SEO?

Kate Barmina

Hi Daniel! The position of a backlink within a webpage can have some impact on its value for SEO. Backlinks placed higher up in the content, within relevant context, may carry slightly more weight. However, it's important to note that the context, relevance, and authority of the linking page are key factors in determining the overall value of a backlink.

Emily

Are there any specific strategies to build backlinks for a small business or startup website?

Kate Barmina

Hi Emily! Building backlinks for a small business or startup website can be done through strategies like local SEO efforts, reaching out to industry-specific blogs or publications for guest posting opportunities, participating in niche-specific forums or communities, leveraging social media for networking and content promotion, and creating valuable and shareworthy content that resonates with your target audience.

Oliver

Are there any ethical practices involved in building backlinks?

Kate Barmina

Hi Oliver! Yes, ethical practices are crucial when building backlinks. It's important to focus on natural and relevant link building methods that add value to the internet ecosystem. Avoid engaging in link schemes, buying or selling links, and any manipulative practices. Ethical link building involves creating high-quality content, fostering genuine relationships, and acquiring backlinks through valuable contributions to your target audience.

Julia

Do backlinks from educational or government websites carry more value for SEO?

Kate Barmina

Hi Julia! Backlinks from educational or government websites are generally considered more authoritative and valuable for SEO. These types of websites often have higher trust and authority in the eyes of search engines. However, it's important to note that the relevance, context, and quality of the backlinks are still crucial factors in determining their overall impact.

Lucy

Are there any quick or shortcut methods to build a substantial number of backlinks?

Kate Barmina

Hi Lucy! Building a substantial number of high-quality backlinks takes time and effort. There are no quick or shortcut methods that guarantee success. It's important to focus on natural link building strategies, create valuable content, leverage relationships, and consistently engage in ethical practices. This long-term approach will yield more sustainable and valuable results for your website's SEO.

Max

Can I repurpose my existing content to attract more backlinks?

Kate Barmina

Hi Max! Yes, repurposing your existing content can be a great strategy to attract more backlinks. By repackaging your content in different formats like infographics, videos, slideshows, or eBooks, you can appeal to a wider audience and increase the chances of others linking to your valuable resources. Additionally, promoting the repurposed content can help reach new audiences and attract more backlinks.

Ruby

Does the context of a backlink's anchor text affect its relevance for SEO?

Kate Barmina

Hi Ruby! Yes, the context of a backlink's anchor text plays an important role in determining its relevance for SEO. The anchor text should ideally be descriptive, relevant to the linked page's content, and provide contextual information to search engines. Ensuring the anchor text aligns with the content it leads to can help improve the overall relevance and value of the backlink.

Harry

Is it beneficial to have backlinks from multiple websites within the same niche?

Kate Barmina

Hi Harry! Having backlinks from multiple websites within the same niche can be beneficial as long as those websites are authoritative, reputable, and relevant sources. It helps establish your website's association with the niche and reinforces your expertise and credibility. However, it's important to maintain a diverse backlink profile and not solely depend on one particular niche for your link building efforts.

Emma

Are there any strategies to build backlinks for a new website or domain?

Kate Barmina

Hi Emma! Building backlinks for a new website or domain can be challenging but not impossible. Some strategies include creating valuable content that solves problems or provides unique insights, reaching out to relevant bloggers or influencers for collaborations, participating in industry forums or communities, leveraging social media for networking and content promotion, and focusing on local SEO efforts if applicable.

Benjamin

Can I attract backlinks naturally without actively building them?

Kate Barmina

Hi Benjamin! Yes, it's possible to attract backlinks naturally without actively building them. This can happen when you create high-quality content that provides value to your target audience. People naturally link to valuable resources, especially if they find them informative, unique, or shareworthy. While actively building backlinks is important, producing exceptional content can organically attract backlinks over time.

Sophia

Thank you, Kate, for providing such insightful answers to our questions. Your expertise is greatly appreciated!

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