Blog Post

Let’s be honest: SEO advice changes faster than Google updates its logo. One day it’s about page speed. The next, it’s about E-E-A-T. But despite the constant noise, one thing still holds ground in this mess of an algorithm: backlinks.

Yes, links from other sites to yours still matter. A lot.

I’ve been doing this long enough to know when a tactic is past its prime. This one isn’t. In fact, it’s still one of the most reliable indicators of authority, trust, and visibility. If you’re ignoring it, you’re not just behind—you’re invisible.

Let’s break this down the way I explain it to clients (and sometimes their confused dev teams):

• What a backlink actually is (no fluff, no jargon)
  
• Why Google still cares about them in 2025
  
• The real SEO benefits I’ve seen from earning links
  
• What makes a link valuable vs. a waste of pixels
  
• The strategies I use to get them (without spam)
  
• Mistakes to avoid, because cleaning up bad links is no fun

If another site mentions your content and links to it—boom, that’s a backlink.

Think of it as an online endorsement. Like a shoutout. Except instead of being tagged on Instagram, you’re getting authority points in Google’s secret popularity contest.

There are three kinds of links most folks deal with:

• Internal – links between pages on your own site
  
• External – links you add to other people’s sites
  
• Backlinks – links other people give you (these are the ones Google gets excited about)
  

More of the right backlinks = higher odds of visibility. It’s really that simple.

Need the full basics? I broke it down here in my beginner’s guide to link building.

Despite AI content, Core Web Vitals, and RankBrain having a party, backlinks are still baked into the ranking system.

Why? Because they help Google understand:

• That your content is credible
  
• That others find it valuable
  
• That your site deserves a spot near the top
  

When five respected sites link to yours, Google doesn’t need to guess your trust level. It already knows.

If the internet were high school, backlinks would be the popular kids saying, “Yeah, they’re cool. Let them sit with us.”

Backlinks also help Google find new pages faster. That means faster indexing. No links = no fast lane.

Now here’s the part most people underestimate.

A backlink doesn’t just help you rank. It helps your entire presence:

When I launch a new blog or update a stale page, getting a link from an indexed, high-authority site tells Google, “Hey, check this out.” And it usually does—quickly.

The more respected links your domain has, the more trustworthy your whole site becomes. That’s not theory. I’ve tracked clients jumping DA scores (and traffic) just by fixing their backlink strategy.

If you’re mentioned by a major site in your niche, you’re instantly on people’s radar. And guess what? Click-throughs from these links often convert better.

I’ve used PR-style outreach to help brands get featured on top industry blogs. The impact isn’t just SEO—it’s credibility.

More on that here: How to Get Backlinks from Authority Sites

All backlinks are not created equal. Here’s how I judge them:

• Relevance: A link from a cooking blog won’t help your SaaS tool.
  
• Authority: Higher DA usually means more weight.
  
• Anchor Text: Natural is better. Stuffed anchors scream “sketchy.”
  
• Dofollow: You want them. Nofollow is fine, but don’t expect SEO juice.
  
• Diversity: One link from ten sites > ten links from one.
  

Also, don’t obsess over every link being perfect. A natural backlink profile will always have variety. Just don’t build junk.

Want the full dofollow vs. nofollow breakdown? Read this.

Here’s what’s working for me right now—no gimmicks, no spam folders involved:

Still effective if you’re writing for sites that make sense. Don’t just guest post for the backlink. Actually provide value. Then slip the link in where it fits naturally.

If you don’t know where to start, read my advice on guest posting for backlinks.

I find outdated or broken links on good pages. Then I reach out and suggest replacing it with a relevant page I’ve created. Simple. And it works.

Step-by-step guide? It’s right here.

Still good for grabbing media links if you know how to pitch. I’ve gotten links from huge publications just by answering quick questions.

Not sure how to use it properly? Here’s how I do it.

Make something actually useful—like a tool, a checklist, a case study. People love linking to stuff that makes their job easier.

Let’s talk about what not to do—because bad links can hurt.

If it’s cheap, spammy, and comes with a free eBook… it’s probably poison for your site. Don’t do it.

If every link to your blog uses the phrase “best SEO agency in Dallas,” congrats, you just painted a target on your back.

Google notices if you go from 2 backlinks to 200 in a weekend. Build gradually.

Need help staying out of trouble? Here are the common mistakes to avoid.

How I Track My Link Profile (Without Losing My Mind)

I check backlinks once a week—no more.

• Ahrefs is my go-to. Shows what I gained, lost, and whether anything shady popped up.
  
• Google Search Console gives me a solid baseline.
  
• SEMrush helps me compare to competitors and spot gaps.
  

I care most about:

• Referring domains (not just total links)
  
• Anchor diversity
  
• Quality over quantity
  

I explained my tracking system in this post if you want to nerd out with me.

If someone tells you backlinks are dead, they’re either trying to sell you something—or they’ve never ranked a page in their life.

Backlinks aren’t magic, but they’re still one of the most powerful signals Google pays attention to. You just have to do it right.

Create great content. Build real relationships. Earn links. That’s the entire game.

If you’re serious about growing traffic, dive into these next:

• High-Quality Backlink Strategies (No Spam)
  
• Top Link Building Strategies That Work in 2025
  

Or hey, if you’d rather not do it yourself, you know where to find me.