SEO Glossary: Backlink

 

What are backlinks?

Backlinks are links, i.e. references from one domain to another. The links are clickable so that users can access the linked domain and look around there.

 

Technically speaking, a backlink in HTML code consists of a target address, link text and a target function.

 

Example:

 

<a href=“https://www.domain.com/blog/blogbeitrag-12/“ target=“_blank“>Blogbeitrag</a>

 

In this case, the backlink links to the subpage "https://www.domain.com/blog/blogbeitrag-12/" and has the link text "blog post". The target function "target="_blank"" specifies that the target page should be opened in a new window after clicking on the link.

 

Why are backlinks important?

In the following, 3 important points are addressed as to why backlinks are so important:

 

• Ranking boost: For search engines such as Google, backlinks are a recommendation. Basically, a website with many backlinks can rank better for certain relevant search queries. In other words, it is displayed higher up in the results.
• Findability: Search engine bots visit websites at regular intervals to browse them for new content and links. If a backlink is placed on a large and well-known page, the content of the target page can be found and indexed more quickly.
• streams of visitors: But the positive ranking and faster discoverability are not the only advantages. As backlinks are clickable, readers can visit the target page if they are more interested. Consequently, this ensures higher visitor flows, also known as referrer traffic.

 

What makes a good backlink?

Search engines now take a close look at backlinks and carry out an evaluation.

 

The following are important criteria that make a good backlink:

 

• Relevance: Backlinks with relevance are more valuable than those that do not match the topic. If a hairdresser receives two backlinks from two domains (one about plumbers and the other from a hairdressing blog), the hairdressing blog is therefore rated much higher. The relevance does not only apply to subpages, but to the entire domain level.
• Authority: Backlinks from a large, strong site can pass on more authority than weak ones. The outgoing links of the link-giving page also play an important role here. The fewer outbound links it has, the more authority it passes on.
• Placement: Placement, i.e. where a backlink is placed, also plays an important role. If a link is placed higher up on a page and not simply somewhere in the footer, this can have a positive effect. After all, links are references that nobody would click on in the footer.

 

 

The basic rule when searching for backlinks is: Less is more and quality is more important than quantity. For this reason, it makes sense not just to look for any backlinks, but to put the pages through their paces beforehand. Professional tools such as a BACKLINK CHECKER are available for this purpose.