Backlinks and Inbound Links

Backlinking is your credibility on the web. This year, your positioning will be even more sensitive to this.

Backlink building, or “link building”, has always been a fundamental pillar of SEO. These inbound links, when they come from quality websites, boost a site’s credibility and authority in the eyes of search engines. But in 2023, strategies and approaches have evolved significantly compared to previous methods.

Backlinks, trackbacks, backlinks, inbound links ! Whatever the term adopted, you should avoid confusing them with the internal links that mesh your site in order to guide your guests in the richness of your content. Patiently and thoughtfully building your network of inbound links will install your credibility with your community, create traffic to your website, and will be rewarded by the recognition of Saint Google (yes, it’s humor) which, over time, will credit you with a better Page Rank (increasingly outdated), or domain authority therefore a better chance of positioning.

Backlinking in 2023: Why is it essential?

In 2023, backlinking remains an invaluable tool for SEO. But why exactly? Here are some main reasons:

• Evolution of algorithms: Search engines, like Google, still value quality links pointing to your site.
• Credibility and authority: Backlinks from trusted sources boost your authority in your field.
• Direct traffic: Beyond SEO, quality backlinks can drive direct traffic to your site.

Build a network of inbound links,

is a time-consuming task that must be carried out continuously, patiently, and in multiple directions.

• Inventory the few relevant directories in your sector of activity.
• Identify forums, blogs, sites of your theme.

• Select the sites where articles are published.
• Write various summaries for your directory listings and submissions.
• Write compelling partnership letters for link collaborations.
• Publish articles as a guest on quality sites.
• Establish relationships of trust and respect with your web community.
• Respect the link profile considered respectable by Google SEO

• Automated submission in hundreds of directories.
• Copy and paste submission text.
• Buying links.
• Blog Spam
• The plundering of your competitors’ content.

Backlinking in 2023

According to observers of the SEO world, 2023 marks a silent revolution in the art and science of backlink building. Search engines, with their elusive algorithms, are no longer fooled by mere quantity. They want to be seduced by quality, relevance and contextualization. Thus, a link that finds its place naturally in the fabric of a text, bringing real added value to its readership, is like a sweet song for these algorithms.

In this digital age, authentic connections and well-thought-out partnerships are proving to be priceless treasures. Creating newsworthy content is more than a strategy: it’s a call to arms for any marketer who wants to build a robust and respected web on the web. But be careful, because just like Icarus flying too close to the sun, those looking for shortcuts, such as “black hat” techniques, risk burning their wings in the face of the relentless vigilance of search engines.

However, if the path is winding, it is not without a guide. Modern tools allow for precise navigation, avoiding the pitfalls of toxic ties while enhancing the value of successful alliances. Ultimately, 2023 reminds us that in the vast ocean of the web, backlink building, when practiced with integrity and expertise, remains a reliable compass for those looking to stand out.

Backlink building, or “link building”, has always been a fundamental pillar of SEO. These inbound links, when they come from quality websites, boost a site’s credibility and authority in the eyes of search engines. But in 2023, strategies and approaches have evolved significantly compared to previous methods.

Key trends:

1. Quality over quantity: Search engines, with their increasingly sophisticated algorithms, now value the relevance and quality of links rather than their raw number. Links from high-authority domains are preferred.
2. Contextual Backlinks: Links that fit naturally into the content and have a direct relationship with the subject matter are more valued.
3. Diversification of link profiles: Rather than relying on one type of link or source, current strategies seek to get a variety of backlinks from different sources and formats.
4. Partnership as a tool: Collaborations, guest blogging, joint webinars, and other partnerships are prime ways to get natural, quality backlinks.

Best Practices:

• Quality Content: Creating unique, relevant, and high-quality content is still the best way to naturally attract inbound links.
• Search for partners: Identify and build relationships with websites, blogs, or influencers in the same or complementary industries.
• Avoid “black hat” techniques: Deceptive practices, such as buying links or using link farms, can result in severe penalties from search engines.

Challenges to Overcome:

• Constant monitoring: With regular updates to search engine algorithms, marketers need to stay informed about the best methods for link building.
• Analysis and follow-up: It is essential to use tools to track the quality, origin, and impact of the backlinks obtained.
• Risk of toxic links: Inbound links from low-quality or irrelevant sites can hurt SEO. A regular review of the link profile is necessary.

Building backlinks in 2023, while still a central part of SEO, requires a strategic, ethical, and quality-oriented approach. In this ever-changing digital landscape, the integrity and authenticity of link building practices are the keys to sustainable success.

Best Practices of Backlinking in 2023

Every year, the best practices in backlinking evolve. Here are some major trends for 2023:

• Natural links: Organically generated links are valued more than ever.
• Anchor diversity: Vary anchor texts to avoid over-optimization.
• Quality over quantity: Better to have a few high-quality backlinks than thousands of mediocre links.

Common mistakes to avoid

Just as there are best practices, there are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Link buying: Google severely penalizes this practice.
• Excessive link exchanges: Trade in moderation and only with relevant sites.
• Irrelevant links: Make sure your backlinks are coming from sites related to your niche.

Innovative Tools for Backlinking in 2023

The landscape of backlinking tools is constantly evolving. Here are some of the most popular tools this year:

• SEMrush: A complete suite to analyze and track your backlinks.
• Ahrefs: Powerful tool for unearthing link opportunities and monitoring your profile.
• Majestic SEO: Renowned for its extensive database of web links.

How to Get Quality Backlinks in 2023?

Strategies for getting backlinks have evolved. Here’s how to do it this year:

1. Quality content: Produce quality content that naturally encourages sharing.
2. Guest blogging: Write for other blogs in your industry.
3. Infographics: Relevant and well-designed infographics attract links.

The importance of local backlinks

In 2023, local SEO is gaining momentum, and local backlinks are at the heart of this strategy. Here’s why they’re essential:

• Boost local visibility: They help your business stand out in local searches.
• Increased trust: Users trust companies that are well-reviewed locally.

In 2023, the art of landing backlinks has become more refined and diversified. To be at the cutting edge, it is essential to generate relevant and rich content that spontaneously encourages sharing. Submitting articles to other influential blogs in your field, called guest blogging, is still a foolproof technique. In addition, a well-developed and relevant infographic can become a real gold mine for attracting backlinks.

Read Also:

• Baclink How-To: The Easy Ones
• Backlink: Publish on Press Release Sites
• How to make inbound links
• Blog, forum and tips
• Notion of link profile

Kristof, member of Doyouseo, the association of referencers in Quebec and head of an SEO and SME SEO agency

FAQs

What is backlinking? Backlinking refers to the action of getting inbound links from other websites to yours.

Are backlinks still relevant in SEO? Yes, although algorithms are evolving, quality backlinks remain a key ranking factor.

How do I check the quality of a backlink? Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to assess the relevance and authority of the source site.

Is buying backlinks recommended? No, this is a practice penalized by Google and can harm your SEO.

Are forum and comment backlinks still effective? They can be if they are relevant and natural. However, they should not be the only strategy.

How do backlinks influence a site’s traffic? They can increase your site’s visibility in the SERPs, leading to more clicks and organic traffic.