Website backlinks can bring traffic, higher ranks on search engines, and build brand credibility. This is why it is essential to consider link building an important part of SEO even in 2020.
Why are links so vital?
Well, as per new SEO research on link building based on an analysis of 600,000 keywords from the global database of SEMrush, it has been reaffirmed that link building can boost a company’s Google search engine rank from 20 to 1 through effective use of link building.
In order to understand why link building is so important to SEO, you have to walk down the memory lane when search engines like AltaVista and Yahoo! were dominating the market. After Google entered, with its changing PageRank Algorithm, the game changed completely. Google does not simply analyze the webpage content, but also look at how many backlinks are there on the page. Thus, one of the best ways to determine the quality of a web page is the backlinks associated with the site. However, the quality of backlinks is of more importance than the quantity today. All thanks to Google Penguin updates.
Why must you have a link building strategy in 2020?
Links are the heart of Google’s search algorithm!
Articles are being published everywhere over the internet now where the importance of quality backlinks than quantity has been cited. The number of links pointing to your site is not as crucial as the authority of the links. In other words, Google is paying rewards to websites that have optimal, relevant content that other good websites link them as a quality source of information.
For instance, if a reader reads this write-up, you might like to insert a link to this post in case he or she is interested in learning more about the importance of SEO link building in 2020.
In the end, authority is given to the pages that truly deserve. Links from good sources are recognized by Google and are given rewards that help in improving conversions.
This is the reason why nearly 37% of companies spend between $10,000 and $50,000 per month on link building, as mentioned in Neil Patel’s blog.
However, you do not have to invest a lot in quality link building. You can earn high-quality links from high-quality sites by:
- Creating a well-crafted pitch to editors for guest blogging
- Consider paid options for a premium membership on top article posting sites
- Incorporate backlinks as and when required in the body of the article
- Cross-promote your content
- Use visual content like an infographic
- Include quotes from influencers and hyperlinks it back to their website
- Fix broken links through free tools available online like Dead Link checker
Local link building and citation is essential in 2020
Nearly 72% of local search users go to stores within 5 miles.
Local links are those backlinks from sites that operate in the same geographic location as yours. They are more advantageous than other links as they target a much more specific, related audience that will more possibly result in intangible, real-world conversations.
For example, if you are doing SEO for a local real estate broker, getting backlinks from local realtor lawyers, architects, and engineers will direct local businesses and clients to your website. Getting backlinks for other states or continents will not be of much help in boosting conversions.
Local backlinks are also essential for ranking on Google Maps or its Local 3 Pack notable section in Google’s search results. It will let Goggle understand what other authoritative companies in the location are viewing you as important.
Local directory listing is also important for improving local citations. When other sites list your website’s information like company name, address, and contact details, local citations are created. The more times this info appears across quality and indexed web directories or websites, the more time Google will recognize your company as high-ranking or prominent in your location.
For many websites performing SEO, local link building is the missing point for generating desired results from SEO campaigns. To learn more about local link building, you can click here.
Link building is not going to fade any time soon
During all these years, we have heard the news of link building’s ineffectiveness in SEO many times. However, the importance of quality backlinks is very constant from day 1 and it is going to stay. Algorithms keep changing, which leads to modification of keyword usage, keyword density, search intentions, sub-domains, transactional keywords, and the list goes on. Everything keeps changing in SEO, expect the concept of backlinks.
This is probably one of the reasons why it has been considered dead by so many. But, Google has time and again proved the importance of link building with an effective content strategy.
Hence, you should start focusing on quality link building strategies in 2020 rather than waiting for it to disappear.
Generating backlinks will help you build and boost rapport with influencers
Often, link building strategies include contacting other influential people in your niche to ask for help to promote or allow some content you have created. It could be a very informative blog related to their website as well as yours, or a very colorful infographic. While going with the process, these influencers become great acquaintances that open up multiple doors to talks, media, events related to your niche, web forums, and more.
Thus, more quality backlinks can increase your brand exposure.
Links not only help your score top ranks on Google SERP but also increase relevant traffic, perk up a communication strategy, and help you to be seen as an expert in your niche. However, there are some link creation techniques just before link building.
Conclusion
Today, a lot of businesses focus on on-page SEO, but backlinking and other off-page SEO activities are equally important for lead generation. I hope the tips mentioned here help you increase the quality and also the number of backlinks from your link building activities. Getting help from experts is always recommended if you are new in this domain.
