Backlinks

Backlinks, also called inbound or external links, are hyperlinks from one website to another that act as votes of confidence and trust in search engine algorithms. In traditional SEO, quality backlinks remain one of the strongest ranking signals, showing that other sites find your content valuable and authoritative.

The value of a backlink depends on factors such as the linking site’s authority and topical relevance, the anchor text used, the placement of the link on the page, and whether the link is followed or no-followed.

In the era of AI-powered search and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), backlinks also serve as authority signals for large language models. High-quality backlinks from trusted, authoritative sources increase the likelihood that AI systems like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity will cite your content in their responses.

Why They Matter

Backlinks help establish credibility, authority, and topical expertise—signals valued by both search engines and AI systems. Modern backlink strategies must emphasize quality over quantity and relevance over volume, with a focus on earning natural links from authoritative sources rather than pursuing artificial link-building schemes.

Building Backlinks

Effective backlink strategies include creating highly valuable content such as original research, detailed guides, industry reports, and free tools; fostering relationships with authoritative publishers and influencers; contributing guest posts to relevant sites; and building thought leadership that naturally earns mentions and links.