Backlink
Fast track (Summarised definition)
A backlink is a hyperlink that directs users to a specific webpage from another website, serving as a "vote of confidence" in search engine optimisation. Search engines use backlinks to assess website authority and relevance, with high-quality backlinks improving search rankings and driving referral traffic to target websites through organic link building efforts.
Full lap (Full definition)
A backlink, also known as an inbound link or incoming link, is a hyperlink that directs users to a specific webpage from another website. Backlinks are essential in search engine optimisation (SEO) as they serve as a "vote of confidence" from one website to another. When a website links to another, it indicates to search engines that the content on the linked-to site is valuable, relevant, and trustworthy. Search engines like Google use complex algorithms to analyse the number and quality of backlinks pointing to a website to assess its authority and relevance. The more high-quality backlinks a webpage has, the higher it tends to rank in search engine results pages (SERPs).
Backlinks can be categorised based on their origin and characteristics. Some common types include editorial backlinks, which are earned organically through content that other websites find valuable and choose to link to; and those that are built through outreach, where website owners actively seek links from other sites. Backlinks can also be categorised as "dofollow" or "nofollow," depending on whether they pass link equity. Dofollow links pass link equity, which helps improve search rankings, whereas nofollow links do not.
Backlinks play a crucial role in driving referral traffic to a website. When users click on a backlink, they are directed from the linking site to the target website, increasing its audience and potential for conversions. Monitoring and analysing backlinks is essential for SEO. Tools can identify where backlinks originate, their quality, and the anchor text used. This information helps website owners evaluate their backlink profile, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure their SEO strategy effectively boosts their online presence.