# What Are Backlinks? The Complete Guide Everything you need to know about backlinks - what they are, why they matter, types of backlinks, and how to build them effectively. Canonical: https://backlinkgrid.com/guides/what-are-backlinks-complete-guide ## Chapter 1: Understanding Backlinks ### What Exactly Is a Backlink? A backlink is a hyperlink from one website to another. When Site A links to Site B, Site B has received a [backlink](/glossary/backlink) from Site A. It's that simple. But while the concept is straightforward, the impact of backlinks on SEO is profound. They've been a core ranking factor since Google launched, and despite numerous algorithm updates, they remain crucial in 2026. ### The History of Backlinks in SEO Before Google, search engines relied primarily on on-page factors like keyword density to rank pages. Larry Page and Sergey Brin revolutionized search with PageRank - an algorithm that treated links as votes of confidence. The more quality links a page had, the more authoritative it appeared. This concept transformed how we think about web ranking and spawned an entire industry around link building. ### Why Backlinks Still Matter Despite Google's algorithm becoming exponentially more sophisticated, backlinks remain one of the top ranking factors because: 1. **They're hard to manipulate at scale** - Earning genuine links requires real effort 2. **They reflect real-world endorsements** - People link to content they find valuable 3. **They create the web's structure** - Links are how search engines discover and understand the internet According to [Google's documentation on how search works](https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/how-search-works), links between pages help Google discover new content and determine which pages are most authoritative. ## Chapter 2: Types of Backlinks ### Dofollow Links These are the standard links that pass SEO value. They tell search engines to follow the link and count it as a ranking signal. Learn more about [dofollow vs nofollow links](/blog/dofollow-vs-nofollow). ### Nofollow Links Links with a `rel="nofollow"` attribute tell search engines not to pass ranking signals. However, Google now treats this as a "hint" rather than a directive. ### Sponsored Links The `rel="sponsored"` attribute indicates paid placements. Required by [Google's guidelines](https://developers.google.com/search/docs/essentials/spam-policies#link-spam) for advertising links. ### UGC Links Links from user-generated content (comments, forums) should use `rel="ugc"` to indicate their nature. ### Editorial Links The gold standard - links given naturally by other websites because your content is genuinely valuable. ### Self-Created Links Links you create yourself (directories, comments, forums). Generally less valuable and can be risky if overdone. ## Chapter 3: How Search Engines Evaluate Links ### Relevance A link from a website in your industry carries more weight than a random, unrelated link. Topic relevance matters enormously. ### Authority Links from established, trusted websites pass more value. A single link from a major news site can be worth hundreds of links from unknown blogs. Learn about [Domain Authority](/blog/domain-authority-explained) and how it's calculated. ### Context Where a link appears on a page matters. Editorial links within content are worth more than footer or sidebar links. ### Anchor Text The clickable text provides context about the linked page. Natural variation in anchor text is healthier than exact-match keyword targeting. ### Link Velocity How quickly you gain links matters. A natural profile shows steady growth, not sudden spikes (unless you've had something go viral). ## Chapter 4: Building Your First Backlinks ### Content Marketing Create content so valuable that people naturally want to link to it. This is the foundation of sustainable link building. Types of link-worthy content: - Original research and data - Comprehensive guides (like this one!) - Useful tools and calculators - Infographics and visual content - Industry surveys and reports ### Guest Posting Write quality articles for other websites in your niche. Focus on providing genuine value, not just getting a link. ### Resource Page Link Building Many websites curate lists of helpful resources. If your content is genuinely useful, you can reach out to be included. ### Broken Link Building Find broken links on relevant websites, then offer your content as a replacement. You're helping them fix an issue while earning a link. ### Digital PR Create newsworthy content or stories that journalists want to cover. This earns high-authority editorial links. Explore our [Digital PR hub](/digital-pr) for comprehensive strategies. ## Chapter 5: Advanced Link Building Tactics ### The Skyscraper Technique 1. Find popular content in your niche 2. Create something significantly better 3. Reach out to people linking to the original 4. Offer your improved version as an alternative ### HARO (Help a Reporter Out) Respond to journalist queries to earn mentions and links in news articles. The key is being genuinely helpful and responsive. ### Unlinked Brand Mentions Use tools to find mentions of your brand that don't include a link. Reach out and ask for the link to be added. ### Competitor Backlink Analysis Study where your competitors get their links. Many of those opportunities are available to you too. See our guide on [competitor analysis](/backlink-audit/competitor-analysis). ### Link Reclamation Find links you've lost (due to page moves, site changes, etc.) and work to restore them. ## Key Takeaways 1. Backlinks remain essential for SEO success 2. Quality matters far more than quantity 3. Focus on earning editorial links through great content 4. Diversify your link building strategies 5. Monitor and maintain your backlink profile 6. Be patient - link building is a long-term investment Building a strong backlink profile takes time and effort, but the rewards are substantial and long-lasting. Ready to get started? [Get your first backlink today](/#grid).