The Past and Present of SEO
A few years ago, links were the most important part of SEO. But is that still true today?
The Role of Links in SEO Today
Links still matter. The number and quality of links to a webpage can help it rank higher in search results. However, other factors also play a role:
- Link Diversity: Are your links from different sites?
- Relevance: Are the linking sites related to your content?
- Quality and Authority: Are the linking sites trustworthy?
Google prefers links that are earned naturally, not paid for.
Google’s PageRank and Links
PageRank is a system Google uses to rank pages. Even though Google doesn’t show PageRank scores anymore, it still uses this system. Some people think PageRank is very important, while others believe it’s less crucial now.
What Google Says
Google’s experts have made several statements about the importance of links:
- Gary Illyes: “Links are important, but people overestimate their importance.”
- John Mueller: “Don’t focus too much on the number of links. There are other important things for websites nowadays.”
Google’s documentation mentions that PageRank is still part of their ranking system, but they emphasize quality over quantity.
Studies on Links and Rankings
Research from companies like Ahrefs and Backlinko shows that pages with more links tend to rank higher. However, these studies also highlight that high-ranking pages naturally attract more links.
The Current State of Link Building
Traditional link building, which often creates low-quality links, is not very effective anymore. Instead, focus on earning links through high-quality content and real-world events.
Links are still important for SEO, but their role is changing. To succeed, focus on quality, relevance, and earning links naturally. This holistic approach will help you navigate the evolving landscape of SEO.