In the digital landscape of search engine optimisation, understanding the matrix that propels your website’s visibility is essential. The linchpin here is the illustrious backlink, a nifty tool that influences the promotion and popularity of your online space. The article, “How Can I Find Out How Many Backlinks I Have?” sheds light on the ways you can precisely identify and quantify these backlinks. Delving into helpful platforms, analytical tools, and concise strategies, this piece offers invaluable insights that empower you to map a strengthened SEO pathway for your website’s success.
Understanding Backlinks
Coming to the heart of the matter, you’re probably wondering, what exactly are backlinks? Well, backlinks or ‘incoming links’ are links coming from another website to your own. From a digital marketing perspective, they’re the street pathways from one online location to another.
Importance of Backlinks in SEO
You must know this – backlinks carry a great deal of significance in the world of SEO. When your website receives more high-quality backlinks, search engines recognise it as a relevant and authoritative source. The result? Your website ranks higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).
Benefits of Having Quality Backlinks
Now, what’s in it for you? Quality backlinks can work wonders for your online presence. They not only improve website and page ranking but also increase website traffic. More importantly, they aid in making your brand a reputable and reliable source.
Types of Backlinks
Not all backlinks are created equal, mind you. They can be categorised into different types, each with unique characteristics and effects on your SEO.
Dofollow Backlinks
Dofollow backlinks are your best friends. They pass the ‘link juice’ from the referring website to yours, making search engines see them as a thumbs up to your content. It unequivocally tells search engines that your content is worth checking out.
Nofollow Backlinks
Nofollow backlinks, on the other hand, come with instructions telling search engines not to follow them. They don’t pass ‘link juice’, but shouldn’t be overlooked. They can still direct human traffic to your website, enhancing visibility and exposure.
Internal Backlinks
Internal backlinks are links that point to another page on the same website. They’re essentially a roadmap of your website, guiding users and search engines from one page to another.
External Backlinks
Last but not least, external backlinks point to pages on other websites. If they come from high-authority sites, they’re like gold dust to your SEO efforts.
Tools to Check Backlinks
Overview of Backlink Checking Tools
You don’t need to play a guessing game when it comes to backlinks. Various tools can provide you with a wealth of information about your backlinks, from the total number to their type and quality.
Understanding Free vs Paid Tools
There are both free and premium backlink checking tools at your disposal. While the free ones can provide basic information, premium ones offer more detailed insights, including the quality of backlinks.
Using Google Search Console
Step-by-step Guide on How to use Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a handy tool for verifying and analysing your backlinks. All you need to do is to select your website, click on ‘Links’, and voilà! You have the list of websites linking to you, top linked pages, and more.
Interpreting Results from Google Search Console
Once you have the data, it’s time to scrutinise it. Look for trends. Are certain pages attracting more backlinks? What’s the quality of websites linking back? The answers can help shape your SEO strategy.
Using SEMRush
How to use SEMRush for Backlink Checking
Using SEMRush, while not as straightforward as Google Search Console, is a breeze once you’re used to it. Simply enter your domain in the ‘Domain Overview’ section to get a detailed list of your backlinks.
Understanding Results from SEMRush
SEMRush provides detailed analysis such as the number of dofollow and nofollow links, referring domains, and even the countries those backlinks originate from.
Using Ahrefs
Guide on How to use Ahrefs for Backlink Checking
Ahrefs is a one-stop-shop for backlink checking. Receding into ‘Site Explorer’ and typing your domain gives you insight into your backlink profile.
Deciphering Results from Ahrefs
In addition to the number and type of backlinks, Ahrefs also provides a quality score to each backlink. You can also understand your website’s growth, based on the number of new backlinks acquired.
Using Moz Link Explorer
How to use Moz Link Explorer for Backlink Checking
With Moz Link Explorer, you’re never far from your backlink data. Simply enter your website URL and get detailed insights into your backlink profile.
Analyzing Results from Moz Link Explorer
Moz Link Explorer delivers an array of information, including domain authority, inbound links, and ranking keywords. It also highlights potentially spammy links that could harm your SEO efforts.
Analyzing Backlink Report
Understanding the Total Number of Backlinks
Knowing how many backlinks you have is only the first step. It gives you an idea of your website’s popularity and online presence.
Analysing the Types of Backlinks
Understanding the types of backlinks helps in assessing your link diversity. A balanced mix of different types of backlinks often indicates good link health.
Checking the Quality of Backlinks
The quality of backlinks can make or break your SEO strategy. Therefore, always look for backlinks from reputable, high-authority websites.
Improving your Backlink Profile
Strategies for Building Quality Backlinks
Building quality backlinks isn’t rocket science. Start by creating unique, compelling content. Consider guest blogging, and ‘stealing’ backlinks from competitors’ sites.
Avoiding Bad Backlink Practices
While it’s tempting to go for easy wins, steer clear of bad backlink practices like buying links, spammy comments, and excessive link exchanges. They could land you penalties and compromise your website’s ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Backlinks
Common Misconceptions about Backlinks
There are a few misconceptions about backlinks – that quality doesn’t matter, more backlinks mean better SEO, or nofollow links are useless. Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. So focus on quality and patience!
Expert Answers on Backlink Related Queries
To be an expert, it’s essential to question the common understanding and delve deeper. Here are a few expert insights: Google values high-quality backlinks, paid links are a no-no, and internal links significantly aid crawlers in understanding your site’s structure.
Well, there you have it! A comprehensive guide on understanding, analysing, and improving your backlinks. Here’s to the start of your incredible journey towards mastering backlinks. Happy hunting!
Hi, I’m Nicholas Bortoluzzi (but people often call me Nico).
I am the Founder and Director at SEO Lynx, an internet marketing agency operating in the UK and servicing clients worldwide.
The article on this page was written and curated by myself.