Backlinks are an effective method that enables websites to rank higher in SERPs (Search Engine Results Page). It helps search engines like Google and Bing determines which page should rank higher for a specific question. So, what are backlinks and how do they affect SEO? In simple terms, it’s like a referral of a website page to another through a hyperlink.

Suppose you are writing an article about SEO (Search Engine Optimization).So, naturally, you would link your website to MOZ or Ahrefs that specializes in this field, for further insight. Likewise, your website page might be linked to another website for the given query.

Furthermore, there are two different terms for backlinks. If you receive a link from another page, it is known as inbound links or incoming links. And, if you link to a different website, it is referred to as outbound, external or outgoing links.

Backlinks are essential for websites in various aspects. With numerous backlinks to your site, it gives a positive signal to your content. However, note that there are people that create fake links to improve rankings in search engines. Therefore, it is advisable to stick to organic links. Some of the essential factors of backlinks are as follows:

  • One of the good aspects of backlinks is gaining visitors through a referral from another website link. If various website page links to your page, you can get good referral traffic.
  • It also helps search engines to see which website page should rank higher for a specific query.
  • Backlinks also help search engines to discover relevant pages faster. If your website gets backlinks from genuine pages, then the search engine will quickly find your content.
Image of chain link fence as an analogy of backlinks

To have a better ranking and visibility, an SEO should possess a good analysis of backlinks. Search engines like Google emphasize backlinks to rank the page. To have organic traffic, one cannot overlook the relevance of quality links.

An SEO should know the tactic to find links to any website. In addition, the process of analyzing any backlink’s domain is beneficial. Understanding the links will enable you to:

  • Discover domains that have linked your websites, the usage of authority, and anchor text.
  • It helps to discover links that allow your competitors to a higher rank on search engines.
  • You can see the domain that didn’t link you but your competitors.
  • Your site can be audited that’s profiled for toxic links.

And if you’re wondering how to do all these, then worry not! There are ways that you can find backlinks for a website. So, let’s further delve into it.

An SEO must learn to find backlinks to a website to improve the site’s rankings, traffic, and organic visibility. Fortunately, there are ways to find backlinks for websites. Some of them are as follow:

Using a Google Search Console or Webmaster tools

If you own a website, Google offers free tools under Google Webmaster Tool and Search Console account. It was developed to help site owners. So, the first step is registering for a free account by using a Gmail account to verify websites’ ownership.

The next step is to log in to the account of Search Console. Navigate toward the links option located at the sidebar. Through this section, you will see various details:

  • You will see the total number of outgoing or external links to your webpage, according to Google.
  • You can view the external pages and domains linked to your website.
  • For proper analyzing and reporting, you can download the details of the domains and links.
  • You can also obtain records of internal links to your website.

Likewise, a search engine like Bing provides tools to find backlinks to a website. You can use Bing Webmaster Tools through a Microsoft account. The process is similar to Search Console.

Monitoring Tools

Today, you will find various monitoring tools of SEO to find backlinks to a website. An example of a great backlink research tool is Semrush. It is available both for free and paid. If you don’t own a website, you can use this monitoring tool to find backlinks to websites. Although it might not be as good as Google Search Console; it helps get information to any website.

You can still get details of the backlinks of a website even if you don’t own a website. You can use Semrush, a popular monitoring tool of SEO, to find backlinks to a website. To find the links, visit the official website of Semrush. Now, type the URL or domain name in the box, choose the country and click on the start button.

After the completion of the procedure, you will see the domain’s overview. You can click on the backlinks tab to obtain more information. Through this tool, it enables you to see the total number of links directed towards a domain.

Another simple method to find backlinks is to visit websites that deal with the traffic ranking of links. Note that it may not on par with Google Search Console. Nevertheless, it allows you to get information about any site.

If you’re interested, you can visit the website of Alexa. There you will get to see the backlink’s number alongside the domains in the top five. However, for more details, upgrading to premium is required.

These are different methods to find backlinks to a website. It is a simple process and easy to understand. Through this, you can obtain details of the links and analyze them. Also, note that Google Search Console has more credibility as compared to Bing. Semrush data is also reliable, but you might have to upgrade for more usage.

Conclusion

Backlinks are vital for a website to gain a higher rank in search engines. With an increased number of links, it vouches for your content. Through the different methods of finding backlinks of a website, you can analyze and understand better. It also allows you to check an insight of your competitors. You can type their domain and see from where they get backlinks. With this, it will enable you to research and work better.

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