Link building has always been a prominent SEO strategy. But, unfortunately, not many marketers have the exact idea how link building can benefit them.
On top of it, many marketers believe that link building isn’t a great success in 2021. So all in all, there’s a huge amount of controversies and arguments going around regarding link building that we are about to end today.
In this post, we are aiming to clarify some of the prevailing link-building myths so you can create a powerful digital marketing plan in 2021. So let’s bust some myths, people!
Myth 1. Quality content is all you need to rank on search engines
Quality content is King and is always going to be. But when 25% of people click on the first Google search result, only well-written content won’t drive traffic your way. You need something more than high-quality content to appear on the first search results.
You need backlinks!
As per 58.1% of respondents, backlinking has a significant influence on search engines ranking. In order for people and search engines to recognize your brand, you have to get mentioned on different high DA websites.
That’s because search engines and humans have a common tendency — when they see third-party platforms mentioning your brand, they will automatically think that you are a reputable brand. And, this tendency isn’t changing anytime soon.
Reality: Along with high-quality content, focus on getting high-quality backlinks too.
Myth 2. Only high domain authority links matter
This is a very common myth that one should only target sites with high metrics for backlinks. Now, getting backlinks will definitely give a push to your SEO efforts; they aren’t the only prospects here.
Yes, marketers, low DA sites aren’t bad for your growth. However, there are two reasons for targeting low DA sites alongside high performing ones:
First, the Google algorithm looks for diversity in your backlink profile. Google doesn’t care if you have 100 links from 90+ DA sites. In fact, Google is looking for versatility in your backlinks.
Secondly, most high DA sites give a backlink at a significant rate, which is quite hefty for small businesses. On the contrary, if you pitch high-quality content to top-ranked sites in the form of a guest blog, there’s a rare chance that your content gets published. That’s because high DA sites have long waiting lists already.
So, if you are just starting with backlinking or want to build a diverse backlink portfolio, approach low DA.
Reality: Target both low and high DA sites.
Myth 3. Build links to your product or service pages
One of the common link-building myths is that you should build links for only your product or service pages. It is believed that this method will help in quick conversion. Marketers, this is completely wrong.
In reality, you should take the exact opposite approach. Why?
You see, folks, when you approach pages in your niche and request to link your direct sale pages, it will come as spammy or promotional. And, almost every good site has a strict policy against direct promotional links or content. So, you won’t get published with these links.
God forbid, if your link gets published, it will offer you no value. That’s because webmasters look for information, which your product or service pages don’t have much. So, all your link-building efforts go to nothing.
On the contrary, if you link blogs or other informative page links, it won’t look spammy and give sufficient information to webmasters.
Reality: Embed indirect links to third-party websites.
Myth 4. Blogs are the only way to build links
This is a very common belief that publishing content on third-party sites is the best way to generate links. Blogs are indeed the common and easy way to embed links, but they aren’t the only way.
Today, you can use infographics, videos, podcasts, and many other mediums to build links. In fact, 53% of SEO experts create infographics to create backlinks.
Using other formats than blogs has a very useful benefit too. You can syndicate your old content in different formats and generate links without producing fresh content.
Reality: Adopt different content formats to build links.
Myth 5. Too many outbound links will hurt your ranking
Now, this isn’t exactly a myth. It is more of an execution problem. In the haste of generating more links, some marketers accept backlinks from any website without checking their ranking, relevancy, and brand value. This, in return, impacts search engine ranking dramatically.
So, if you find your backlinking partners carefully after thoroughly researching online, you won’t hurt your ranking in any way.
Reality: Pick your backlinking partner carefully.
Myth 6. Link for link practice is bad
Not exactly. There’s no harm in reaching relevant websites or directories in your industry and requesting a link for a link. In reality, this is the most convenient link-building strategy for new businesses to generate quality links and establish brand authority.
However, the same link-building rules apply here too. The targeted website has to be relevant to your niche and doesn’t promote any spammy stuff.
Reality: You can exchange a link for a link.
Parting Thoughts
Link builders, you might encounter numerous link building does and don’ts daily. But you shouldn’t believe them straight away unless they are coming from genuine resources. It’s always good practice to believe in what you have experienced in the matter of link building.
So, marketers, stay away from myths and keep on building high-quality links.