Mauricio Martinez
October 10, 2025
Comparing Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads for your Canadian business? Learn the key differences, see which works best for e-commerce, B2B, or local services, and get a 4-week testing plan.
If you’ve spent any time trying to improve your website’s visibility on Google, you’ve probably heard about backlinks. But here’s the thing: not all backlinks are created equal, and understanding how they work can be the difference between ranking on page one or getting lost in the digital abyss.
Let me walk you through why backlinks still matter and how you can build a strategy that actually moves the needle.
Think of backlinks as votes of confidence from other websites. When another site links to your content, they’re essentially telling search engines, “Hey, this content is worth checking out.” The more quality votes you get, the more search engines trust your site as a credible source of information.
But it’s not just about quantity. A single backlink from a highly respected website in your industry can be worth more than dozens of links from unknown blogs. Google’s algorithm has gotten incredibly sophisticated at detecting which links genuinely add value and which are just there for manipulation.
Even with all the algorithm updates Google rolls out each year, backlinks remain one of the top ranking factors. Here’s why they’re not going anywhere:
When established websites link to you, it signals that your content is trustworthy. This is especially important in industries where credibility matters, like finance, healthcare, or legal services.
Beyond SEO benefits, backlinks from relevant sources bring actual visitors who are already interested in what you offer. This targeted traffic often converts better than cold search traffic.
When search engine crawlers find links to your new content on other sites, they discover and index your pages faster. This means your content starts ranking sooner.
I’ve seen too many businesses fall into the trap of chasing backlink numbers without considering quality. Getting 100 links from low-quality directories or spammy blogs can actually hurt your rankings rather than help them.
What you want are backlinks from sites that are:
Relevant to your industry or niche. A link from a tech blog makes sense for a software company but does nothing for a bakery.
Authoritative and trusted. Sites with strong domain authority pass more SEO value through their links.
Editorially given. Links that are naturally earned through great content are always better than ones you’ve paid for or traded.
One approach that works well is getting listed on reputable business directories and review platforms. Not the sketchy ones that promise 1,000 links overnight, but legitimate platforms that actual customers use to find services.
Take DesignRush, for example. It’s become one of the go-to platforms for businesses looking to connect with agencies and service providers. Getting your company profile listed on platforms like DesignRush serves a dual purpose: you gain a quality backlink from a high-authority site, and you increase your visibility to potential clients who are actively searching for solutions.
These types of platforms are valuable because they’re naturally link-worthy. People reference them, share them, and trust them. When you’re featured on DesignRush agency listings, you’re not just getting a backlink but positioning yourself alongside industry leaders.
The best backlink strategy is creating content so good that people want to link to it. Easier said than done, right? Here are some content types that consistently attract links:
Original research and data. If you can publish unique insights or statistics about your industry, other sites will reference your findings.
Comprehensive guides. In-depth tutorials that cover a topic completely become go-to resources that people bookmark and share.
Visual content. Infographics, charts, and original images get linked to frequently because they help illustrate complex ideas.
Controversial or thought-provoking opinions. Taking a stance on industry issues can spark discussions and earn links from people weighing in on the debate.
Let’s be honest: nobody likes receiving generic outreach emails that obviously came from a template. If you’re going to reach out to other sites for backlinks, make it personal and valuable.
Instead of asking for a link outright, consider:
The key is adding value before asking for anything in return. This approach takes more time but yields much better results.
Building backlinks is only half the battle. You also need to keep an eye on your existing links to make sure they’re still helping rather than hurting your SEO.
Use tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to regularly audit your backlinks. Look for:
Think of it like maintaining a garden. You need to regularly pull the weeds (bad links) and nurture the good growth.
Here’s the truth that nobody wants to hear: building a strong backlink profile takes time. There are no shortcuts that won’t eventually backfire when the next algorithm update rolls around.
Focus on creating exceptional content, building genuine relationships in your industry, and earning your place on reputable platforms. The backlinks will follow naturally, and they’ll be the kind that actually move your rankings up rather than putting you at risk for penalties.
If you’re looking to expand your digital presence and connect with the right audience, consider how strategic placements on industry platforms can amplify your visibility while strengthening your SEO foundation. It’s not about gaming the system but about being present where your potential clients are already looking.
Remember, every backlink should serve your audience first and your SEO second. When you keep that priority straight, everything else tends to fall into place.
Comparing Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads for your Canadian business? Learn the key differences, see which works best for e-commerce, B2B, or local services, and get a 4-week testing plan.
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