Local SEO Unlocked
Local SEO Unlocked is your go-to podcast for mastering the art of local search dominance. Each episode dives deep into the latest strategies, expert insights, and actionable tips to help businesses rank higher in local search results, attract more customers, and maximize their online visibility. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or SEO pro, this show will equip you with the tools you need to unlock the full potential of Local SEO and stay ahead of the competition.
Local SEO Unlocked
Backlinks Gone Wrong: The Comedy of Linking Fails
Dive deep into backlinks—the often misunderstood backbone of SEO success. In this captivating episode, we explore the evolution of link building and the drastic shifts in how quality, rather than quantity, dominates search rankings today. Discover the core elements that make a backlink invaluable, focusing on relevance and trust flow, and learn how acquiring high-quality links can propel your website to the top.
Get insights into ethical link-building practices, the significance of internal linking, and how to effectively monitor and disavow bad links that may damage your SEO efforts. We also shed light on emerging trends, such as the influence of niche-specific websites and the growing importance of visual content in attracting backlinks.
Enjoy this extensive discussion as we equip you with actionable strategies to create a formidable backlink profile. Whether you are a business owner or an aspiring marketer, knowing how to build and maintain your backlink strategy is crucial. Empower your digital presence and enhance your SEO knowledge today! Don't forget to subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review.
Thanks for tuning in to Local SEO Unlocked! If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who want to master Local SEO. Stay connected with us weekly for more insights on SEO! Until next time, keep optimizing and stay ahead in local search!
All right, let's dive deep into backlinks today, but not the surface level stuff. We're going way deeper than your average SEO blog post. We're talking the how-to, the nitty-gritty and even why quality matters more than ever now.
Speaker 2:It really is like backlinks 2.0.
Speaker 1:Yeah, exactly, google's getting serious and bad backlinks. Well, they can actually hurt you.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's a totally different ballgame now. Remember back in the day when it was all about quantity? You know, just stuffing keywords in and getting links from anywhere you could.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah.
Speaker 2:Well, search engines they've gotten much smarter and those tactics can actually get you penalized.
Speaker 1:Yikes. So let's start at the beginning for our listener. What exactly is a backlink in the SEO world today? I mean, we know it's a link from one site to another, but what makes it such a big deal these days?
Speaker 2:Well, think of it this way Imagine a backlink from a website that's super respected and authoritative. Well, that's like having a VIP vouch for you Search engines. They see that and think, hey, this site must be legit, right? I mean, if someone like that is recommending it, and well, that translates to better rankings, more traffic, ultimately, more business for you.
Speaker 1:Makes sense. So it's not just about having tunnel links, it's about having the right ones, and our research really emphasized how important relevance is.
Speaker 2:Oh, it's huge.
Speaker 1:Can you break that down a bit more for us?
Speaker 2:Sure. So relevance, it mainly comes in two flavors Topical you know the topic and then geographical. Topically, you want backlinks from sites in the same industry as you, the same niche.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:So like if you're selling handmade jewelry, getting a link from a fashion blog is awesome, but a link from a site reviewing tech gadgets probably not going to do much for you.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that makes sense. Our source actually had this great example. It was a roosting company and they got a backlink from a travel blog.
Speaker 2:Oh, wow.
Speaker 1:Totally irrelevant, right.
Speaker 2:Google's probably raising eyebrows at that.
Speaker 1:Context definitely matters. Now what about geographical relevance?
Speaker 2:So geographical relevance that's super important, especially if you're a local business. Let's say you're a bakery in Chicago. Well, a backlink from a food blogger also in Chicago or a local event site there, that's going to be way more valuable to you than you know some bakery in London linking to you.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Want to build up your cred in your area. Attract local customers.
Speaker 1:Absolutely so. Listener, if you've got a local business, pay close attention to this part. Now things get a bit more complicated here. Our research mentioned this thing called trust flow. What is that exactly?
Speaker 2:Trust flow. It's kind of like the secret weapon in the SEO world. It's basically a measure of how much search engines trust your website, and that trust is based on the quality of the sites that are linking to you. Think of it as a website's reputation, you know, like a credit score, but for websites, Okay.
Speaker 1:So if I've got a bunch of links from, like, spammy sites or sites that are totally unrelated to what I do, my trust flow is going to take a hit.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's like hanging out with the wrong crowd right. It kind of reflects poorly on you, even if you aren't doing anything wrong yourself. The wrong crowd right, it kind of reflects poorly on you, even if you aren't doing anything wrong yourself. But on the flip side, if you have links coming in from sites that are already super trusted, like, you know, gov or edu websites, your trust flow is going to get a huge boost.
Speaker 1:Ah, so that's why those gov and edu links are so sought after. But wait, if, like, a random gov website links to my bakery website, is that actually going to help me? It still seems like relevance has to matter, even with a site that has great trust flow.
Speaker 2:You're totally right. A link from, say, a government website about environmental regulations probably wouldn't make much sense for your bakery. Yeah, the ideal scenario is to have a site linking to you that has high trust flow, but that's also relevant to your specific niche. Now that's the relevant to your specific niche. Now that's the SEO jackpot right there.
Speaker 1:Okay, so it's all about relevance and trust flow the dynamic duo. Now, what about all those well shady tactics we've heard about when it comes to getting backlinks? You know link farms, comment spam, buying backlinks. Does any of that even work anymore?
Speaker 2:Those are like relics of the past. I mean, yeah, they used to work, but Google, they caught on. They rolled out updates, like the Penguin update, to specifically fight those spammy tactics. Now those tactics can actually get you penalized.
Speaker 1:So not worth the risk. What does a Google-approved good backlink look like today, then?
Speaker 2:A good backlink. It should feel like a real recommendation from a friend. It comes from a website that's trustworthy, relevant to you and has solid trust flow. And the anchor text that's the clickable words in the link those should make sense on the page, not just be stuffed with keywords.
Speaker 1:Okay, so keep it natural no more of those keyword stuff to click your links. But how do you actually get those high quality backlinks? Where do you even start?
Speaker 2:One of the most effective strategies is guest posting.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Think of it like sharing your expertise with a bigger audience. You write an amazing blog post for a website that's relevant to you and in exchange, you get a backlink to your site. Everybody wins.
Speaker 1:I love that Providing value and getting value in return. What else?
Speaker 2:For local businesses getting listed in those reputable online directories and business listings, that's a must.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Think Yelp, Google my Business, your local chamber of commerce, things like that.
Speaker 1:Right Building that presence, that local cred.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Now I bet creating awesome content that people just naturally want to link to is important too, right?
Speaker 2:Oh, absolutely. If you're putting out content that's truly valuable, that people want to share, well, you're going to attract backlinks naturally. It's like a magnet for good links.
Speaker 1:So quality content attracts, quality links, makes sense.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:But even if we're doing everything right, our research also mentioned monitoring your backlinks and disavowing any bad ones. Can you talk more about that?
Speaker 2:Yeah, so even if you're super careful, you might end up with some bad links pointing to your site, especially if you've been online for a while. It's kind of like having a few rotten apples in the bunch. You got to regularly check your backlink profile, you know, and get rid of any of those toxic or spammy links that might be hurting your SEO. Ah, so it's like spring cleaning, but for your website. How do you actually go about disavowing these bad links, though? Is it complicated?
Speaker 1:Not at all. Google Search Console has this great tool for that. You basically tell Google hey, just ignore these links over here. They don't represent my site well.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:It's like hitting the delete button on those bad apples.
Speaker 2:I like that. So we've got some power to protect ourselves from those shady links. So we've talked about building a solid backlink profile. But how does all this affect where our website actually shows up in the search results? What's the magic formula at play here?
Speaker 1:That's a great question and we're going to explore that in much more detail after a quick break. Stay with us. Welcome back. Before the break, we were getting into the good stuff about backlinks and how to build a strong profile, but how do those links actually affect where a website ends up in the search results? What's the secret sauce there?
Speaker 2:Well, it all boils down to authority and relevance. Those are the two main things search engines like Google use to rank websites. When you get a link from a website that has a lot of authority, it's basically like they're vouching for you, you know, telling Google hey, this site's trustworthy, it's a valuable source.
Speaker 1:So the more quality backlinks I get, the higher my website's authority becomes for Google, and that means better chances of ranking higher for the keywords I'm targeting.
Speaker 2:Exactly. But remember it's not just about how many links you have. A single link from a super authoritative site like a big university or a respected publication that can be worth more than tons of links from low quality sites.
Speaker 1:That makes total sense. It's like getting a recommendation from a Nobel Prize winner versus just some random person on the street. But how can our listener actually figure out how authoritative a website is? Is there like a number they should look for?
Speaker 2:MELANIE WARRICK. There are a few metrics. You can use Domain authority or DA. That's a popular one. It was developed by Moz. It's basically.
Speaker 1:Okay, so if I'm trying to get backlinks, I should aim for websites with a high DA right. Is there like a magic number?
Speaker 2:Well, da is a good starting point, but don't get too hung up on it. A site with a slightly lower DA but super relevant to your niche can still be really valuable. It's always a balancing act. You know authority and relevance working together.
Speaker 1:Gotcha. It's about finding that sweet spot. Now let's talk anchor text, the clickable words in a link. Why is anchor text so important for SEO?
Speaker 2:Anchor text adds context to a link. It tells search engines what the page you're linking to is all about. You know, back in the day people used to stuff keywords into anchor text like crazy Thought it was a quick way to rank higher.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah, I remember those. Just a bunch of click here. Links are crammed with keywords. It was so obvious they were trying to game the system.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and Google. They caught on pretty quickly. They started penalizing sites that use manipulative anchor text. These days, it's all about keeping it natural and relevant. The anchor text should accurately describe what the linked page is about.
Speaker 1:So let's say I'm writing a blog post about I don't know the benefits of meditation and I want to link to a website that sells meditation cushions. What?
Speaker 2:would be a good example of anchor text there. Well, instead of using something generic like you know, click here or something keyword stuff like best meditation cushions online, you could say something like comfortable meditation cushions or find the perfect meditation cushion for your practice. You know, something that sounds more natural and descriptive.
Speaker 1:That definitely sounds more helpful and a lot less spammy. It's like you're giving the reader a genuine suggestion, not just trying to trick them into clicking. Now we've talked a lot about external backlinks links coming to your site from others but what about internal linking? How does that factor into SEO?
Speaker 2:Internal linking is super important, just as crucial as external backlinks. It's about creating a network of connected pages on your own website. Think of it like building a roadmap for your users, but also for search engines, showing them how all your pages fit together.
Speaker 1:So instead of having all these separate pages on my site, I should link them together logically.
Speaker 2:Yeah, make it make sense for visitors and search engines. When you use internal links with relevant anchor text, you're not only helping people navigate your site easily, you're also telling Google which pages are the most important and how they all relate to each other, like creating a hierarchy of information and spreading authority between different pages.
Speaker 1:So it's kind of like creating these internal votes of confidence within my own website to boost the overall SEO.
Speaker 2:Exactly, internal linking is so powerful but a lot of people overlook it. But by strategically linking your pages, you can improve the experience for people visiting your site, boost your rankings and make it easier for Google to you know, crawl your entire site and index it, which can lead to way more visibility and traffic.
Speaker 1:This is really starting to click for me. Internal linking, external backlinks, anchor text is all connected, but what about those websites that still try to buy backlinks? Is that even a thing people do anymore?
Speaker 2:Unfortunately. Yeah, there are always people trying to take shortcuts, and buying backlinks is one of them, but trust me, it's a risky move that can really backfire, like trying to cheat your way to the top it might work for a little bit, but eventually you're going to get caught.
Speaker 1:I bet Google is really good at spotting those unnatural links.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, they've got these sophisticated algorithms that can pick up on patterns of artificial link building, and when they catch you they don't mess around. You can get penalized, your rankings can tank, you could even get de-indexed completely, and recovering from that well, it's a long and painful process.
Speaker 1:So definitely not worth the risk. Better to focus on building high quality natural links through, you know, ethical strategies that are actually sustainable.
Speaker 2:A hundred percent. Think of it like building a house. You don't want to build it on a foundation of sand, right? You need something strong, something solid and high quality backlinks.
Speaker 1:Well, they're that solid foundation for long-term SEO success. I like that analogy. We've covered a lot of ground here, from the basics of backlinks to the nitty gritty of relevance, authority and anchor text. We've also busted some myths about those shady SEO practices. But I'm curious what are some of the common mistakes you see people making when they try to build backlinks? What should they be avoiding?
Speaker 2:One of the biggest mistakes. I see people getting so caught up in quantity over quality. They're obsessed with getting as many backlinks as possible, but they don't even think about where those links are coming from or if they're even relevant. Remember, it's not about how many backlinks you have, it's about how good they are, how much authority they have.
Speaker 1:So chasing after those easy backlinks from low-quality sites can actually hurt you more than help you.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's like trying to impress someone with a fake designer bag. Might look good from afar, but up close not so much.
Speaker 1:Right, the truth comes out.
Speaker 2:Exactly Another mistake. People forget about internal linking. They don't realize how important it is for user experience and SEO. By linking your pages together the right way, you create this cohesive, valuable website that's easy for both visitors and search engines to navigate.
Speaker 1:Right. It's like a well-organized library where you can easily find what you're looking for, instead of a jumbled mess.
Speaker 2:Perfect analogy. And, of course, anchor text. We can't forget about that. Using those generic or keyword-stuffed anchor texts is a surefire way to get on Google's bad side. It's like trying to fool your friends with a bad disguise. They'll see through it eventually.
Speaker 1:So keep the anchor text natural, relevant and descriptive. And, whatever you do, don't buy backlinks. It's just not worth the risk. It can really hurt your website's reputation in the long run.
Speaker 2:MELANIE WARRICK Agreed. Now let's switch gears and talk about how to build a killer backlink profile. How can our listener take things to the next level?
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's a great question. We've talked about what not to do, but what are some things that actually work? Give us the good stuff.
Speaker 2:One of my top tips is to build relationships with other website owners and influencers in your niche. Networking is key in any industry and SEO is no different. By connecting with others, you open up so many doors, opportunities for guest posting, collaboration. You know just overall better backlink building strategies.
Speaker 1:So it's not about sending those spammy emails begging for links. It's about making real connections and giving value to others.
Speaker 2:Right. Build a community, you know, where everyone supports each other. I like that.
Speaker 1:What else?
Speaker 2:Another tip Create content that's so good people can't help but share it. If your content is informative, engaging, solves a problem, people will naturally want to link to it. It's like I don't know cooking a meal that's so delicious everyone wants the recipe. They can't resist sharing it.
Speaker 1:So create content that people just have to share and link to. How can our listener make sure they're creating that kind of content, though?
Speaker 2:Think about your target audience, really think about them. What problems are they facing?
Speaker 1:Think about your target audience, really think about them. What problems are?
Speaker 2:they facing.
Speaker 1:What questions do they have? What information would make their lives easier or better? If you understand your audience's needs, you can create content that really resonates with them. That's a great point. Put yourself in their shoes. But what about those times when you?
Speaker 2:want to reach out and ask for backlinks directly. Is that ever a good idea? Want to reach out and ask for backlinks directly? Is that ever a good idea? It can be, but you got to be smart about it. Don't just blast out generic emails asking for links. Personalize your message, you know. Explain why your content would be a good fit for their audience. Offer something in return.
Speaker 1:So it's all about reciprocity Give and take.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Maybe you share their content on social media, offer to write a guest post for them or collaborate on a project. It's about building that mutually beneficial relationship.
Speaker 1:I love that. Building a strong backlink profile takes work, effort and a good strategy, but if you focus on quality, relevance and authenticity, you can earn backlinks that will boost your rankings and make your website a trusted authority in your space.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's a marathon, not a sprint.
Speaker 1:This has been so insightful. We've learned so much. But before we wrap up, let's revisit something you mentioned earlier monitoring and disavowing those toxic links. Remind our listener what that means and why it's important.
Speaker 2:Right, not all backlinks are created equal and unfortunately, there are some bad apples out there who try to sabotage websites with spammy, low quality links. And those links, well, they can really damage your rankings and your reputation.
Speaker 1:So we need to keep an eye on our backlink profile and get rid of any links that look suspicious or harmful.
Speaker 2:Yeah, think of it like weeding a garden. You want to pull out those weeds so your plants can thrive.
Speaker 1:Okay, I like that analogy. How can someone actually find and get rid of those toxic links? Are there any tools out there?
Speaker 2:Google Search Console has a tool specifically for disavowing backlinks. You can upload a file listing the links you want to get rid of and Google will basically ignore them when they evaluate your site.
Speaker 1:So we have some control over those shady links, but how do you actually know which ones are toxic? What should we be looking for?
Speaker 2:There are a few red flags. Look for links from websites that have nothing to do with your niche sites with low domain authority or a high spam score and be careful with links that have keyword-stuffed anchor text or come from sites that have already been penalized by Google.
Speaker 1:So be vigilant, use common sense.
Speaker 2:Exactly. If a link looks fishy or too good to be true, it probably is. It's always better to be safe and disavow any links you're unsure about. It's a simple step that can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
Speaker 1:Okay, this has been incredibly helpful. We've covered everything from backlink basics to advanced strategies, even how to protect ourselves from those toxic links. But before we move on, what are some emerging trends in the backlink landscape that our listeners should be aware of? What's on the horizon?
Speaker 2:That's a great question. Seo is always changing, backlinks included. One trend we're seeing is backlinks from those niche websites and online communities. Those are becoming more and more important.
Speaker 1:Interesting so, like forums, online groups, those industry-specific platforms, even subreddits. Why are those becoming so valuable?
Speaker 2:Well, those are the places where your target audience is already hanging out, having discussions, looking for information. Getting backlinks from those sources tells Google you're relevant to that specific niche and it also brings in highly targeted traffic to your site.
Speaker 1:It's like reaching an audience that's already interested in what you have to offer.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And another trend the rise of visual content. That's having a big impact on backlinks.
Speaker 1:We all know video is huge, but what does that have to do with backlinks?
Speaker 2:Well, think about it. People are more likely to share and link to visual content like videos, infographics, interactive stuff. Creating high quality visuals can be a great way to get backlinks and boost your visibility.
Speaker 1:So it's not just about the written word anymore.
Speaker 2:Nope Visuals are key.
Speaker 1:What else is changing the backlink?
Speaker 2:game. Social media it's becoming super important for backlink strategies. It goes beyond just dropping a link in your bio.
Speaker 1:Okay, so we're not just talking about a link in our Instagram bio, then what else is there?
Speaker 2:Social media platforms are like search engines now, too. When you share your content there and people engage with it, liking it, commenting. Sharing it creates these social signals that Google pays attention to.
Speaker 1:So even if those links on social media aren't direct backlinks, they're still affecting our SEO.
Speaker 2:Yeah, they add to your overall online visibility and authority, which can then affect your rankings indirectly. Plus, social media is a great way to build those relationships with other website owners and influencers that can lead to more high-quality backlinks.
Speaker 1:It's all connected, so what should our listener be doing to stay on top of all this? What's the key takeaway?
Speaker 2:Be adaptable, be a learner, don't be afraid to experiment with new strategies and platforms. Focus on building a diverse backlink profile from different sources niche websites, online communities, social media and, of course, those high authority sites in your industry.
Speaker 1:So be proactive, stay informed and keep evolving those backlink strategies.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And at the end of the day, remember, the best backlinks are the ones you earn naturally by putting out great content, building real relationships and giving people a great experience on your website. That's what sets you up for success in the long run.
Speaker 1:That's a great point. We've covered so much in this deep dive into the world of backlinks. Take what you've learned, use it to improve your own website. Start building those quality backlinks and watch your SEO take off.
Speaker 2:And don't forget, if you ever get stuck, there are tons of resources online to help you.
Speaker 1:That's right. Don't be afraid to ask for help, connect with other SEO experts and never stop learning, Because in the SEO world, knowledge is power. Thanks for joining us for the Deep Dive. So we've spent a lot of time in this Deep Dive getting into the nuts and bolts of backlinks, haven't we? From the basics to some more advanced stuff. But now I want to look ahead. What's the future of backlinks? What should our listener be prepared for?
Speaker 2:Well, SEO is always changing right, and backlinks are no exception. One trend that's really picking up steam is the importance of links from those niche-specific websites and online communities.
Speaker 1:Okay. So, like forums and online groups, industry platforms, even those subreddits dedicated to certain topics. What makes them so valuable these days?
Speaker 2:Well, those are the places where your audience is already hanging out, you know, talking to each other, looking for information, getting a link from one of those sources. It's a signal to Google that you're relevant in that niche. Plus, it sends you traffic that's super targeted.
Speaker 1:So it's like a direct line to people who are already interested in what you have to offer.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and another trend that's worth paying attention to is how visual content is influencing backlinks.
Speaker 1:Yeah, video is king these days, right.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But how does that tie into backlinks? Are we just talking about dropping links in YouTube descriptions?
Speaker 2:It's more than that. People are way more likely to share and link to visual content like videos, infographics, those interactive tools. I mean, think about it. Are you more likely to share a long text, heavy article or an infographic that sums things up visually?
Speaker 1:Yeah, I go for the infographic for sure. It's easier to take in and it's definitely more shareable.
Speaker 2:Right, and when you create that kind of visual content stuff that people actually want to share you're naturally attracting backlinks and boosting your visibility.
Speaker 1:So we've got to think beyond the written word, got to go visual. What else is shaking things up in the backlink world?
Speaker 2:Well, social media is playing a bigger and bigger role in backlink strategies too. It goes beyond just adding a link to your bio.
Speaker 1:OK, so it's more than just slapping a link in our Instagram bio. Then Fill us in.
Speaker 2:Social media platforms are practically search engines themselves these days, and when you share your content on those platforms and people engage with it, you know they like it, they comment, they share it. That sends signals to Google they're paying attention.
Speaker 1:So those social media links, even though they aren't direct backlinks, they're still influencing our SEO in a way.
Speaker 2:Yeah, they're boosting your overall visibility and authority online, which can definitely impact your rankings down the line. And don't forget, social media is a great way to build those relationships with other website owners and influencers, and that can lead to more of those high quality backlinks we've been talking about.
Speaker 1:It really is all connected. So what's the biggest takeaway for our listener here? What should they do to stay ahead of the game when it comes to backlinks?
Speaker 2:Be adaptable and stay curious. Don't be scared to try new things, new strategies, new platforms. Focus on building a diverse backlink profile from lots of different sources niche websites, online communities, social media and those high-authority sites in your industry.
Speaker 1:So be proactive, stay informed and keep evolving those backlink strategies.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And remember the best backlinks are the ones you earn naturally, you know, by creating awesome content, building real relationships and giving people a great experience when they visit your website. That's the foundation for lasting success with SEO.
Speaker 1:I think that's a perfect way to wrap things up. We've really dug deep into the world of backlinks and hopefully you walked away with some great insights and actionable strategies to take your website to the next level. Remember, keep learning, keep experimenting and keep those backlinks flowing. Thanks for joining us on the Deep Dive.