What is link building (backlinks) in SEO?

Want better search rankings, more website visitors, and to grow your church, school, ministry or business?

Link building and gaining backlinks are one of the keys.

In this Search Engine Optimization Frequently Asked Questions (SEO FAQs) video blog, I address the question, What is link building (backlinks) in SEO? and talk about 4 good methods for gaining backlinks.

(The article below is a summary of the video, but you’ll get more details and examples if you watch the video.)

What is link building (backlinks) in SEO?

Link building is the process of getting other websites to link to your website. You might be wondering, why is this important? In the world of SEO, it really comes down to two things: relevance and authority. Links (also called backlinks) are a key component of the authority.

You can think of links as votes or endorsements for your website.

Backlinks = votes (endorsements)

The more links a website has, the more authority it has, and the better the search rankings Google and other search engines will give it. It’s not just about the quantity of links; quality matters too.

Now that we’ve covered what link building is and why it’s essential, let’s explore some…

Good methods for Gaining Backlinks

1. Natural Links: If you have a high-quality website or offer exceptional services, people are likely to naturally link to you. Producing top-notch content, such as informative how-to guides or resource pages, can also attract natural links.

2. Customers, Vendors, and Partners: You can reach out to organizations with whom you’ve worked or have partnerships and ask them to include a link to your website on theirs. Their endorsement can boost your authority.

3. Directories: There are directories for various niches, including church directories or home services directories. Listing your website in these directories can help you gain valuable links.

4. Guest Blogging: Writing articles for other websites and including a link back to your site is an effective way to secure links and establish authority in your field.

While there are legitimate ways to build links, it’s crucial to be avoid…

Methods of getting links that could get your website penalized or banned

1. Buying Links: Paying websites to link to yours is considered a black-hat tactic and can lead to penalties from search engines.

2. Link Schemes: Avoid practices like reciprocal linking, where you exchange links with other websites. These schemes can also harm your website’s reputation with search engines.

When considering SEO services or working with SEO companies, it’s vital to inquire about their link-building strategies. If they mention buying links or link schemes, it’s a red flag, and you should reconsider your choice.

The bottom line is…

Search engines see backlinks as endorsements for your website, boosting its authority and search rankings.

Link building and gaining backlinks are an important part of the the SEO services we provide at OurChurch.Com.

If you’d like to discuss church SEO or Christian SEO for your business, school or ministry, with one of our SEO experts, fill out the consultation request form below.

Comment and Share your thoughts:

• What questions do you have about link building and backlinks?

Read or watch more SEO FAQ articles and videos!

Paul Steinbrueck

Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com

Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.

An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.

Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce.