Types of Backlinks in SEO

Backlinks, also known as inbound or incoming links. They are hyperlinks from another website to your own site. They are mainly anchored with text on blogs or website pages. Backlinks increase a website’s ranking, making it more authoritative. We mainly discuss the types of backlinks in SEO, their importance, and how to obtain quality backlinks.

Why are Backlinks important?

1. It will help improve website ranking; the more backlinks you create , the greater the chance of ranking higher will increase.

2. They increase website traffic, both by improving ranking and bringing users from backlinks on other websites.

3. Backlinks boost domain authority by enhancing credibility and signaling to search engines that it is a trustworthy site. 

4. They increase page ranking and authority, helping pages rank higher in search results.

5. In SEO, backlinks support your website in the long term, providing lasting benefits.

DoFollow Backlinks

DoFollow backlinks are links that pass on SEO authority, commonly known as link juice, from the originating website to the target website.. These are normal backlinks without attributes such as UGC, NoFollow, or Sponsored. They help increase site rankings.

DoFollow links do not have any special attributes; they are just normal links. See the structure:

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NoFollow Backlinks

NoFollow backlinks do not pass SEO authority from the linking website to the linked website. They assist search engines in recognizing that the link should not be viewed as a vote of confidence.

A no-follow link contains the “nofollow” attribute. Any link that includes this attribute is considered a no-follow link. See Its structure:

<a href=”URL” rel=”nofollow”>Anchored Text</a>

Some Other Types of Backlinks in SEO

UGC Backlinks

UGC stands for User Generated Content , referring to content created by users. Such types of backlinks are found on websites such as comments, forums, discussion boards, reviews, and social media platforms. These types of links might have no SEO impact generally.

You can identify these links by the presence of the rel= “ugc” attribute in the <a> (anchor) tag element.

Sponsored Backlinks

Sponsored backlinks are paid promotional backlinks obtained by paying a certain amount to the website owner. They can be acquired through article submissions (guest blogging) or by displaying ads that link back to your website. These links can impact SEO if you use correct tagging and focus on quality over quantity.

You can identify these links if the attribute of the rel=”sponsored” is present in the <a> (anchor) tag element.

Editorial Backlinks

Editorial backlinks are found on websites primarily focused on education and information for users. Such websites offer opinions, news, information, and insights on specific topics.

They include links to other websites as references to support or enhance the conversation and provide more information. They are also known as natural backlinks or earned backlinks.

For example, a leading website highlights several SEO tool websites in its article on effective keyword research and backlinks.

After obtaining effective dofollow backlinks, they will enhance the site’s domain rating, along with its credibility and visibility.

Image backlinks

Image backlinks occur when another website utilizes your image and attributes it to your site.. They acknowledge that the image they obtained from the original source is linked. 

Image backlinks can take the form of embedded links, attribution links, social media shares, and stock image websites. But there are less chances people will give credit back to you.

For example, a photography site mentions another site image, in their blog with an attribution link.

Image Submission Backlinks

Submitting images with links to your website on different platforms is known as image submission backlinks. You can upload images to image hosting platforms, stock photography sites, or social media sites. Most of them have options to add links to your own website.

1. Submitting links on various platforms can lead to backlinks from different audiences, which can increase your reach.
2. Many platforms allow you to submit easily without having to pay; there are abundant options available.
3. It’s very easy to submit images, as you don’t have to write lengthy content, and more users are attracted when images are posted on popular websites.

For example, a graphic designer can promote his work and portfolio by posting images on Pinterest. He can add backlinks to his site in the pins that link back to his website.

Guest Post Backlink

Guest post backlinks are hyperlinks in which a guest writer creates a blog post for another website and includes a link to their own website. The writer will produce a high-quality blog post based on research and include their website link naturally within relevant keywords. 

Backlinks obtained from reputable sites can boost traffic and increase website authority. This method can also help you engage with site owners for more collaborations.

1. It might require permission, or you may have to pay the owner of the website, but you will receive a high-quality backlink.
2. The chances of getting quality traffic increase as you write for reputable sites.
3. You will gain exposure on how to acquire more links and build more connections.

For Example, A photographer contributes a guest blog post such as “Best Techniques to Capture Food Photography” on a photography website, including a link to his own work for a backlink.

Profile Backlinks

Profile backlinks are links created by adding the URL of your website to the profile section of another website. You can create your profile on various platforms, such as social media, forums, business listing directories, and other websites to update your profile. 

From there, you can update the URL in the description box, or there may be a separate field for the website URL to include. Some platforms allow do-follow backlinks, while others permit only no-follow backlinks.

1. It is very easy to create profile backlinks in a short amount of time, as you don’t have to write any blog posts.
2. There are a large number of websites where you can add profile links without any prior approval.
3. These links can help increase your website’s authority faster, as they are easy to create without any hindrance.

For example, if you create a profile on Facebook and add your website link to the profile bio, it will generate a profile backlink.

Forum Backlinks

Forum backlinks are obtained when a person participates in online discussions on forum websites. There can be different types of forum backlinks, such as signature backlinks, profile backlinks, and contextual backlinks. 

Try to create backlinks on High DR & reputable forum sites only, as links from other low DR sites might be treated as spammy by search engines.

1. In forums, backlinks are easy to create in ongoing discussions without any issues.
2. Forums or discussion boards help create a natural and diverse backlink profile.
3. Active forum users are likely to click on links, as they serve as references for support in discussions.

For example, if a user asks a question related to website development and is seeking helpful tips, you and others who are knowledgeable about the subject can provide answers in your own words. While answering, you can include a link to your website for reference by attaching a hyperlink to relevant keywords.

Directory BackLinks

Directory links are links that come from business directory websites where individuals, websites, businesses, and organizations can add their information for the public. These directory sites allow customers or users to search for services relevant to their interests by exploring listings of service providers. 

It is an old way of creating backlinks. It’s important to note that while directory links can still provide some value, their influence on SEO is relatively low.

1. Directory link submissions are easy, free, and quick; however, some directories may require payment or approval for listings.
2. Listing in reputable and niche-based directories can increase traffic and sales, as well as enhance the authority of a website.
3. Directory listings can improve local search rankings and visibility based on geographic locations.

For Example, A business owner running a local bakery in New York wants to improve visibility and ranking. Business directories based in New York or the USA can help him not only with ranking but also in bringing sales and traffic to his bakery.

Comment Links

Comment backlinks are created by individuals when they comment on blog posts and include hyperlinks. Articles, forums, and other platforms are abundantly available with comments that contain hyperlinks pointing back to the website.

Comment links can help create backlinks, but their influence on SEO has decreased over time. Always focus on creating high-quality comment backlinks on reputable sites as it can be treated spammy by search engines.

1. Since comments can be easily posted anywhere, these backlinks are simple to create.
2. Unlike other backlink strategies, this doesn’t require you to pay or ask for permission.
3. As they are published frequently without delay, they can attract traffic quickly and provide immediate exposure.

For example, a freelance graphic designer can attract clients by commenting on design blogs, social media platforms, and forums. He can add a backlink to his portfolio to share design ideas and showcase his work. This can help drive traffic and increase his customer base.

How to Get High Quality Backlinks?

1. Create high-quality content that provides value to readers and answers their questions.
2. Guest blogging is about writing high-quality content to attract traffic & increase authority. To avoid rejection, it is essential to produce legitimate, high-quality content.
3. Participate in forum discussions, answer queries with relevant responses, and link back to your site.
4. Identify broken links on competitors’ websites, inform the site owners about them, and request a replacement with your link.
5. Monitor competitors Websites using tools to identify from where they are getting backlinks. This will help you discover more sites from which you can acquire backlinks.

In conclusion, backlinks are an effective way to improve your website’s ranking within your niche. They not only provide strength but also enhance a site’s authority. Additionally, they offer long-lasting benefits for SEO when approached correctly.

One important aspect to focus on is maintaining a balance between do-follow and no-follow backlinks. Avoid relying solely on do-follow backlinks without a strategic plan. By diversifying your backlink profile with both types, you can create a more natural link profile. Remember, the right strategy makes all the difference.