Backlinks are simply links from one website to another. But for search engines like Google, they’re much more than that.
When trusted sites link to your content, it tells Google that your website is reliable, relevant, and valuable. That’s why SEO experts recommend about backlinks as one of the most powerful tools in your SEO toolbox.
According to Ahrefs, 90.63% of content gets zero traffic from Google often because it lacks quality backlinks. For small businesses in places like Pakistan
Where digital marketing budgets are tight, earning just a few strong backlinks can level the playing field against bigger competitors.
Backlinks also help:
- Improve keyword rankings
- Boost domain authority
- Drive referral traffic
- Appear in Google’s AI Overviews or featured snippets
In short, SEO experts recommend about backlinks because they can literally decide whether your content gets found or gets buried.
What SEO Experts Recommend About Backlinks: Top Strategies
1. Quality Over Quantity
This is the first rule every top SEO services professional agrees on: It’s not about how many backlinks you have it’s about where they come from.
Experts like Brian Dean and Marie Haynes stress that one backlink from a trusted, relevant website is better than 100 from low quality sites. If you run a tech blog, a backlink from TechCrunch means far more than one from a random lifestyle site.
What SEO experts recommend about backlinks is clear:
- Prioritize domain authority (DA) or domain rating (DR)
- Ensure the linking site gets real organic traffic
- Aim for links in editorial context (naturally placed in articles)
- Look for links from pages that rank themselves
A high quality backlink isn’t just a boost it’s a long term asset.
2. Diversify Your Link Profile
Search engines love variety. A healthy backlink profile includes links from many types of sources, not just one method like guest posts.
SEO expert Lily Ray points out that natural link diversity protects your site from Google penalties and reflects real world credibility.
What SEO experts recommend about backlinks includes:
- Editorial mentions in articles
- Links from business directories
- Contextual guest posts
- Mentions in media or industry blogs
- Links in YouTube descriptions, Twitter/X posts, or LinkedIn articles
This mixed approach builds trust and resilience over time.
3. Should You Buy Backlinks?
One effective option for small businesses with limited time and fewer connections is to buy quality backlinks from vetted sources that offer contextual placement.
Google’s official rules discourage it, but in reality, many brands (including major ones) use paid link placements strategically.
What SEO experts recommend about backlinks in this case is caution and quality. Never buy from spammy networks or sites offering bulk links. Instead, look for:
- Contextual placements within real articles
- Vetted sites with traffic and authority
- Niche relevance
For example, if you’re a Lahore based eCommerce brand and you get a backlink from a respected Pakistani tech blog that’s valuable. It’s targeted, natural, and boosts both SEO and visibility.
And unlike paid ads, which stop when the budget ends, a strong backlink continues delivering value.
What Not to Do (Backlink Mistakes to Avoid)
SEO experts recommend about backlinks not just what to do but what to avoid. Here are the common traps that can harm your rankings:
1. Link Farms & Spammy Sellers
Avoid sites that exist just to sell backlinks. These are usually low quality and risk penalties.
2. Irrelevant Backlinks
A health blog linking to a car repair shop doesn’t make sense. Google notices the mismatch.
3. Exact Match Anchor Text Abuse
Using the same keyword-rich anchor repeatedly (like “buy running shoes online”) can raise flags. Mix it up with branded or generic phrases.
4. Over Reliance on One Link Type
Don’t rely only on guest posts or only on directory listings. Mix things up for a natural footprint.
If you avoid these mistakes, your backlink profile will stay strong even as Google updates its algorithm.
What SEO Experts Recommend About Backlinks for Small Businesses
For a small business in Pakistan maybe a local bakery in Karachi or a startup in Islamabad ranking on Google can feel impossible. But with smart backlink strategies, it’s within reach.
Here’s why SEO experts recommend about backlinks for small businesses in particular:
- Cheaper long term than paid ads
- Builds brand trust
- Drives targeted traffic
- Supports local SEO visibility
For example, if a small clothing store gets mentioned on a local fashion blog or news outlet, that backlink brings new customers and signals trust to Google.
And remember: even one strong backlink from a trusted source can be more powerful than dozens of weak ones.
The Role of Content in Earning Backlinks
You can’t earn great backlinks without content worth linking to.
What SEO experts recommend about backlinks always starts with good content. Think of your content as the “bait” that attracts links naturally.
Best content formats that get linked:
- Detailed how to guides
- Original research with data
- Case studies with real results
- Infographics or charts
- Free tools or calculators
When your content offers real value, people want to share and reference it and that’s where backlinks come in.
Outreach and Digital PR: Relationship Driven Link Building
Experts like Ross Hudgens and Stacey MacNaught emphasize relationship building over cold outreach.
Build real connections by:
- Engaging with industry influencers
- Contributing quotes to journalists
- Pitching unique content ideas to bloggers
- Being active in niche communities
It takes time but it brings the best backlinks.
Don’t Forget the Technical SEO Basics
Even with great backlinks, your site won’t rank well if it’s technically broken.
So alongside link building, also focus on:
- Fast loading speed
- Mobile friendly design
- Clean, crawlable structure
- Strong internal linking
What SEO experts recommend about backlinks is always part of a bigger picture. Your foundation has to be solid.
Conclusion
What SEO experts recommend about backlinks hasn’t changed in one key way: they’re still the backbone of strong SEO. The tools and tactics may evolve, but quality, relevance, and strategy remain at the core.
Whether you’re creating standout content, doing smart outreach, or even investing in vetted link placements every backlink should have purpose and value.
Backlinks aren’t just digital points they’re real world proof that your content matters.
FAQs
Are backlinks still important in 2025?
Yes. Backlinks are still one of Google’s top ranking factors, especially when they’re relevant and placed naturally.
Can small businesses in Pakistan build quality backlinks?
Absolutely. Start by creating helpful content, building local connections, and reaching out to industry blogs.
Is buying backlinks safe?
It depends. Buying from spammy sources is risky. But carefully placed, high quality links from trusted sites can work well.
How many backlinks do I need to rank?
There’s no magic number. One strong backlink can outrank 50 weak ones. Focus on quality, not volume.
What’s the fastest way to earn backlinks?
Publish link worthy content and promote it. Use outreach, digital PR, and collaborate with niche influencers.
