Posts
How important are back links?
When setting up your website for SEO (search engine optimization) on Google, there are several factors you need to consider in order to rank high on their search engine. Google then takes your website and performs a mathematical equation and places a numerical value on your website depending on one of the most important features, reciprocal or backlinks.
A backward link and a reciprocal link are identical. They both tell the Google engine the same thing, that your site should rank higher in the order because other people find value in what your website has to offer, so they provide a link to your site. In turn, you keep a closed loop by returning the favor to the other website by extending the same courtesy of a backlink. Thus creating a strong network connection. Google likes to see interconnectivity and will reward your website well for planning it this way.
There are drawbacks to the equation. As things change, a website you're affiliated with can drop a hyperlink or a page can be accidentally removed. When Googlebot checks your website and finds a dead link, it notices that it's not taking good care of your website and punishes your web rank by lowering your point value. If you want to know what your site's current point value is, download the Google Toolbar and find your website www.yourwebsitename.com in the box and do a Google web search. By reading the full URL, Google will go directly to your site first, thus opening your home page. There on the toolbar will be a page rank for your website between 1 and 10. 1 is a less visited and featured website and 10 a site that screams 24/7 traffic. .
Some of the people you share reciprocal links with may actually scan all of your links for continuity, if they get a bounce for a broken link on your website you can be sure you'll get an email from them. Keeping your website in balance with other sites you share links with will keep the Google engine happy. If you go and add a business that is not Google friendly, meaning they have no backlinks, you can also lose points.
