In 2024, link building remains a crucial component of SEO strategies, but the landscape has evolved significantly.
Here are some key trends and insights:
Quality Over Quantity
The focus has shifted towards acquiring high-quality backlinks rather than merely increasing the number of links. This means prioritizing links from reputable and relevant sources.
Do your research
Make sure to do proper research before you start your link building. Every niche differs when it comes to link building and you should adapt to your specific niche.
We used the “Competitor Analyzer” from Link.Builders to understand what’s needed to rank for a specific keyword:
Through this tool, we can get an understanding of how many links we need (the top ranking sites have an average of 100 more than us) and we can get an understanding of the power of the links needed.
With this in mind we can ask ourselves – is it reasonable to build these links organically or should we buy links in order to have a chance? Buying links are always a risk, since it’s against Googles guidelines, but in some niches it’s a must.
Content as a Link Building Tool
Effective link-building strategies now heavily rely on content creation. Types of content that are particularly effective include visual assets like infographics and charts, comprehensive list posts, and original research or data.
These content types are more likely to attract quality backlinks because of their value and shareability.
Author Authority and Experience
With the rise of AI-generated content, search engines like Google are placing more emphasis on content linked to recognized authors with relevant experience.
Establishing authors as experts enhances the credibility of the content, aligning with Google’s preference for knowledgeable and reputable content creators.
Topical Authority
Building topical authority is essential, especially for websites in niches like news, health, finance, and politics.
This involves creating in-depth content that covers a wide range of subtopics within your area of expertise and linking these pieces internally to demonstrate the breadth and depth of your knowledge.
Changing Value of Nofollow Links
Google has evolved the “nofollow” attribute for backlinks, potentially providing more value to your backlink profile than previously. The search engine now treats nofollow links as hints, which could be used in their algorithms, making these links more valuable than before.
Increased Competition and Costs
Link building has become more competitive and expensive, requiring unique strategies and relationship-building efforts. Many SEO professionals report that link building takes more time and effort than before, and a majority see it as a significant part of their SEO budget.
ROI from Link Building: Despite the challenges, a significant majority of SEO professionals report satisfying returns on investment from their link building efforts.
Evolving Strategies
Traditional tactics like cold outreach and press releases are becoming less effective. Instead, more personalized and strategic approaches, such as leveraging digital PR and social media for content promotion, are gaining traction.
In summary, while link building in 2024 is more challenging and competitive, it continues to be a valuable strategy for SEO. The focus has shifted towards creating high-quality, authoritative content, leveraging author expertise, and adapting to the evolving SEO landscape to build effective backlinks
