Backlinks Made Simple: How to Get Google to Notice Your Business

The SEO Secret You’ve Been Missing: Backlinks

Showing up on Google is often the goal of many small business owners because we want to get in front of our ideal clients at the exact time that they're searching for our services. However showing up in Google often feels like this mystery thing that is almost impossible to achieve. No matter how hard we try, ranking on that first page of Google Search results just isn't happening.

If that sounds familiar then just know you're not alone and no amount of keywords and optimizing is going to solve this problem for you. There's a sneaky pillar of SEO that you've probably not considered before but is absolutely essential when trying to show up in Google.

That secret? Showing Google that you are trustworthy by getting links from other websites to link to your website, aka backlinks.

Of course this is just one part of SEO and if you'd like to learn more about the foundations of SEO then you should check out this blog post here.

In this blog post I'm going to explain why backlinking is such an important part of SEO and how you can start to use this key SEO strategy to help you get ranked on Google.

What on Earth Are Backlinks?

A backlink is simply when another website links from their site to yours. That could be a link from a fellow business owner a local directory or even a link from your social media profile.

It's all about showing Google that you are trustworthy and shows that your business is elsewhere on the internet other than just your website.

You can think of backlinks like a vote of confidence from another website owner. If that website owner trusts you so much that they're willing to drive traffic away from their website to your website, then that is an amazing sign to Google that your website is worth visiting and is trustworthy.

Why Backlinks Matter More Than You Think

The thing we need to remember as business owners is that not everyone on the internet is as trustworthy as us.

We're in an age of the internet where just about any random guy can make a website. But we all know, just because you have a website, that doesn't make you an authority on a topic.

So how do we show Google that we are not just some random guy on the internet, but we are actually a trusted source of information?

One of the most powerful ways to do that, is through backlinks.

You've probably already heard that Google has hundreds or different ways of determining what websites it should show in its search results but one of those things that we know for sure is authority and trust.

Authority is about showing users and Google that you are an expert at a topic. Of course backlinks aren't the only way to demonstrate this for example if you have an extensive blog all about a topic if your website has been running for years and it gets lots of traffic these are all great signs to Google that you are in fact an authority on a topic. Backlinks however are an extremely powerful and clear way that Google can see that you are to be trusted.

Trustworthiness is all about showing you are a reliable and credible source of information that uses contrast when they land on your website. Again there are lots of different factors that lean into this for example if you have lots of positive reviews if the content on your website is accurate as well as backlinks from other credible websites.

When users and Google see your website as authoritative and trustworthy, then you are much more likely to rank in Google.

The Different “Flavors” of Backlinks

It's really important to know that not all backlinks are created equal.

For example a backlink from a really trustworthy website like the BBC or Forbes, is going to look so much better in Google's eyes than a random link from a spammy website.

Of course this goes the other way around. Websites that are spammy, built by Joe Bloggs down the road, or just not relevant to you simply aren't going to do your website any favours.

So please don't be tempted to buy links from some dodgy link builder on Fiverr, or listen to any shady SEO hacks. Let's be honest here, Google is a multi-trillion pound corporation - no one can outsmart them. So do yourself a favor and avoid falling into any of those traps.

Building backlinks is simply about showing Google that you are a legitimate business with a legitimate website that can be trusted. Like with all things in business it's about being honest and intentional.

Easy Ways Small Businesses Can Start Getting Backlinks

So how do you build backlinks in a way that is honest and legitimate and isn't going to look really dodgy?

The good news is there are loads of different ways that you can do this, all of which are going to benefit your business in more ways than just a backlink. Ultimately, being in more places on the internet means you can get found by more people.

Guest Blogging

I really popular way to get a link back to your website is to write a blog post or an article on another website. Within that blog post you could then link back to your own website and organically create that backlink. Have a think about websites or other businesses that serve your ideal client, and have a think about what blog posts you could contribute to their website which not only benefits them but can also benefit you.

Local/Business/Industry Directories

Local directories are all about being found by local customers who are looking for the services that you provide. You could set up profiles on things like yelp Trust a trader and more niche industry directories too.

Collaborations

The standard collaborations that we are encouraged to do as business owners can also result in backlinks. Things like being featured on a podcast, creating a collaborative freebie, or doing and interview can all result in backlinks to your website.

PR Mentions

PR is all about being featured in online publications it could be magazines news articles you know the jam. You could use tools like HARO or Facebook groups to find journalists that are looking for people within your profession to quote in that articles.

Testimonials

Sharing testimonials for people you've worked with it's also another great way to get links back to your website. Often when people share testimonials that they will link to a website so it could be a creative and organic way to get links.

Social Media

Social media doesn't have the same "weight" as other backlinks, however linking to your website from your social media is a signal to Google that you are legitimate business that can be found elsewhere on the internet. You're not just some dodgy guy that has set up a dodgy website. So think about where else you can be found on the internet and making sure it's connected to your website.

Check Out Your Competitors for Backlink Inspiration

I know that sometimes it can be hard to think of ways to get backlinks to your website, but "spying" on your competitors could be a good place to start.

Lots of the best SEO tools like AHrefs or ubersuggest can be especially helpful because you can see the backlinks that your competitors have to their websites. That way, you can get some inspiration for your own website for places that are open to potential collaborations, potential directories you could be featured in and more.

The Don’ts of Backlink Building

It can be tempting to just throw money at the problem and hire someone from Fiverr who promises to build a bunch of backlinks for you. However I want to caution you.

Dodgy link building strategies can have an adverse effect on your website. Remember, the aim of the game here is to show Google that you are a trustworthy business, and to do that you need to do trustworthy things. Things like collaborations, being on podcasts, sharing valuable blog posts and being featured in the press.

So please don't be tempted to buy any dodgy links, don't go spamming other websites commenting a link to your website and definitely don't fall into any traps that promise the world.

How to Track if Your Backlinks Are Actually Working

So now you know the best way to get backlinks to your website how can you actually track that they are working?

Well the best thing to do is to track your SEO progress using Google search console. It's a free tool which contract how you're performing in search results and you will hopefully see your website climb the rankings over time.

You might also want to consider some easy to use SEO tools like uber suggest to actually track the backlinks you have for your website. These tools are also amazing because you can track your competitors to and maybe even get some inspiration.

Conclusion: Building a Website That Google (and People!) Love

So there you have it, your guide to backlinks for SEO. Of course backlinks are just one part of the equation when it comes to being loved by Google, you'll also want to make sure you have a well optimized site and good quality content.

If you're new to SEO then you might want to check out this article all about understanding the basics of SEO.

And of course if you would like to work with an SEO expert on your website or simply need help in creating a website that functions well and attracts those dreamy clients into your business then I'd love to chat.

I am a squarespace web designer with over four years experience working with business owners just like you, to create stress-free websites that attract dreamy clients. You can find out more about my services here.