BACK
What Are Backlinks in SEO?
Taylor Tunnison • September 9, 2022

If you’re new to digital marketing, you may be unfamiliar with backlinks. These essential elements affect the quality of any website’s search engine optimization (SEO). In short, a backlink is any hyperlink that points back to a website from another domain. They’re often used to cite sources, provide useful details, or recommend valuable content to users. Here’s a quick primer on what backlinks are and why they’re so important for SEO.

SEO Backlinks

Google’s search engine algorithm, a complex version of PageRank, ranks websites based on hundreds of factors. One major ranking factor is a website’s number of backlinks (inbound links). In general, those with more backlinks often receive higher organic search rankings.


Backlinks are important because they signal value, quality, and credibility. Think of them as votes of approval from other individuals and organizations. For instance, if someone enjoys one of our posts and wants to give us credit for it, they would (hopefully) link back to our website within their own original content. That way, their users can easily find us online. Plus, if it’s a “follow” link, Google is more likely to transfer some of the linking domain’s authority to our website.


Domain Authority (DA) and backlinks go hand-in-hand. The quality and variety of a website’s backlinks directly affect its own DA. While DA isn’t a true Google Search ranking factor, it’s a relatively good metric for predicting how likely a website is to rank compared to competitors.

Types of Backlinks

There are several common types of backlinks on the internet today. Some directly contribute to a website’s Google Search rankings, but others don’t. Knowing the difference between distinct types of backlinks can empower you to improve your website’s overall SEO strategy.

1. Follow Links

These links technically “pass PageRank” from one domain to another. Follow or “DoFollow” links directly affect a website’s Google Search rankings. That’s why we consider them the gold standard of SEO backlinks, especially if they're organic, relevant, and authoritative.

2. Nofollow Links

By contrast, these links don’t pass PageRank between domains. Nofollow links look like any other link at first glance, but they carry a hidden tag in their HTML code that tells Google not to crawl them. They generally come from internal links, online directories, and social media networks.


While having nofollow links pointing to your website won’t directly boost its search rankings, they’re still helpful for user trust, organic traffic, and link profile diversity. A website link profile of 100% follow links is misleading, so we recommend maintaining at least 10% nofollow links.

3. Organic Links

Building organic follow links is one of the best ways to improve any website’s SEO. These spontaneous, often user-generated, links are free gestures of goodwill, and they tell both Google and website visitors that the linked website is valuable and credible.

4. Paid Links

As you may guess, paid links aren’t organic. Instead, they’re bought with the hope of quickly improving a website’s traffic or even search rankings. Paid links should always include nofollow tags as to not pass PageRank from the linking domain. This is because Google want to reward earned, organic backlinks, not sponsored content. In fact, paid follow links violate Google’s Webmaster Guidelines, and they may negatively impact the linked domain’s search rankings.

What Is a Good Backlink?

If you’re working on your website’s SEO, then you’ll want to build a diverse profile of high-quality backlinks. This will signal to Google that your website is worth ranking over competitors for relevant keywords. But how do you know what is a good backlink and what simply isn’t?


Backlinks don’t exist in a vacuum. They contribute to a website’s overall link profile, which can be checked using a variety of free and paid SEO tools. Ahrefs allows you to easily explore any website’s link profile with their backlink checker. Tools like this and Moz’s Domain Authority are essential for evaluating the quality of any current or potential backlinks.


Organic follow links from high-authority domains are excellent, and more are always better. A single backlink from a high DA domain is likely to be more valuable than dozens of links from brand-new websites. Nofollow backlinks, especially from high DA domains, are also good because they help to diversify a website’s link profile. The only “bad” backlinks are those that clearly break the rules, like paid follow links. Let’s review some of the main components of good backlinks.

1. Authoritative Domains

An authoritative domain (high DA) is recognized and respected within its particular industry. If that website links back to yours, it’s essentially a vote of approval. These links are always welcome when it comes to SEO, especially if they’re organic and follow-tagged. Keep in mind that authority backlinks are tough to earn and rarely occur by accident. They’re almost always the result of insight, dedication, and high-quality original content that catches someone’s attention.

2. Relevant Sources

Relevance is critical for good SEO backlinks. However, it isn't just helpful for Google Search rankings. Even nofollow backlinks from relevant third-party websites can boost organic website traffic, improve user experience, and help drive conversions.


Backlinks are like roads between digital destinations. If the two linked websites have something in common, such as a shared industry or passion for community outreach, visitors who are interested in one are much more likely to be intrigued by the other. We call this qualified traffic, and it’s always preferable over unqualified traffic.


Put yourself in a user’s shoes and consider their reaction to an irrelevant link. They’re unlikely to see your website positively, even if the bad link wasn’t your doing. They’ll probably leave immediately, negatively affecting your website’s bounce rate.

3. Diverse Link Profile

A strong link profile includes a large variety of referring domains. This means your backlinks are coming from a wide selection of different websites. If you’re constantly getting backlinks from the same domains, you likely won’t have enough variety in your link profile to truly smash your SEO goals. Backlinks from new domains, even if they aren’t the most authoritative, will significantly improve the diversity of your link profile. Always consider this when evaluating your SEO backlinks and whether or not they’re a good fit.

4. Varied Anchor Text

For the most part, it’s tough to control the anchor text a third-party website uses in your backlinks. Regardless, try to aim for as much variety as possible. Backlinks anchored to company name and website URL are fairly common, but those connected to high-value keywords are usually better.


One way to gain varied backlink anchor text is to improve your website’s content. Focus on your product or service pages, and consider breaking them into separate pages if you haven’t already. Regularly publish keyword-centered blog posts that provide insight and value for visitors. Share your content on social media platforms and within email newsletters to raise awareness and boost visibility. With some luck, you’ll catch someone’s eye and earn backlinks anchored to relevant keywords.

Ask Us about SEO Best Practices

SEO is a long-term approach that involves dozens of best practices. Backlinks are simply one part of a comprehensive plan for improving organic website traffic over time. If you’re curious about backlinks, Domain Authority, or SEO in general, then we welcome you to reach out today. We’d love to sit down together and discuss your opportunities for improvement.


Originally published on September 3rd, 2020

Are You Interested In More?

SCHEDULE A MEETING

Share This Post With Your Friends

Latest Posts

June 30, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, your brand reputation isn’t just important, it’s everything. Potential customers trust online reviews and public perception just as much as personal recommendations. That’s why customer reputation management has become one of the most powerful tools for business growth, and at True North Technologies, we’re here to help you take control of it. Whether you’re a local service provider or an online retailer, your success depends on what people are saying about you. Here’s how reputation management can fuel your growth, and how True North Technologies can guide you along the way. Why Customer Reputation Management Matters Before making a purchase, booking a service, or even visiting a website, most customers do one thing first: they Google you. They check your reviews, look for testimonials, and read social media comments. A few negative reviews, or a lack of recent positive ones, can be enough to send them to your competitors. According to research , 87% of customers won’t consider a business with low ratings. Managing your online reputation isn’t just about looking good, it’s about building trust, increasing visibility, and driving conversions. What Is Customer Reputation Management? Customer reputation management is the strategic process of monitoring, influencing, and improving how your brand is perceived online. It involves: Responding to customer reviews (both positive and negative) Encouraging happy customers to leave reviews Monitoring social mentions and brand chatter Ensuring consistency across review platforms like Google, Facebook, and Yelp Promoting testimonials on your website and social media Addressing and resolving customer concerns quickly and professionally At True North Technologies, we offer custom reputation management solutions that are proactive, efficient, and aligned with your brand. The Growth Benefits of Reputation Management 1. Boosts Trust and Credibility A strong online reputation builds consumer confidence. When potential customers see dozens of positive reviews and timely, professional responses to feedback, they’re more likely to trust your business and ultimately choose you. 2. Improves Local SEO Rankings Search engines like Google factor in reviews when ranking local businesses. Businesses with consistent, high-quality reviews and up-to-date profiles are more likely to appear in the Local Pack (those top results with maps and star ratings). This increases your visibility and brings more traffic to your site. Want to know more about how SEO plays a role in your digital growth? Check out our blog on Why Your Business Needs a Strong SEO Strategy in 2025 . 3. Drives More Conversions Reviews act as social proof. When visitors see others had a great experience with your business, they feel more confident converting, whether that means calling for a quote, placing an order, or booking a service. 4. Gives You a Competitive Edge Many businesses still overlook reputation management or don’t have a solid strategy in place. By being proactive, you can stand out in your industry, win more trust, and grow faster than competitors who neglect this key area. Final Thoughts: Reputation = Revenue In today’s competitive market, your online reputation is often your first impression, and sometimes your only one. By taking control of your digital presence and making customer feedback part of your growth strategy, you can turn your reputation into one of your most valuable marketing tools. At True North Technologies, we help businesses build, protect, and promote reputations that drive real results. From strategy to implementation, we’re your partner in long-term growth. Want to grow your business through better reviews and stronger customer trust? Let’s talk about your reputation strategy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
June 24, 2025
At True North Technologies, we know that marketing is about more than just grabbing attention, it’s about creating clarity, trust, and connection. That’s why we go beyond surface-level design and tap into something deeper: visual psychology. One of the most influential concepts in visual psychology is the Gestalt Principles . These principles explain how humans naturally perceive and organize visual information. While they originated in early 20th-century psychology, they’re still incredibly relevant today, especially in video advertising and customer reputation management, two key services we offer . Here’s how understanding how people see helps us create marketing that people remember. Gestalt in Action: Smarter, More Effective Video Advertising Videos are one of the most powerful tools in modern marketing, but only when they’re done right. It’s not enough to have flashy visuals or catchy music. If the message isn’t clear and cohesive, viewers won’t stay engaged, or worse, they won’t remember what your brand was even about. This is where Gestalt principles come in. 1. Continuity: Guiding the Viewer’s Journey In video editing, smooth transitions and visual direction are key. Gestalt’s continuity principle states that the eye naturally follows lines and patterns. We apply this by carefully arranging motion, graphics, and scene transitions to guide the viewer’s focus and ensure that every second feels purposeful. Whether it's the way a product enters the frame or how text moves on screen, we craft flow with intention, so the viewer isn’t confused, distracted, or overwhelmed. 2. Figure/Ground: Making the Message Pop When something important appears in a video, the viewer needs to instantly recognize it. The figure/ground principle helps us do that by separating key elements (like a logo, tagline, or testimonial) from the background with contrast, motion, or placement. This ensures the most critical parts of your message don’t just blend into the noise, they stand out, get noticed, and stick in the viewer’s mind. 3. Similarity & Repetition: Reinforcing Brand Identity Incorporating repeating elements like your brand colors, logo animations, fonts, or even a signature visual style, activates the similarity principle. This makes your video feel unified and strengthens brand recall. It’s a subtle but powerful way to build recognition every time someone watches your ad. Customer Reputation Management: The Psychology of Perception Just like design and video, customer reputation management is about shaping how your audience perceives you, and Gestalt principles play a role here, too. 1. Proximity: Grouping Positive Signals Online, users quickly scan for patterns. When they see a collection of positive reviews grouped together on your website or Google profile, the proximity principle kicks in: they naturally associate these reviews with overall credibility. At True North, we design review displays and testimonial sections that use proximity and layout strategy to emphasize trust at a glance. 2. Closure: Filling the Gaps with Emotion When customers read a few strong, well-written reviews, their brains often “fill in the gaps” using the closure principle. This means they don’t need to read every single review to form a positive opinion; they get a feel for your business from just a few. That’s why we help businesses highlight a curated, consistent set of feedback that reflects their values and service quality. 3. Similarity: Creating Consistency Across Platforms Whether someone reads about your business on Google, Facebook, or your website, the tone and visuals should feel familiar. Using the similarity principle, we ensure your branding, messaging, and even review response style remain cohesive across all platforms. This builds trust and reassures potential customers that your business is legitimate and professional. Why It Works: Designing for Human Behavior At the heart of it all, Gestalt principles are about understanding how people think and see. Whether it's a 15-second video ad or a stream of five-star reviews, we use these principles to design content that feels intuitive, polished, and trustworthy. True North Technologies doesn’t just create marketing materials, but we create experiences that connect. By blending psychology with design, we help your brand make a lasting impression in a crowded digital world. Ready to transform how people see your business? Let’s harness the power of visual psychology to elevate your marketing—from video to reputation and beyond. Contact us today to get started.
May 19, 2025
Trends, Tools & Tactics for a Winning Strategy In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is essential—especially when it comes to social media. In 2025, platforms are smarter, audiences are more selective, and content must be more strategic than ever. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, here’s how to master social media marketing in 2025 and stay competitive. 1. Embrace Short-Form Video as a Core Strategy Short-form video continues to dominate across platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. It’s not just trendy—it’s effective. Brands using video content in their social media strategy are seeing better reach, higher engagement, and stronger brand recall. Pro Tip: Keep videos authentic, mobile-optimized, and aligned with your brand voice. 2. Use AI and Automation Without Losing the Human Touch AI tools are reshaping content marketing—from auto-generating captions to predicting the best times to post. But in 2025, success depends on blending automation with genuine storytelling. AI-driven tools can now analyze user behavior to recommend the best posting times, tailor content to specific audience segments, and even generate video scripts or image suggestions. These tools reduce manual workload and increase the speed of campaign execution—allowing teams to stay agile in a fast-moving landscape. But with all this innovation, there's a caveat: authenticity matters more than ever. Audiences in 2025 can spot generic or robotic content a mile away. The most successful brands are those that use AI to enhance creativity, not replace it. 3. Go Beyond Likes: Prioritize Conversions and Commerce Social media is now a key driver of sales—not just brand awareness. In-app shopping , product tagging, and clickable video content are transforming platforms into storefronts. We help businesses set up and optimize paid social advertising campaigns that are designed to convert, not just attract followers. 4. Diversify Platforms—But Be Strategic Different platforms offer different strengths—Instagram excels at visual storytelling, LinkedIn is ideal for professional thought leadership, and TikTok thrives on entertainment and discovery. Rather than stretching your resources thin by being everywhere at once, focus on building a strong presence where your target audience is most engaged. Then, tailor your content to match the tone, format, and behavior of users on each platform for maximum impact. 5. Data Is the New Creative Your content might be captivating, but if it’s not supported by data, it’s a shot in the dark. A successful social media marketing strategy in 2025 requires the ability to measure performance and adapt quickly. Social platforms now offer advanced analytics that go beyond likes and shares. These analytics offer helpful insights that can help identify: The best days and times to post Top-performing content themes Efficient ad spending options Top trends Goals tied to business outcomes Ready to Elevate Your Brand’s Social Presence? In 2025, success on social media requires more than just being active—it takes intention, creativity, and data-driven execution. Let True North Technologies help you turn your social platforms into a growth engine. Contact us today to schedule a call and start mastering your social media presence.