Glossary · Backlinks
Backlinks
Links from other websites to your site. Still one of the strongest ranking signals for both Google and AI engines.
Backlinks signal authority. Engines use them as votes of confidence: a link from a trusted source implies the destination is also worth trusting. Quality matters more than quantity. One link from a state bar association beats 200 links from low-quality directory aggregators.
For local businesses, the highest-value backlinks come from trade associations, manufacturer certifications, local press, supplier partner pages, and credible local directories.