---
title: "Why links are important for SEO"  
description: "When it comes to SEO, links are vital. Google uses them to determine which web pages rank well. Especially since the Penguin update"  
author: "Drishan Vig"  
published: 2022-08-31  
canonical: https://yourviews.mindstick.com/view/83712/why-links-are-important-for-seo  
category: "seo"  
tags: ["seo", "links", "google's search results", "query-independent variables", "incoming links", "high-quality websites", "more credibility and a higher ranking"]  
reading_time: 3 minutes  

---

# Why links are important for SEO

- When it comes to **SEO, links** are vital. Google uses them to determine which web pages rank well. Especially since the **Penguin update,** Google has given more importance to the quality of your backlinks. The [**more backlinks**](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/view/83640/the-fascinating-science-of-link-building-strategies) you have, the higher your chance of **ranking high**. Getting these links is not always easy. It takes time, and many companies use black-hat tactics.
- However, if you use too many **external links**, your [**link-building efforts**](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/12769/the-power-of-link-building)will be derailed. It's better to keep your number of [outbound links](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12704/inbound-and-outbound-links) to ten or less and avoid using paid links. Instead, try to choose [**high-quality websites**](https://neilpatel.com/blog/elements-high-quality-website/) to link to. This way, you'll avoid giving away your **PageRank** to other websites.
- Although the algorithm for **Google's [search results](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/160077/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-sql-where-clause-and-how-is-it-used-to-filter-search-results)** is complicated, links are still a huge factor. Getting links from **high-quality websites** will give your website **more credibility** and a **higher ranking** in search results. But remember, not all links are equal! A link from a **high-quality website**, such as the Guardian, will carry more weight than one from an unknown travel blog.
- **Inbound links** carry the biggest weight with [search engines](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/332055/list-of-ai-based-search-engines), but there are many other factors to consider. These links can be **internal or external**. An internal link points to another page on the same website, and an **outbound link points** to another domain. Both of these types of **links are valuable for [SEO](https://www.mindstick.com/services/search-engine-optimization),** but only one has the highest impact.
- **[Internal links](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/304917/internal-links-for-seo-how-they-help-your-ranking)** can serve two purposes: they guide your audience through your content and help them stay on your website longer. They also help you spread link equity around your website. A good **number of internal links** will increase your **website's crawlability**, which is important for ranking well. However, **internal links** should not be overlooked.
- The **anchor text** you use is important to **search [engine spiders](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/156261/what-is-the-main-usage-of-search-engine-spiders)**. They consider anchor text when determining which page should rank for a **specific keyword.** Using **descriptive keywords** in your anchor text is crucial. However, be careful to avoid using **spammy anchor** texts. Readers might find them annoying. If you don't use the right keywords, you may end up appearing spammed on **search engines**. When [optimizing your](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/view/83652/4-tips-while-optimizing-your-blog-posts-in-wordpress-quick-guide) website, you'll need to diversify your anchor text.
- The basic **link format** is easy for **search engines** to understand. **Search engines** add these links to their link graph, which they use to calculate **query-independent variables.** They then use these links to index your content. In addition, you should avoid putting forms in your content. Forms can range from a **simple drop-down menu** to a **full-blown survey**. **Incoming links** to your home page are more effective than links that point to other pages.

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Original Source: https://yourviews.mindstick.com/view/83712/why-links-are-important-for-seo

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