Backlink Resources & Learning Hub

The clickable words used to create a hyperlink. Anchor text signals to search engines what the linked page is about. A healthy backlink profile uses a mix of branded, topical, and generic anchor types.

A backlink placed within the body of a relevant article or webpage rather than in a sidebar, footer, or directory. Contextual backlinks are generally considered higher-quality signals.

Third-party scores that estimate a website's link-based strength. These metrics are created by SEO tools — not Google — and are useful as reference points when evaluating potential link sources. They are not official ranking factors.

The process of telling Google to ignore specific backlinks pointing to your website. Disavowing is appropriate for toxic, spammy, or manipulative links that could pose a risk to your backlink profile.

A category of entry-level backlinks — including business citations, social profiles, and directory listings — that establish a basic level of online presence and backlink profile diversity.

A backlink added to an existing, already-indexed article on a relevant third-party website. Also called a link insertion or curated link.

A broad category of natural-looking, low-risk backlinks — such as social profiles, citations, and forum mentions — that diversify and cushion a backlink profile alongside stronger editorial links.

The practice of building backlinks to your existing backlinks rather than directly to your main website. Tier 2 links are used to strengthen the authority of selected first-tier link assets.

Websites or pages that link to your competitors but not to you. A Competitor Backlink GAP Analysis identifies these opportunities for potential outreach or link acquisition.

The process by which a search engine discovers and records a backlink in its index. Not all backlinks are indexed automatically or immediately. Backlink indexing support involves submission, monitoring, and eligible resubmission — but cannot guarantee that every link will be indexed.