Importance of Backlinks and Search Engine Rank

Admin
11-2-2005

Now that you know how to determine link popularity, you can use the Google Toolbar to see how your competitors rank. Then you try to beat those rankings by getting more links to your site.

Start by referring to your strategic keyword phrases. Let's say you sell antiques, and to get higher search engine rankings for that product page you want to boost link popularity for your Web page regarding your keyword phrase.

Search Google using your best keyword phrases; chances are good that your competitor will come up before you. Click the link to that site, and you'll see a PageRank between 1 and 10 on the Google Toolbar. Check Backward Links, and you'll find out how many sites linked to that site. Sites listed below the number-one listing will have fewer links.

Your job is to get more links than your competitor, increasing the odds of being listed above your competitor.

Getting lots of quality sites linked to yours is more important than lots of ho-hum sites. And remember that link popularity is only one of several criteria considered by search engines when indexing your site. Also important are Web site design (functionality, fast loading, easy navigation, proper link structure, etc.) and search engine optimization (SEO) both for content and for HTML codes (keyword-rich marketing copy, keywords in title, description, meta tags, etc.). Below are a few tips for improving your link popularity.