Have you ever thought that linkbuilding is mainly about collecting as many backlinks as possible? Or that your website will spontaneously rise in Google if you buy some links? The world of external link building is full of myths and persistent misunderstandings. Whether you are self-employed, manager of an SME, or a marketer: understanding how linkbuilding today makes the difference between a strong SEO strategy or pointless efforts. In this article, we puncture the biggest myths and explain how to tackle link building really smart and efficiently today.

What is link building and why is it crucial for your SEO?

Link building, or obtaining relevant external links (backlinks) to your website, is one of the core pillars of search engine optimisation. Search engines like Google evaluate inbound links as votes of confidence. The more high-quality, relevant backlinks you collect, the higher your chances of getting top positions in search results.

But beware: not every link counts equally. Modern search engines have become smarter. Where in the past it was mainly the quantitative aspect that dominated, today it is all about real value and context. Below, we dive deeper into the persistent misconceptions and show how to get it right today.

Myth 1: The more links, the better

This was once the golden rule in linkbuilding, but times have changed. Google no longer looks blindly at the number of backlinks, but primarily at the quality. A few strong, relevant links from reliable sources can have more impact than hundreds of weak signals. Links from local partners, sector associations or leading magazines usually offer more SEO power than twenty unknown blogs.

Quality over quantity is thus the maxim. Relevance, reliability and authority are decisive. So always focus on strategic link partners that give real value to your target audience and search engines.

Myth 2: All backlinks are equal

Not only the quantity, but certainly also the type of backlink matters. Dofollow links pass on SEO value, while nofollow-links do not (usually), according to Google. But even with dofollow, context comes into play: is your link from a relevant article on a strong site, or is your website listed on a shadowy links page?

Moreover, search engines look at the content around your link, anchor text usage, and even variation in your backlink profile. Think mentions on local media, relevant blog articles and partnerships. Also linkbuilding via social engagement can indirectly influence your SEO performance.

Myth 3: You can just buy links

Paid links used to be considered a quick trick to boost your SEO. Today, search engines take strict measures against paid link networks and inauthentic referrals. Those caught not only risk a worthless investment, but may even see their rankings drop sharply.

Whitehat link buildingSo ethical and sustainable work on relevant referrals wins out over dubious link deals every time. Therefore, work on real relationships within your industry and invest in valuable content that spontaneously generates links. Professional agencies, such as LinkbuildingSEO, help you build sustainable and reliable backlinks.

How does link building really work today?

Today's approach around link building is smarter and more nuanced than ever. Search engines algorithms evaluate the full picture: context, page authority, topical relevance, the use of anchor text and even the diversity of referring domains. Below, we highlight the key elements you need to consider today.

Strategy over chance: this is how to tackle link building efficiently

Without a plan, link building often remains a whistle in the dark. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Who Are your customers and readers? What websites do they visit?
  • Where are the authorities in your sector?
  • Which partnerships Can you strengthen via a link exchange?
  • Which content can you create that is spontaneously shared or quoted?

By determining in advance which audiences and channels you want links for, you will not only build better positions, but also strengthen your brand and visibility.

Relevance is king

Not every backlink counts equally. Links from websites with no connection to your area of expertise have less and less value. If, on the other hand, you get a link from an industry peer, expert blog or from a specialist article, you will score points with Google.

Do research on who the "influencers" are within your industry. Focus your outreach mainly on them. Local link building - think local news websites or associations - also works particularly well for Flemish SMEs and self-employed people who want to reach customers locally.

Diversify your backlink profile

Link building is no longer about repeatedly using the same anchor texts or just links from home pages. A healthy backlink profile is varied: different domains, link types (text, image), and natural variation in your anchor texts.

Note: Google looks keenly at unnatural link patterns. Avoid identical anchor texts and filter out spammy links. Use tools such as Google Search Console and Ahrefs to monitor your backlinks.

Content as an engine for natural links

Real, spontaneous backlinks will only be gained if your content inspires, informs or amuses. Publish practical manuals, current case studies, research or infographics that colleagues and customers enjoy sharing. The more original and useful your content is, the more likely you are to get authentic external referrals.

Don't have enough time or knowledge to produce this content yourself? Consider partnering with SEO experts who know your business and target audience, such as the team at LinkbuildingSEO.

How do you recognise real link-building results?

Want to know if your linkbuilding-strategy is working? In particular, keep an eye on the following signals:

  • Higher positions in search results for important keywords
  • More high-quality traffic on your website
  • Increase in Domain Authority (scores according to Moz, Ahrefs or Majestic)
  • Increased online visibility within your niche or region
  • Increasing attention from partners, press and potential customers

Remember: results rarely come overnight. Sustainable linkbuilding takes a few months before you see clear growth. But it does work, guaranteed.

What really counts: practice, not talk

Let's face it: every marketer wants shortcuts for Google. But link building is not a magic trick - it is a structural investment in the visibility and reputation of your domain name and website.

Let's build your brand together