A List of What is Happening with Link Building in October 2023
Link building remains a crucial aspect of search engine optimization (SEO), helping websites gain authority and visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). As we enter October 2023, several notable changes and trends have emerged in the field of link building. In this article, we will explore three key developments:
1. User Experience and Link Building
User experience (UX) has become an essential focus for search engines, dictating how websites should optimize their content and structure. This shift is also impacting link building strategies. Search engines are increasingly considering the quality of links, emphasizing relevance and user value over sheer quantity.
While acquiring high-quality backlinks remains important, websites need to focus on building connections with reputable and authoritative sources within their industry. Link exchanges and partnerships with non-competitive websites that share a common target audience can provide valuable cross-promotion opportunities. This approach helps enhance user experience by providing them with relevant content they can trust.
Another aspect related to UX is the rise of natural language processing (NLP) and voice search. With the growing popularity of voice assistants and smart speakers, link builders need to optimize their content for voice queries. This means creating linkable assets that match natural language patterns in queries and ultimately results in valuable backlinks.
2. The Importance of E-A-T
In recent years, Google has placed great emphasis on expertise, authority, and trust (E-A-T) when assessing the quality of websites. This trend has now extended to link building strategies as well.
Beyond building relationships with reputable sites, link builders must also ensure that their own website demonstrates expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. This can be achieved through various means, such as producing high-quality, informative content, showcasing industry expertise through guest blogging, or obtaining backlinks from expert sources within their field.
Furthermore, Google is increasingly evaluating the relevance of the linking sites according to the content they link to. It is essential to prioritize links from websites with a strong topical relevance to your own content. These link profiles demonstrate a natural growth pattern and establish your website as an authoritative source for specific topics.
3. Diversification of Link Building
Gone are the days when link building exclusively relied on traditional methods such as guest blogging or article directories. Today, the landscape is evolving, and it is crucial to diversify your link building tactics.
One emerging trend is influencer link building, where website owners partner with influential individuals or experts in their industry to generate backlinks. Influencers can help amplify your reach and attract quality traffic to your site. This strategy involves collaborations for content creation, guest posting, or link mentions in their social media channels.
Additionally, link builders are also exploring other strategies like leveraging the power of social media platforms. Social media signals, such as shares, likes, and comments, can indirectly impact your website’s visibility and search rankings. Thus, actively engaging with your audience through social media campaigns can potentially lead to increased linking opportunities.
Conclusion
In October 2023, link building continues to evolve alongside advancements in search engine algorithms and user behavior. Emphasizing user experience, adapting to the importance of E-A-T, and diversifying link building tactics are key to maintaining a successful link profile. By staying informed and implementing ethical, high-quality link building practices, websites can continue to improve their organic search rankings and drive targeted traffic to their pages.