Link building has long been a cornerstone for achieving high rankings on Google’s Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). However, this vital SEO tactic has often been exploited by some website owners through spammy or automated link-building strategies, prioritizing rapid ranking improvements over user experience.
In response to these practices, Google’s 2024 core update has introduced significant changes, targeting the elimination of 40% of low-quality, unoriginal content from the SERPs. This development has stirred considerable unrest within the SEO community, evidenced by high volatility in rankings across various domains.
Following Google’s recent updates, securing natural backlinks has become more crucial than ever. While continuing your link-building efforts is essential, focusing on acquiring high-quality, relevant links from authoritative sources is now imperative. Engaging in manual and natural link-building demands substantial time and dedication, necessitating a strategic approach to outreach and fostering relationships with key industry figures.
Post-update, the emphasis has shifted from merely accumulating a large number of links to prioritizing link quality. Authoritative sites, which focus on delivering valuable content to their visitors, are the ideal sources for high-quality backlinks. Achieving this requires your content to meet high standards of quality and value, as Google’s algorithms now regard such backlinks as superior and influential in ranking decisions.
Google has been actively combating link spam with various updates, notably beginning with its 2021 policy aimed at cleaning up the SERPs. The tech giant has further refined its approach by employing SpamBrain, an AI system designed to identify and devalue spammy link patterns. This means that links perceived as spam, including those bought through non-compliant practices, can significantly harm your site’s ranking.
Poor user experiences, indicated by users avoiding clicking on links, can lead Google to categorize these as spammy, potentially resulting in penalties or de-ranking. Given Google’s enhanced capabilities to detect and penalize such tactics, relying on spammy links offers only temporary gains and can lead to challenging recovery processes.
While each link-building strategy should be tailored to specific needs, adhering to fundamental practices is crucial. Focusing on relevance ensures that the links contribute to a cohesive user experience, directing users to useful information related to their current engagement. This practice not only drives targeted traffic to your site but also enhances conversion rates.
In the dynamic world of SEO, adapting to the latest guidelines and focusing on ethical, effective link-building strategies are key to not only surviving but thriving in the evolving digital landscape. If you have questions about Google’s March update or if you are concerned about potential impacts, MedShark Digital is here to provide guidance. Reach out today.