Backlinks are a fundamental aspect of search engine optimization (SEO), directly impacting a website’s authority and ranking. A backlink, often called an inbound link, is a link from one website to another.
According to a study by Ahrefs, 91% of websites receive no organic traffic from Google, mainly due to a lack of backlinks. Other than Moz, websites with higher-quality backlinks rank 67% higher on search engines. For businesses and marketers, analyzing backlinks is crucial to improve search visibility and outshine competitors.
This is where SEO tool backlink checkers come into play, offering insights into a site’s backlink profile. Here, we explore the concept of backlinks, their importance, and the different types, and tools to check backlinks profiles to help you understand their importance in building a successful online brand.
What Are Backlinks?
Backlinks are hyperlinks pointing from one website to another. They act as endorsements, signaling to search engines that the linked content is valuable and credible. The quality and quantity of backlinks directly influence a site’s authority and search engine rankings. Backlinks are categorized into:
- External Backlinks: Links from other websites to your site.
- Internal Backlinks: Links within your website connecting different pages.
Why Are Backlinks Important?
1. Boost Search Engine Rankings
Search engines like Google view backlinks as votes of confidence. Websites with more high-quality backlinks rank higher in search results. According to Moz, backlinks are one of the top three ranking factors.
2. Drive Referral Traffic
Backlinks from authoritative sites drive traffic directly to your website. HubSpot reports that websites with strong backlink profiles experience 2x more referral traffic.
3. Build Domain Authority
Backlinks from reputable sites increase your domain authority (DA), which improves your ability to rank for competitive keywords.
4. Establish Credibility
When authoritative websites link to your content, it signals trustworthiness and relevance to search engines and users.
Types of Backlinks According to Peak Team
1. Internal Backlinks
Internal backlinks connect pages within the same website. They help distribute link equity across pages, improving user navigation and rankings.
- Example: Linking a blog post to a service page.
- Benefit: Enhances site structure and keeps users engaged.
2. External Backlinks
External backlinks come from other websites, boosting credibility and referral traffic.
- Example: A news website linking to your product page.
- Benefit: Increases domain authority and organic visibility.
3. DoFollow Backlinks
DoFollow backlinks pass link equity, improving the linked page’s SEO.
- Example: A blog citing your website in a DoFollow link.
- Benefit: Contributes directly to ranking improvements.
4. NoFollow Backlinks
NoFollow backlinks don’t pass link equity but can still drive traffic and enhance visibility.
- Example: Links in blog comments or social media posts.
- Benefit: Bring referral traffic despite no direct SEO boost.
4. Guest Post Backlinks
Links from guest articles you publish on other websites.
- Example: Writing a post for a high-authority blog with links to your site.
- Benefit: Builds authority and attracts targeted traffic.
5. Editorial Backlinks
Links are included naturally within authoritative content due to your expertise.
- Example: A journalist referencing your study in their article.
- Benefit: Drives significant SEO value and credibility.
6. Backlinks from Directories
Links from online directories or listing sites.
- Example: Adding your business to Yelp or Google My Business.
- Benefit: Enhances local SEO visibility.
Top 15 SEO Backlink Checker Tools
1. Ahrefs Backlink Checker
Ahrefs is a leading tool for backlink analysis, trusted by SEO professionals worldwide. With a massive database of over 12 trillion backlinks, Ahrefs provides in-depth insights into backlink profiles, domain authority, and anchor texts.
Features:
- Analyzes backlinks for any website.
- Provides domain rating (DR) and URL rating (UR).
- Displays referring domains and IP addresses.
- Historical backlink data for trends.
Cost: Starts at $99/month. Free version available with limited features.
Why Ahref’s:
Ahrefs’ comprehensive data ensures precise analysis of competitor backlinks and opportunities for improvement.
2. SEMrush Backlink Analytics
SEMrush offers a robust backlink analysis tool as part of its all-in-one SEO suite. It identifies toxic links and suggests removal strategies to protect rankings.
Features:
- Backlink audit and toxic score analysis.
- Competitive analysis for link-building strategies.
- Historical data for link-building progress.
- Integration with Google Search Console.
Cost: Plans start at $119.95/month. Limited free access.
Why SEMruch:
SEMrush’s actionable insights make it ideal for monitoring and enhancing backlink quality.
3. Moz Link Explorer
Moz’s Link Explorer provides detailed backlink metrics, including domain authority and spam scores. Its user-friendly interface simplifies backlink analysis.
Features:
- Domain Authority (DA) and Page Authority (PA) metrics.
- Spam score to identify risky links.
- Lost and new backlink tracking.
- Competitor link comparison.
Cost: Starting at $99/month. Free version available for basic metrics.
Why Moz Link Explorer:
Moz is an excellent tool for businesses seeking actionable metrics and competitor analysis.
4. Ubersuggest Backlink Checker
Ubersuggest offers a free backlink checker with essential metrics for small businesses and startups.
Features:
- Tracks new and lost backlinks.
- Domain score and referring domains.
- Exportable backlink reports.
- Free keyword suggestions for link-building.
Cost: Free basic access. Premium plans start at $29/month.
Why Ubersuggest:
Affordable pricing and essential features make Ubersuggest perfect for budget-conscious users.
5. Majestic SEO
Majestic specializes in backlink analysis, offering metrics like Citation Flow and Trust Flow to evaluate link quality.
Features:
- Detailed backlink metrics.
- Topical Trust Flow for niche relevance.
- Bulk backlink analysis.
- Site Explorer for comprehensive reports.
Cost: Starting at $49.99/month.
Why Majestic:
Majestic’s unique metrics provide deep insights into link quality and relevance.
6. Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a free tool offering basic backlink insights directly from Google.
Features:
- Backlink reports for your website.
- Referring domains and linking pages.
- Integration with Google Analytics.
- Disavow tool for toxic links.
Cost: Free.
Why Use It:
A must-have tool for any SEO professional, providing reliable data straight from Google.
7. Backlinko Backlink Checker
Backlinko’s free backlink checker tool is great for quick insights into any website’s backlink profile.
Features:
- Limited but valuable backlink data.
- URL rating and domain rating metrics.
- Identifies high-authority backlinks.
Cost: Free.
Why Backlinko:
It’s ideal for quick, no-cost backlink analysis.
8. SEO SpyGlass
SEO SpyGlass by Link-Assistant focuses on backlink auditing and competitor analysis.
Features:
- Toxic link detection.
- Bulk backlink analysis.
- Comprehensive link-building reports.
- Desktop application for faster performance.
Cost: Free version available. Premium starts at $124/year.
Why SEO SpyGlass:
Its detailed audit features make it a top choice for competitive SEO strategies.
9. RankWatch Backlink Checker
RankWatch offers a free backlink checker with essential data on link-building performance.
Features:
- Detailed link analysis.
- Anchor text and referring domain data.
- Spam score monitoring.
Cost: Free.
Why RankWatch:
Its simplicity and zero cost make it great for beginners.
10. SmallSEOTools Backlink Checker
SmallSEOTools offers a free backlink checker tool perfect for quick checks and small-scale analysis.
Features:
- Unlimited backlink checks.
- Exportable backlink data.
- Spam score evaluation.
Cost: Free.
Why Use It: It’s a simple, user-friendly tool for basic backlink analysis.
11. BuzzSumo
BuzzSumo is known for content analysis but also includes backlink-checking features.
Features:
- Analyzes top-performing content backlinks.
- Referring to domain insights.
- Competitor backlink comparison.
Cost: Starting at $99/month.
Why Use It:
Great for content marketers focusing on link-driven strategies.
12. Linkody
Linkody tracks backlink metrics and provides regular updates on new or lost links.
Features:
- Automatic backlink monitoring.
- Spam score detection.
- Comprehensive link-building reports.
Cost: Starting at $14.90/month.
Why Use It:
Affordable plans and automation make Linkody a time-saving option.
13. SERanking Backlink Checker
SERanking offers an all-in-one SEO tool with robust backlink analysis features.
Features:
- Detailed backlink reports.
- Integration with other SEO tools.
- Historical data tracking.
Cost: Starting at $39/month.
Why Use It:
Its affordability and comprehensive features make it ideal for small businesses.
14. CognitiveSEO
CognitiveSEO specializes in backlink audits, helping businesses identify opportunities and risks.
Features:
- Toxic link alerts.
- Competitor analysis.
- Link-building recommendations.
Cost: Starting at $129/month.
Why Use It:
Perfect for businesses focused on improving link quality and avoiding penalties.
15. OpenLinkProfiler
OpenLinkProfiler provides a free backlink checker with advanced filtering options.
Features:
- Real-time backlink updates.
- Spam link identification.
- Exportable backlink data.
Cost: Free.
Why Use It: A robust free tool for businesses on a tight budget.
How to Get High-Quality Backlinks
1. Publish High-Quality Content
Content that provides value attracts natural backlinks.
- Tip: Focus on unique, in-depth guides and industry reports.
- Stat: Long-form content generates 77% more backlinks than short posts.
2. Reach Out for Backlink Opportunities
- Method: Email website owners and propose linking to your relevant content.
- Tool: Use Hunter.io to find contact information.
3. Guest Posting
Collaborate with other websites to publish guest articles with backlinks.
- Tip: Target sites with high domain authority (DA > 50).
4. Leverage Broken Link Building
Identify broken links on other websites and suggest replacing them with your content.
- Tool: Ahrefs or Check My Links.
5. Optimize Internal Linking
Use strategic internal links to enhance user navigation and improve rankings.
Difference Between High-Quality and Low-Quality Backlinks
High-Quality Backlinks
- Characteristics: Relevant, from authoritative sites, and earned organically.
- Impact: Boosts domain authority and rankings.
Low-Quality Backlinks
- Characteristics: Irrelevant, spammy, or from low-authority sites.
- Impact: This may result in Google penalties.
