What Is Link Popularity In SEO?

Last Updated on 31/10/2025

In SEO (Search Engine Optimization), the term “link popularity” refers to the number and quality of inbound links, also known as backlinks, that point to a given website or web page. It significantly affects how well a website performs in search engine results pages (SERPs). 

Search engines, such as Google, use link popularity when determining where to place a website in their results, as it can measure a website’s authority, dependability, and relevance.

What is Link Popularity?

Link popularity measures the number and quality of backlinks referring to a specific website or webpage. It is used in SEO to compare the backlink profiles of different websites. There are several techniques for determining link popularity.

Some merely analyze the number of backlinks, while others, like us, consider the quality of these connections.

Why is Link Popularity Important?

Link popularity is important because it influences search engine rankings, website authority, brand awareness, and the number of referrals and organic visitors. An effective SEO strategy must entail the creation of a strong and reputable link profile.

Backlinks are one of Google’s most essential (and validated!) ranking criteria. Search engines regard backlinks as votes of trust and confidence from other websites. So, the more high-quality backlinks a website obtains, the more credible and authoritative Google views it.

As a result, such “link-popular” websites and pages score better in search results.

That’s why most SEOs devote a significant amount of time and effort to link development.

How to Increase Link Popularity in SEO?

The short solution is to get more backlinks!

However, not all connections are created equally. Some have a greater impact, while others are ineffective or even harmful. Let’s take a closer look at boosting link popularity by attracting the right types of connections to your website.

1. Do not seek many links from the same website

Earning backlinks from a variety of authority sites is essential for developing a strong backlink profile. For example, 10 backlinks from 10 distinct domains are more valuable than 10 links from the same domain.

Getting hundreds or thousands of links from the same page makes little sense (unless it occurs spontaneously). Google may flag such links as “link spam” and either ignore them or, worse, punish your site. That is why we propose boosting the number of referring websites rather than the number of backlinks.

2. Obtain links from authoritative websites

Links from websites with stronger backlink profiles (or higher link popularity) are more beneficial, assuming they are on a related topic. You may utilize Ahrefs’ DR measure to find authoritative websites with backlink potential.

Here’s how you can accomplish that:

  • For example, suppose you’re looking at guest blogging chances to increase backlinks to your affiliate site in the “Pets” sector.
  • Simply navigate to Ahrefs’ Content Explorer and search for any relevant term, such as “pet health” in the title.
  • Next, use the following filters.
  • DR From 50, shortlist the sites with good link profiles.
  • One page per domain.
  • Avoid having several pages from the same website.
pet health ahrefs metrics

You will receive a list of authoritative websites (along with their SEO metrics) to contact for guest blogging opportunities.

However, you should not rely just on the DR metric.

The overall quality of the website, including its design, user experience, and organic search traffic, will also provide information about its authority. You should not avoid gaining links from excellent websites simply because their DR is low.

3. Focus on relevancy

When your website is linked to relevant sites and web pages, it gains topical authority. For example, if you’re a manufacturer of packing machinery, a relevant link from an engineering or technical blog is preferable to 10 connections from a smartphone review site.

4. Get do-follow links

If you’re new to SEO, keep in mind that only followed links (those without the “nofollow,” “UGC,” or “sponsored” qualities) convey Google’s PageRank to the connected page, which can assist with rankings.

Google does not consider nofollow links as votes when ranking pages. To increase the link popularity of your website, aim to acquire the following backlinks. However, this does not mean you should pass up the opportunity to receive a no-follow link, which may still provide referral traffic to your site.

5. Create high-quality content

Quality content is the foundation of link building. When you create substantial and illuminating material, other websites will naturally connect to it. There are different types of content, which might include blog posts, articles, infographics, videos, and other arrangements that resonate with your primary interest group.

When you consistently publish meaningful content, other sites will naturally link to it as a form of viewpoint or asset. This is because interacting with high-quality content increases the credibility and worth of their content.

6. Broken link building

Identify sites in your specialization that have broken links (links that no longer connect to dynamic pages). Contact the site’s owner and propose replacing the broken link with a link to your relevant content. This technique might be beneficial when you help them repair their website, and they provide you with an essential link.

This technique benefits both parties, as you help them enhance the client experience on their website while also establishing a crucial relationship.

Conclusion 

Overall, link popularity plays a crucial role in SEO, and it is essential to approach link development strategically and ethically. Focus on creating high-quality material, developing connections, and upgrading your content to increase the number and quality of links pointing to your site.

Working on these techniques, you may improve your site’s strength, ranks, and overall online presence.

Connect with us today and build high-quality backlinks for your domain!

FAQs

a. Is link popularity the same as PageRank?

Although link popularity and PageRank are similar ideas, they are not identical.
PageRank is a numerical value used in Google’s ranking algorithms to assess the quality of referring pages and their own PageRank.
Link popularity is a broader concept that encompasses the number of referring websites, their thematic relevance, and other factors. Unlike PageRank, link popularity may be applied throughout the whole website.

b. What is link popularity and how does it impact my website’s SEO?

Link popularity is the number and quality of backlinks (inbound links) to a website. It is an important component in search engine algorithms that determines a site’s relevancy and authority. High link popularity can enhance a website’s ranking in search engine results, thereby increasing exposure and attracting more visitors.

c. How can I improve my website’s link popularity effectively?

Improving link popularity involves acquiring high-quality backlinks from reputable websites. Strategies include providing great material that people want to connect to, guest blogging, participating in industry forums, and promoting your work through social media. Building relationships with influencers and other website owners in your sector can also help you acquire more backlinks.

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