What is a backlink? Backlinks are a type of link that is created when one website posts a link to a page on another website. This link may be in an article, a blog post, or even in a comment left by a reader. Backlinks are also called incoming links and inbound links.

How are backlinks beneficial? Backlinks play a role in in SEO (search engine optimization), which will drive more users to your website. These users that are driven to your website will not only increase your views, but may increase conversions that will help your business to grow. When someone posts a backlink, whether it be in an article, blog, or comment, they are essentially recommending other people go and visit your website. Search engines will share quality results closer to the top of the search results. Backlinks that are from lesser known and trusted sites may be farther down on the list. As a whole, backlinks show the search engine that your website is a good source of information and/or products.

Can only other people create backlinks for your website? Here’s the good news! While other people can be a great source of creating backlinks that lead to your website, you can also create backlinks. If you are an expert on a specific topic or product, such as the one your website is about, you have a number of ways to get your website, service, product, and brand known. Here are just a few ideas:

• Write articles: Being an expert on a certain topic means you have knowledge that not everyone has. Writing article is an ideal way to share your expertise with others. You can include a backlink or two in your article where appropriate. Do not stuff your content full of links. Make each one worthwhile for the reader.
• Write blog posts: You can write a blog on your own website as well as guest post for other bloggers. This is another way to share your knowledge with those who are interested. Find blogs of a similar topic to your website or product.
• Write blog comments: If writing entire blog posts or articles isn’t your thing, you can still share your expertise, thoughts, and opinions by commenting on already existsing blog posts. You can share a link to your own website in the comment if it makes sense to do so. You may have a relevant piece of content on your site others will want to read as well.
• Become a source for bloggers and reporters: Reporters, bloggers, and other writers might not be knowledgable in the topic they are covering and need a source to go to when they are creating content. This can be a fun way to create backlinks for your website.

Starting with these ideas, you can begin building up backlinks and a good reputation not only in the search engines, but with those interested in what you have to offer. These are good ways to create trust between you and your readers and customers as well as future customers who may not have known about you before.