How to Use Backlink Checker Tools for SEO Analysis

A backlink is created when one website, like Exploding Topics, links to another website, like Semrush. (The last word in the previous sentence is an example!)

Backlinks allow users to easily visit the linked website. They’re simple navigational tools that improve the user experience.

From a search engine perspective, backlinks are like endorsements from other sources.

Think of backlinking as a massive referral network. When reputable websites link to your content, it sends a clear signal that your information is valuable and trustworthy.

At Exploding Topics, we've witnessed this effect firsthand. We create high-quality content that attracts genuine backlinks and drives growth.

To learn more about how to get excellent backlinks, read on!

Backlinks: Which Ones Matter?

A backlink from a respected website carries the most weight.

Imagine the local diner getting recommended by a renowned chef in a national publication. That’s more likely to attract a lot of new customers than word of mouth from a neighbor or two.

High-quality backlinks are invaluable because they:

• Improve your search engine ranking: Google and other search engines view relevant backlinks as a vote of confidence. They boost your website's credibility, which improves rankings.
• Drive referral traffic: Backlinks attract relevant users to your content. This can increase engagement, shares, and conversions about the content.
• Enhance discoverability and crawling: When you post content, you want it seen right away. Having more backlinks makes it easier for Google and other search engines to find and crawl new and updated content.

The key is to focus on acquiring high-quality, relevant backlinks. These should come from trusted websites.

Backlinks from high-authority domains are the most effective in enhancing your online presence and achieving your marketing goals.

That’s why you need a backlink checker. Backlink checkers use web crawlers to follow links and learn which websites are linking to each other.

Not All Backlinks Are Equal

All backlinks can drive referral traffic and increase visibility. However, not all backlinks will provide SEO value.

Some links include a “rel=” (short for relationship) attribute in the link’s HTML code that tells search engines to ignore it for SEO purposes.

The rel= attribute can provide more specific information depending on its value:

• nofollow – Don’t follow the link.
• sponsored – This link goes to an affiliate website or some other sponsored page.
• ugc – The link points to user generated content.

It’s a best practice to use these values when linking to content you don’t want to pass SEO value to.

Try Top Backlink Tools

Now that you understand backlinks, it’s time to develop a strategy to get more.

Here are some link-building tools from Semrush that can be really useful for getting started.

Backlink Analytics

Semrush's Backlink Analytics tool lets you see the backlink profile of any website.

You can analyze:

• Referring domains
• Anchor text (i.e., the text of the link)
• Authority score for each website

This offers a goldmine of information if you're looking to find new backlink opportunities for your own site.

Backlink Audit

Semrush's Backlink Audit tool identifies broken backlinks so you can fix them and reclaim that lost link juice. Simply reach out to the website owner and ask them to update the link.

The tool provides a wealth of information you can dig into about linking sites and specific links.

The tool also assesses the overall health of your backlink profile and identifies potentially toxic links. Getting backlinks from authoritative sites is great, but getting backlinks from spammy or untrustworthy sites can negatively affect SEO.

Once you identify them, you can disavow toxic backlinks so they don’t pull your website lower in the search engine results.

Backlink Gaps

The Backlink Gap tool compares your backlink profile to competitors and reveals websites that are linking to your competition, but not to you.

Simply add your main website in the first field. Then, add up to three competitors.

You’ll get a report with a list of prospective websites. Then, you can start reaching out to ask for links.

Link Building Tool

The Link Building Tool provides a list of backlink prospects and lets you reach out to them directly within the platform.

You can track your progress, manage contacts, and even personalize your outreach emails.

Once you have a full understanding, you can try:

• Guest Blogging: Writing blog posts for other websites in your industry will help you to get links.
• Creating Infographics: Infographics are visually appealing and shareable. They're likely to attract links from other websites.
• Public Relations and Promotion: Mention in news articles and press releases are often accompanied by links.
• Participating in Communities: Answering questions in forums and comment sections is a great way to get natural backlinks.

Get Full Backlink Analysis with Semrush

With Semrush, you'll increase your chances of acquiring high-quality backlinks. And these links will play a critical role in driving your website’s success.