Link Building Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

Backlinks. These unassuming connectors have an uncanny knack for catapulting websites from the depths of obscurity to the dazzling limelight of search engine supremacy. But let’s face it. Backlinks aren’t just clicks; they’re digital pats on the back that say, “Hey, this content here? It’s valuable, authoritative, and trustworthy. You need to pay attention to it!” They’re nods of approval from one website to another. And they’re worth their weight in digital gold! But the process of building backlinks, link building, isn’t exactly a walk in the park. You can’t just roll out a strategy or two and expect the cards to fall into place. Link building must be mastered. And you can only do so when you keep up with the evolving landscape, latest trends, and algorithmic developments. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most power-packed link building trends for 2023. Why are these trends so important? How can you jump on the bandwagon? And where do link building services fit into this intricate puzzle? Let’s peel back the layers one by one!

The Rise of E-E-A-T in Link Evaluation

Search engines have evolved tremendously within the span of a few years. The battle for top search engine result page (SERP) rankings is no longer just about keywords or sheer link volume. Now, the quality of links matters more than ever before. As we delve deeper into 2023, a concept previously whispered among SEO professionals is now being discussed loudly: the significance of E-E-A-T in link evaluation.

Understanding E-E-A-T: A Deep Dive

For all its benefits, the digital landscape is also a breeding ground for misinformation. The clarity and credibility of information is paramount. This leads us to the heart of E-E-A-T (experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness) and its profound impact on search and content evaluation. But what exactly is E-E-A-T? And why has it become such an instrumental factor in today’s SEO landscape?

The concept of E-E-A-T originated from Google’s Search Quality Rater Guidelines. These guidelines are essentially a blueprint used by human evaluators to assess the quality of search results. Google strives to provide the most relevant and accurate search results to users. E-E-A-T, in this framework, is a yardstick for content credibility.

Experience

Experience refers to a content creator’s direct personal involvement or encounters with their subject matter. It emphasizes firsthand knowledge, personal narratives, and authentic insights derived from individual interactions with a topic, product, or service. In essence, it’s the embodiment of the saying, “Been there, done that.” Unique anecdotes, detailed descriptions, personal photographs, and other forms of firsthand evidence can indicate a creator’s experience. Content that resonates with users (evidenced by engagement metrics like time spent on page, comments, and shares) can indirectly influence SEO. Authentic, experience-driven content often garners better engagement.

Expertise

Expertise refers to deep knowledge or skill in a particular area. In the context of digital content, it’s about presenting information that reflects a comprehensive understanding of the subject at hand. In practical terms, a piece on cardiovascular health penned by a cardiologist would be considered to demonstrate high expertise. However, it’s worth noting that every topic doesn’t necessitate formal education. For hobbies or experiential topics, like personal blogs, lived experiences and personal mastery can also demonstrate expertise. As the internet becomes increasingly saturated with information, users want to be assured that the content they consume comes from a knowledgeable source. Expertise guarantees depth and precision; it masterfully distinguishes content from the sea of generic information.

Authoritativeness

While expertise is about depth of knowledge, authoritativeness is about recognition and respect in a particular field or subject. Typically, the more external entities (e.g., reputable websites, industry leaders, or institutions) recognize and reference a source, the more authoritative it is considered. Backlinks, mentions, and citations from esteemed sources can bolster authoritativeness. Authoritativeness builds a bridge of trust with the audience. When users see that a source or content piece is acknowledged by others in the field, they’re more inclined to trust its validity.

Trustworthiness

Trustworthiness is the integrity and reliability of a source or website. It assures users that the information presented is accurate, genuine, and free from deceit. Trustworthiness is evaluated by several factors. These include the security of the website (SSL certificates), transparency (providing clear citations, sources, or authorship), and a track record of consistent and honest information. In the age of fake news and misinformation, users are becoming more discerning about where they gather information. Trustworthiness ensures that the audience can rely on the content without reservations.

Incorporating E-E-A-T Into Your Link Building Strategy

Incorporating E-E-A-T into a backlink building service’s action plan is more than a trend; it’s a necessary evolution to align with modern SEO practices. This approach ensures a website ranks well and offers genuine value to users. What should be your starting point? Prioritizing quality over quantity. Instead of amassing dozens of backlinks from various sources, seek a select few from high-authority and reputable websites. These links will do more than just fill your glass with SEO juice; they’ll also establish your site as a trusted, authoritative, reputable voice in your domain. For instance, a single link from a recognized expert in your industry can significantly outweigh multiple links from lesser-known or generic websites. But how does one ensure top-notch quality? By diligently and meticulously assessing potential linking partners. Before seeking a link, take a closer look at the website’s content history, authors’ expertise, any awards or recognition they’ve received, and even user reviews. This assessment helps ascertain the E-E-A-T value of the prospective link. You’ll be able to answer the million-dollar question, “Will this link add tangible value to my site’s reputation and standing?” While the technicalities of link building are essential, the human element is just as important. The era of transactional link exchanges is waning. Today, authentic relationship-building takes precedence. By forging genuine relationships with domain experts, authoritative websites, and trusted industry voices, you’ll enjoy a greater chance of securing organic and meaningful backlink opportunities. These aren’t just links; they’re endorsements from respected figures in the field. The addition of “experience” to the E-E-A-T framework offers another dimension. Content is no longer just about presenting facts; it’s about embedding personal experiences and authentic encounters into the narrative. This approach resonates with audiences who seek relatable insights. This authenticity (in the form of case studies, personal anecdotes, detailed product reviews, etc.) makes your content more link-worthy; it provides a unique perspective often sought after by other content creators.

Conclusion

In the ever-changing world of link building, staying ahead of the game is crucial. Understanding the importance of E-E-A-T in link evaluation and incorporating it into your link building strategy is a must. Prioritizing quality over quantity, forging genuine relationships, and creating authentic, experience-driven content will help establish your website as a trusted and authoritative source in your industry. By embracing these link building trends, you can position yourself for success in 2023 and beyond. Want to learn more about how AI Source Hub can help you optimize your link building strategy? Contact us today!