What Are the Different Types of Backlinks?

Backlinks come in several types, primarily including backlinks using images, backlinks placed at the footer of a page, and backlinks embedded within the main text. Among these, backlinks within the text hold the highest value in the eyes of Google, while footer backlinks are considered the least valuable. Image backlinks also play a role, but their value is situated between the other two types.

Full Explanation

Backlinks serve as one of the core elements of search engine optimization (SEO), but not all backlinks carry the same weight. There are three main categories to understand:

• Image Backlinks: These backlinks are created by linking from an image that appears on a web page. Visitors can click on the image to be redirected to the linked website. While useful, these backlinks do not carry as much value as text-based backlinks.
• Footer Backlinks: These links appear at the bottom section, or footer, of a website. Such placement is viewed by Google as less relevant or intentional, making these backlinks the least valuable among the three types.
• Text Backlinks: These are hyperlinks placed within the actual content or body text of a webpage. Google considers these the most valuable backlinks because they are naturally integrated into the content, suggesting relevance and endorsement.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Identify the type of backlink appearing on the page: is it an image, footer link, or inline text link?
2. Recognize the value hierarchy: text backlinks are most highly regarded, followed by image backlinks, with footer backlinks holding the lowest value.
3. When aiming for effective SEO, prioritize securing backlinks embedded within webpage content rather than those relegated to the footer or solely images.

Real Examples

Imagine a blog article about travel gear linking to a specific product page. If the link is embedded in the article’s text mentioning the product, this is a highly valued text backlink. If instead, the link is placed on an image of the product, it becomes an image backlink with moderate value. Lastly, if the same link is placed at the bottom of the website consistently across pages, in the footer, it is considered a footer backlink with the least SEO benefit.

Common Mistakes

• Relying solely on footer backlinks: Many site owners mistakenly believe any link is good, but footer links are less impactful for SEO ranking.
• Ignoring text backlinks: Overlooking the importance of placing backlinks within the actual content can reduce the SEO effectiveness of link-building efforts.
• Confusing image backlinks with text backlinks: While image backlinks do have value, they do not replace the power of relevant text-based links.

FAQs

Why are backlinks within text more valued?

Because they appear naturally in relevant content, signaling stronger endorsement and relevance to Google’s algorithms.

Are image backlinks useless?

No, they still provide SEO value, but not as much as backlinks embedded in text.

Should I avoid footer backlinks entirely?

While they offer the least value, footer backlinks can still contribute to overall link profiles but shouldn’t be the primary focus.

Key Takeaways

• Backlinks come in three main types: image, footer, and text embedded.
• Google values backlinks embedded within the text content the most.
• Footer backlinks are the least valued by Google for SEO purposes.
• Focus on acquiring text backlinks for better SEO impact.
• Image backlinks provide moderate value and can complement your link building strategy.