A backlink is a hyperlink (a clickable link that points to a specified destination) that points back to a particular web page. This type of link is also referred to as an incoming or inbound link.
Backlinks are very important to search engine optimization because of the role they are given by search engines when determining the relevance and popularity (presumed value based on the number of times the link is followed) of a particular web page as it relates to a specific search term.
As part of a comprehensive search engine optimization campaign, backlinks are acquired from relevant, reputable web sources that are known to attract the audiences being targeted by the particular content to which the backlink is pointing.
An effective backlinking strategy not only increases the number of clicks back to the target content, thereby enhancing its relevance in the eyes of the search engines and boosting its page ranking, but it also attracts a qualified audience that is most likely to convert (respond to a specified call to action). The principle objective for achieving top listing positions in the search engines is to attract business. Backlinking works well to achieve both high rankings and qualified traffic.
