Backlink play a big role in SEO. Anyone who wants their website to rank higher must understand backlinks and their types. Many people hear the word “backlink” but never learn how different backlink types affect rankings.
Some backlink help a site grow. Others can hurt rankings. Knowing the difference matters.
This guide explains what backlinks types are, how they work, and which ones bring real SEO value — in easy language.
What Are Backlinks?
A backlink is a link from one website that leads to another website.
When another site links to your page, it tells search engines that your content holds value. Think of it like a recommendation in the digital world.
If trusted websites link to you, Google sees your site as more reliable.
Why Backlink Types Matter
Not all backlinks bring the same results.
Some backlink improve rankings.
Some backlink bring traffic only.
Some backlink do nothing.
Some backlink can harm your site.
Understanding backlink types helps you:
- Build smarter SEO strategies
- Avoid spam links
- Focus on quality
- Grow rankings faster
Main Types of Backlinks in SEO
Let’s break them down in simple terms.
1. DoFollow Backlinks
These backlink pass SEO power.
Search engines follow these links and count them toward ranking improvements. They help boost authority and search visibility.
If you want ranking growth, DoFollow backlink matter most.
2. NoFollow Backlinks
These links do not pass SEO ranking power.
However, they still bring traffic and brand visibility. Social media links and forum links often fall into this category.
Even though they don’t boost rankings directly, they still offer value.
3. High-Quality Backlinks
These come from:
- Trusted websites
- Popular blogs
- Authority news platforms
- Relevant niche pages
A single strong backlink from a respected site can outperform many weak links.
4. Low-Quality Backlinks
These links come from spam websites or irrelevant pages.
They often appear on:
- Fake blogs
- Link farms
- Auto-generated pages
Too many low-quality backlink can hurt SEO.
5. Natural Backlinks
These links appear naturally when people find your content useful.
You do not request them. People link to your content because it helps them.
This is the best and safest backlinks types.
6. Manual Backlinks
You earn these by:
- Guest posting
- Outreach
- Partnerships
- Business listings
These links work well if built honestly and relevantly.
7. Editorial Backlinks
These appear when a website mentions your content within an article.
They often come from blogs, media pages, or resource guides. These backlink carry strong SEO value.
8. Contextual Backlinks
These links appear inside article content rather than sidebars or footers.
Contextual backlink perform better because they feel natural and relevant.
9. Image Backlinks
When a website uses your image and links back to your page, that becomes an image backlink.
This type works well for creative websites and visual brands.
10. Profile Backlink
These come from:
- Forum profiles
- Social profiles
- Community websites
They help with branding but usually carry low SEO power.
11. Directory Backlink
These come from business directories and listing sites.
Good directories help. Spam directories do not. Always choose trusted platforms.
12. Guest Post Backlink
These backlink come from articles you write for other websites.
If done correctly, guest posts bring authority, traffic, and strong SEO benefits.
13. Social Backlinks
These links come from social platforms like Facebook, X, LinkedIn, or Pinterest.
They increase reach and brand exposure, though ranking impact stays limited.
14. Referral Backlinks
These links send visitors from one website to another.
They focus more on traffic and audience growth than ranking.
15. Broken Link Backlinks
You find broken links on other websites and suggest your content as a replacement.
This method works well when done properly.
16. Competitor Backlinks
These come from sites linking to your competitors.
You can analyze competitor links and try to earn similar backlinks.
17. Toxic Backlinks
These links come from spam or suspicious websites.
They may damage rankings if not removed.
Toxic backlinks often appear on:
- Spam blogs
- Fake websites
- Auto-generated link pages
Which Backlinks Types Are Best?
The strongest backlink types include:
- Editorial backlink
- High-quality DoFollow backlink
- Contextual backlink
- Natural backlink
- Authority website backlink
Quality always beats quantity.
Backlinks Types You Should Avoid
Avoid backlink from:
- Spam networks
- Paid link farms
- Auto-generated blogs
- Irrelevant websites
- Suspicious domains
Bad links can reduce trust and ranking.
How Backlinks Types Affect SEO Rankings
Search engines analyze backlinks to decide:
- Website trust
- Page authority
- Content quality
- Ranking priority
Strong backlink types increase ranking power. Weak ones bring little benefit.
How to Get the Right Backlinks Types
You can earn quality backlinks by:
- Writing helpful content
- Guest posting
- Reaching out to bloggers
- Listing your business on trusted sites
- Creating useful guides
- Sharing content on social media
- Offering tools or resources
Focus on value instead of shortcuts.
How to Check Backlinks Types
Use SEO tools like:
- Google Search Console
- Ahrefs
- SEMrush
- Moz
- Ubersuggest
These tools show backlink sources, quality, and type.
How to Remove Bad Backlinks
If harmful links appear:
- Identify spam backlink
- Contact site owners
- Use Google Disavow Tool
- Monitor links regularly
Keeping your backlink profile clean protects rankings.
Simple Tip for Beginners
Do not chase hundreds of backlink.
Instead:
- Focus on strong links
- Build natural mentions
- Avoid spam shortcuts
- Create content worth linking
SEO grows faster with patience.
Conclusion
Backlinks come in many types, and each serves a purpose.
Some backlink boost rankings.
Some build traffic.
Some improve trust.
Some harm SEO if ignored.
The best strategy focuses on quality, relevance, and authenticity.
If you build strong backlink types consistently, your website will grow in search results over time.
FAQs (5)
1. What are backlinks types?
Backlink types refer to different kinds of links pointing to your website, such as DoFollow, NoFollow, or editorial links.
2. Which backlinks type is best for SEO?
High-quality DoFollow and editorial backlink offer the strongest SEO value.
3. Are NoFollow backlinks useless?
No. They bring traffic, visibility, and brand awareness.
4. Can bad backlinks harm SEO?
Yes. Spam or toxic backlink can reduce rankings.
5. How many backlinks types should I build?
Focus on quality types rather than large quantities.