A recent study conducted by Internet Marketing Ninjas has found that an overwhelming 96% of websites ranking in the top 10 positions on Google have over 1,000 backlinks from unique domains. This challenges Google’s claim that links are no longer one of the top three ranking signals and that very few links are needed to rank pages.
The study analyzed the top 10 Google search results for 200 random commercial intent keyword phrases, consisting of 1,113 unique websites. It revealed that only 0.3% of websites had less than 100 backlinks. This suggests that having a significant number of backlinks is crucial for achieving a high ranking on Google.
Furthermore, the analysis discovered that Amazon ranked in the top 10 for 164 out of the 200 keywords, far surpassing other brands such as Walmart, which ranked in the top 10 for only 57 keywords. This highlights the dominance of Amazon in search engine rankings.
Interestingly, the study also found that the “weakest” site in the top 10 positions had 54 referring domains and still managed to secure Position 6. This suggests that although having a large number of backlinks is important, the quality and relevance of those links also play a role in rankings.
The study concludes that an average of 164 unique domain backlinks appears to be the “minimum required to rank in the top 10” for local search terms among the lowest 10 sites. However, it acknowledges that not all links have equal value, and factors such as the authority of the linking site, anchor text, and user engagement with the links can influence their value.
While Google may downplay the importance of links in its ranking algorithm, this study provides strong evidence that having a substantial number of backlinks is still crucial for achieving top rankings. As a website owner or marketer, it is important to focus on building a diverse portfolio of high-quality backlinks from reputable and authoritative sources to improve your search engine rankings.
To delve deeper into the topic, Search Engine Land contributor Eric Enge has conducted multiple studies in the past, highlighting the value of links in SEO. It is essential to stay informed about the latest developments and trends in search engine optimization to stay ahead in the competitive online landscape.
In conclusion, the study by Internet Marketing Ninjas reveals that having over 1,000 backlinks from unique domains is strongly correlated with top rankings on Google. While not all links are created equal, building a diverse portfolio of high-quality backlinks is still a crucial aspect of SEO. As Google’s ranking algorithm continues to evolve, it is important for website owners and marketers to adapt their strategies accordingly to achieve optimal search engine visibility and drive organic traffic.
