If you want to get ranked on Google, you’ve probably heard that content is king. While high-quality content is essential, backlinks remain one of the most powerful ranking factors in 2026. Despite algorithm updates and AI-driven search improvements, backlinks continue to play a major role in determining which websites appear at the top of search results.
In this article, we’ll explain why backlinks still matter, how they influence rankings, and how you can use them strategically to get ranked on Google
What Are Backlinks?
Backlinks are links from one website to another. When another website links to your content, it signals to Google that your page is valuable, trustworthy, and worth referencing.
Think of backlinks as votes of confidence. The more high-quality votes you receive, the stronger your authority becomes in Google’s eyes.
1. Backlinks Build Domain Authority
Google’s algorithm evaluates the authority of your website. When reputable websites link to your content, it increases your domain authority and credibility.
For example, a backlink from a well-known industry blog carries much more weight than a link from an unknown or spammy site. If your goal is to get ranked on Google, earning links from authoritative sources should be a priority.
2. Backlinks Help Search Engines Discover Your Content
Search engine bots crawl the web by following links. When your page receives backlinks, it becomes easier for search engines to discover and index your content faster.
This is especially important for new websites. Without backlinks, it can take much longer for Google to recognize and rank your pages.
3. Quality Matters More Than Quantity
In the past, websites could rank by building hundreds of low-quality backlinks. That strategy no longer works.
In 2026, Google focuses on:
- Relevance
- Authority
- Natural link patterns
- Context
One relevant backlink from a trusted website is more powerful than dozens of low-quality links. To get ranked on Google, focus on earning links naturally through valuable content and outreach.
4. Backlinks Improve Organic Traffic
Backlinks do more than improve rankings. They also drive referral traffic.
If a high-traffic website links to your article, readers may click through to learn more. This increases engagement signals like time on site and pages per session — factors that indirectly support your ability to get ranked on Google.
5. Anchor Text Strengthens Keyword Signals
Anchor text is the clickable text used in a hyperlink. When relevant keywords are used naturally in anchor text, it helps Google understand what your page is about.
For example, if multiple websites link to your page using phrases related to your topic, it reinforces your relevance for those search terms. However, over-optimized anchor text can look spammy, so balance is important.
6. Backlinks Increase Trust and Credibility
Google aims to provide users with trustworthy results. If respected websites link to you, it builds trust signals around your brand.
Trust plays a big role in competitive niches. If two pages have similar content quality, the one with stronger backlinks is more likely to get ranked on Google.
7. Competitive Advantage in Tough Niches
In highly competitive industries, backlinks often make the difference between ranking on page one and staying invisible.
Most top-ranking websites have strong backlink profiles. If your competitors are actively building links and you are not, it becomes extremely difficult to outrank them.
A strategic backlink plan can close that gap and help you get ranked on Google faster.
How to Build High-Quality Backlinks
Here are proven ways to earn strong backlinks:
- Guest posting on relevant blogs
- Creating in-depth, shareable content
- Publishing original research or data
- Outreach to industry influencers
- Broken link building
- Digital PR campaigns
Avoid buying spammy links or using automated link-building tools. These can result in penalties and damage your rankings.
Final Thoughts
Backlinks are still one of the strongest ranking factors in 2026. While content, technical SEO, and user experience are essential, backlinks remain the foundation of authority and trust.
If your goal is to get ranked on Google, focus on earning high-quality, relevant backlinks from reputable websites. Combine strong content with smart link-building strategies, and you’ll build long-term ranking power that withstands algorithm updates.
