Marketing service provider QGP Limited has revealed new insights into SEO and backlinks after the Google Core Update launched on August 15.
The major update will be bringing big changes to the engine’s search algorithm in the coming weeks, lowering the value of SEO-focused content in favor of promoting high-quality and relevant content from smaller, independent websites.
Appearing in a recent podcast episode from The Agency Growth Lab, QGP CEO and marketing expert Kosta Hristov shared his know-how in a 30-minute interview with host Rohin Du.
One of his guidelines was that the more difficult a backlink is to acquire, the higher its value.
Highlighting the importance of quality content, this tip underscores the importance of utilizing a well-planned backlinks strategy from pages of value.
Hristov defined three categories of links helpful in an SEO strategy, which he defined as the most powerful types of backlinks:
- Links to new pages
- Links to existing pages
- Links to home pages
He also emphasized the effectiveness of contextual backlinks that demonstrate continuity and relevance, which is sound advice amid reports of Google penalizing unnatural links.
Working with Backlinks
According to QGP, the best strategies for building an affiliate site would be starting with foundational links, maintaining solid guest posts, and having heavy-duty home page links.
Du also asked Hristov about common practices that don’t actually drive growth.
In response, Hristov specified the use of comments, follow, and Web2 links, all of which were said to not be impactful for SEO, rendering them essentially worthless.
He also touched on other common link mistakes, including:
- Keyword-heavy anchor text
- Acquiring low-quality backlinks
- Acquiring overvalued links
Delving deeper into text anchors, he stated that successful SEO content strategies involve acquiring organic and contextual backlinks, which come with diverse anchor text.
Hristov also frowned upon listening to advice from SEO publishers and influencers, which is usually compromised due to a conflict of interest.
"Publishers make money from advertisements. They cannot afford to tell the truth because Google is going to destroy them," he said.
Overall, affiliate sites can adapt to Google’s latest update by simply publishing good content while avoiding low-value or spam backlinks that reduce quality.
Editing by Katherine 'Makkie' Maclang
