Guides

Backlinks and Domain Rating, explained

Plain answers to the questions people ask when they first look at their backlinks. No jargon, no scare tactics.

• Why are spam sites linking to me? ("Get higher rankings with…" and other junk links)

  Odd sites with anchor text like "Get higher rankings with" link to almost every website. Here's where they come from, why Google ignores them, and what to do (usually nothing).

• Should you disavow backlinks? (Almost never)

  Google's disavow tool is for a narrow problem most sites never have. Here's what it's for, when it makes sense, and why disavowing the wrong links can hurt you.

• What is a PBN, and what should you do if one links to you?

  A PBN is a network of sites built to sell or pass links. Here's how to spot one, why buying PBN links is risky, and why a PBN linking to you on its own usually isn't a problem.