Let’s check out what worked out for link building in 2022

In the world of search engine optimization, links have always played a crucial role in determining a website’s ranking. However, Google has recently hinted that links may not be as important as they once were. Nevertheless, a survey conducted in 2022 contradicts Google’s prediction, stating that links continue to be a critical ranking factor. This survey anonymously asked 755 professional link builders about how they build links, what works best/worst for them, and what it really takes to make link building work for their business. Here’s a summary of the most interesting findings and key statistics.

Paid links remain a popular strategy

The survey found that 74.3% of link builders pay for links, which is a higher number than expected. In terms of costs, the average cost of a paid link is $83. However, those who pay for links only gain an extra two links per month compared to those who do not pay for links. In-house SEO’s pay 75% more for links than niche site owners, indicating that they may not have a problem spending other people’s money.

Experienced link builders can save money

Interestingly, the survey found that experienced link builders can build links 41% cheaper when salaries are factored in. This suggests that experience and expertise play a crucial role in link building success.

The impact of links on search rankings

The survey found that it takes an average of 3.1 months to see the impact of a link on the search ranking, with very few saying it takes longer than 6 months or less than 1 month. This suggests that link building is a long-term strategy that requires patience and persistence.

Guest posting is the most popular tactic

Guest posting remains the most popular link-building tactic, despite the fact that the same people said creating content or linkable assets is the most effective link-building tactic. This suggests that guest posting may be more of a tried-and-tested approach rather than a highly effective one.

Nofollow links have an impact on rankings

Google has told us that nofollow is a hint, not a rule. Our participants agreed, as 89.1% of link builders say nofollow links have an impact on rankings. This suggests that all types of links, regardless of their attributes, can have a positive impact on search rankings.

Social media is an effective outreach tool

The survey found that link builders using social media build 22% more links than those who don’t. This suggests that social media can be an effective tool for outreach and building relationships with other websites.

 

Here’s a summary of the most interesting findings and key statistics:

• 74.3% of link builders pay for links. We knew this number would be high, but didn’t expect it to be this high.
• We broke down the specific amount being paid and found that the average cost of a paid link is $83.
• However, when comparing those who pay for links VS those who don’t, we found that paying for links yields only an extra 2 links per month.
• In-house SEOs pay 75% more for links than niche site owners. Nobody seems to have a problem spending other people’s money.
• Looking at all links, when salaries are factored in, we found that experienced link builders can build links 41% cheaper.
• It takes an average of 3.1 months to see the impact of a link on the search ranking, with very few saying it takes longer than 6 months or less than 1 month.
• Guest posting is, by far, the most popular link-building tactic. It is somewhat contradictory to the point that the same people said creating content or linkable assets is the most effective link-building tactic.
• Google has told us that nofollow is a hint, not a rule. Our participants agreed, as 89.1% of link builders say nofollow links have an impact on rankings.
• Looking for a way to boost your results? Are you using social media for outreach? Link builders using social media build 22% more links than those who don’t.

This survey was published in November 2022, just before Google’s Link Spam Update. This update specifically targeted purchased links, showing that Google still considers links to be an important part of its ranking algorithm. However, there is a possibility that Google is overestimating its ability to detect purchased links. Only time will tell if buying links is still a viable ranking strategy. So, for now, be careful and stay tuned for updates.

 

Despite Google’s suggestion that links may not be as important as they once were, the survey suggests that links remain a critical ranking factor. Paid links remain a popular strategy, but may not necessarily be the most effective approach. Experienced link builders can save money and time, while guest posting and social media outreach remain popular tactics. Overall, link building remains a long-term strategy that requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to adapt to changes in the industry.