A backlink is a link on someone else’s website that points back to yours. Think of them like online referrals or endorsements. If you’ve done a sterling job for a local business and they mention you on their site with a link to yours, Google sees that as a positive signal. Essentially, the search engine thinks, “If other sites link to this plumber, he must be legit.”
Backlinks are crucial because they’re one of Google’s most important ranking factors. A strong backlink profile—made up of relevant, high-quality links—can help your site appear more authoritative and trustworthy in Google’s eyes, which often leads to higher rankings. However, it’s not just about quantity; the quality of the linking site matters a great deal. Links from reputable, industry-related pages or local community organisations carry a lot more weight than random links from spammy domains. For tradespeople, focusing on local and industry-specific backlinks can make a massive difference in attracting the right customers.