At AgilePR we constantly keep a close eye on our clients’ backlinks to monitor whether they are consistent, unchanged, and still bringing SEO jouce.
However, as a website owner or digital marketer, monitoring and analyzing a dozen backlinks is never easy. This is where we’d like to share 4 common and 1 special way to check your backlinks.
Google alone offers a myriad of ways to peek into your backlink world.
Let’s embark on a journey through the digital underbrush and uncover the secrets of how to check your backlinks effectively using Google’s tools and a sprinkle of third-party magic.
Let’s dive in!
How to Search Backlinks on Google Search Console?
Imagine Google Search Console as your website’s control center, where you can peek behind the curtains and see how your site is performing in Google’s search results. When it comes to backlinks, this tool is your best friend.
Here’s how it works:
- Log in to your Google Search Console account.
- Select your website property.
- Navigate to the “Links” section under the “Index” tab.
- Here, you’ll find two options: “External Links” and “Internal Links.” Click on “External Links” to view backlinks pointing to your site.
Now, let’s focus on “External Links.” When you click on this option, Google Search Console will unveil a treasure trove of information about websites that are linking to yours.
You’ll see details about the domains linking to your site, which specific pages they’re linking to, and even the anchor text they’re using.
Why is this important?
Well, these backlinks are like endorsements for your website. They tell Google that other reputable sites vouch for your content, which can boost your site’s credibility and visibility in search results.
By exploring this data, you can uncover any shady or low-quality backlinks that might be dragging down your site’s reputation.
Think of Google Search Console as your trusty navigator in the vast ocean of the internet, helping you steer your website toward smoother sailing and greater success.
How to Search Backlinks on Google Search Operators
Google’s search operators can be used to uncover backlinks to a specific webpage or domain. One commonly used operator for this purpose is “link:” followed by the URL of the page you want to analyze.
Here’s how you can use it:
- Syntax: To search for backlinks pointing to a specific webpage or domain, you simply type “link:” followed by the URL you want to analyze. For example:
- Interpretation: Entering this query into Google’s search bar tells Google to display a list of webpages that link to the specified URL (in this case, https://www.example.com).
- Results: The search results will show you a selection of web pages that contain links pointing to the URL you provided. This gives you an idea of which other websites are referencing the specified webpage or domain.
It’s important to note that while the “link:” operator provides a basic overview of backlinks, it may not be as comprehensive or up-to-date as other dedicated backlink analysis tools.
Additionally, Google may not always show all the backlinks it has indexed for a particular site, so the results you see may not represent the complete picture.
However, despite its limitations, the “link:” operator can still be a useful tool for getting a quick glimpse of some of the backlinks pointing to a specific webpage or domain, especially if you’re looking for a straightforward way to explore backlink data without using more advanced tools.
How to Search Backlinks on Third-Party Backlink Analysis Tools
Several third-party tools offer more advanced features and comprehensive backlink data compared to Google’s native options.
These tools often provide additional insights such as domain authority, anchor text distribution, and historical backlink data.
Some popular backlink analysis tools include:
- Ahrefs
- Moz Link Explorer
- SEMrush
- Majestic
- Open Site Explorer (by Moz)
These tools typically require a subscription but offer free trials or limited features for users to explore. They can be invaluable for conducting in-depth backlink audits and competitor analysis.
We use Ahrefs for checking backlinks. (No we are not affiliated with them, we’re just using them more often.) We can also recommend the SEO above tools.
How to Search Backlinks on Google Alerts
Google Alerts is another useful tool for monitoring backlinks in real time. By creating alerts for your website or specific keywords, you’ll receive email notifications whenever Google discovers new pages linking to your site.
While Google Alerts may not provide as much detail as dedicated backlink analysis tools, it’s a convenient way to stay informed about new backlinks and mentions of your brand online.
In conclusion, checking backlinks in Google is essential for understanding your website’s authority and improving its search engine visibility.
Whether you prefer Google’s native tools like Search Console and search operators or opt for third-party backlink analysis tools, regularly monitoring your backlink profile is key to maintaining a strong online presence.
By leveraging these tools effectively, you can identify growth opportunities, address any issues with your backlink profile, and ultimately enhance your website’s performance in search results.
Check Backlinks the AgilePR Way
Conclusion
At AgilePR, we’ve delved into not only the native tools provided by Google but also explored the vast array of third-party solutions available to us. From the robust capabilities of tools like Ahrefs to the real-time monitoring offered by Google Alerts, and the insightful use of Google search operators, we’ve uncovered a wealth of resources to aid us in our digital endeavors.
These third-party tools serve as our trusted companions on this journey, offering advanced features, comprehensive data, and unparalleled insights into the intricate web of backlinks that shape our online presence.
Whether we seek to conduct in-depth backlink audits, monitor real-time mentions of our brand, or uncover hidden growth opportunities, these tools empower us to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the digital realm with confidence and clarity.
