Backlink analysis
A backlink analysis is a study of all of the sites that link into any given website. Both the number of these links and the quality is evaluated. A comprehensive backlink analysis is one of the first steps SEOs do when starting to optimize a site for search engine results. The backlink analysis is a part of the so called baseline measurement, which is taken before any other optimization measures are taken. This gives a status quo of the site as well as showing potential for improvement. It also allows one to develop an initial budget for link building efforts in the SEO campaign.
A professional backlink analysis contains information on the number of backlinks, the domains where they come from (Domain Popularity) as well what IP-addresses those domains reside (IP Popularity). The link text – that is the actual text of the link and information about the follow- and nofollow-attributes are also part of the backlink analysis.
Backlink analysis is an on-going process
Because the backlink structure is a key part of many search engine algorighms and a decisive influence on a websites rank in the search engine results, backlink analysis is an on-going process. If the number of backlinks has changed – if, for example, many backlinks suddenly disappear – actions should be taken to remedy the situation. If the number of backlinks has suddenly increased at a particular time, the reason must be researched – this may indicate a topic people want to learn more about.
Backlink analysis of competitors
Backlink analysis of other corporations is also useful information. Looking at external linking of your direct competitors can help you understand their strategies. Also, you may be able to find other potential links for your own site. In other words, backlink analysis of competitors is often the first step to finding potential links for your site.
The task of a good link builder is not just to find links for your site, but to analyze the links to your site and your competitors to interpret trends in search. The data from backlink analysis reports is used not just for link building strategies, but gives valuable information that is used in an overall Internet marketing campaign.
