Backlinks: What They Are (and Why You Should Care)
Okay, let’s talk about backlinks — a word that sounds way more technical than it actually is.
Here’s the quick version: a backlink is just another website pointing people to your website. Think of it as a virtual high-five from one site to another, saying, “Hey, this person knows their stuff — check them out!”
Why Backlinks Are a Big Deal
Imagine you’re picking a new coffee shop in town. If ten of your friends say, “You have to try this place — best lattes ever,” you’re probably gonna go, right?
That’s exactly how Google feels about backlinks. The more quality websites that link to you, the more Google thinks, “Hmm, this site must be trustworthy and helpful — let’s boost it in the rankings.”
And yes, that means better SEO and potentially more clients landing on your page.
A Quick Example
Let’s say you’re a holistic health coach, and a wellness blog writes an article on “5 Ways to Beat Burnout.” They drop this little gem:
“According to Harmony Holistic Coaching, daily meditation can lower stress levels by up to 40%.”
Boom. That link? That’s your backlink — and it’s basically a stamp of approval from someone in your industry.
What Makes a Backlink Good
Not all backlinks are created equal, friends. Here’s what you want:
Relevant – If you’re a health coach, a link from a nutrition blog? Gold. A link from a random tech forum? Meh.
Authoritative – Think well-known sites with good reputations, not some sketchy corner of the internet.
Natural – Earned because your content is genuinely useful — not because you begged, bribed, or (yikes) bought it.
DoFollow – This is the type that actually passes “SEO juice” to your site.
How to Get Backlinks Without Losing Your Mind
Building backlinks doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. Try these easy (and fun) strategies:
Guest Blog Like a Boss
Pitch a helpful article to a wellness blog your dream clients read. You write, they post, and boom — you’ve got a shiny backlink.Get Listed
Pop your site into Google Business Profile, Yelp, and any legit wellness directories. Easy peasy.Collaborate and Cross-Promote
Partner with a yoga studio or nutritionist. Write a joint blog post or co-host an event. When they talk about it online, guess what? They link to you.Give Glowing Testimonials
Love a tool, app, or course you’ve used? Write a testimonial. Brands often feature these on their site — with your link attached.Create Content People Want to Share
Think checklists, quick guides, or infographics. Make something so helpful people can’t help but share (and link to) it.
One Big Warning
Stay away from:
Spammy directories (the kind that look like they haven’t been updated since 2008)
Paid link schemes
Over-optimized, keyword-stuffed nonsense
Google is way too smart for that now, and bad links can hurt more than they help.
The Bottom Line
Backlinks are like internet word-of-mouth. The more respected voices that point people your way, the more Google trusts you — and the higher you climb in the rankings.
So go out there, make those connections, and let your expertise shine. Your future clients (and your SEO) will thank you.