blaskarna: In the future, links could not be as important to Google Search ranking.

A rumor, or is it true (?), is spread that Google in the future, links could not be as significant to the Google Search ranking algorithm.

It all started in a Google SEO office hours video, John Mueller responded to a question concerning backlinks and ranks by mentioning the intriguing fact that backlinks no longer have as much of an influence as they once did as a ranking indication.

In addition to predicting that links may carry less weight in the long-term Google Search ranking algorithm, John claimed that this has already begun to change a bit. Links are therefore no longer given as much weight in the overall ranking algorithm as they once were.

The reason could be that the battle against link spam was mostly lost by Google. The Penguin algorithm and other Google infrastructure changes that enabled Google to do progressively large amounts of link-related ranking functions marked the turning point in 2012.

When Google was initially released, links and backlink signals made it a better search engine than the opposition.

After Google gained popularity, it was understood that links were essential for improving ranks. Web directories and link selling brokers are only two examples of entire companies that arose to meet the need for links.

In addition, several link-building strategies emerged, including forum spam, comment spam, and reciprocal linking.

But simply said, give up worrying so much about links and pay attention to your content. Superior content has become more in demand, and in reality, better material typically produces links without the need for link requests or other significant link-building activities.

And the intensity of the link signal is being compared to when Google initially started, which is maybe the most important thing to keep in mind.

Links as a ranking element are not and never will be dead. However, Google might depend less on links as it becomes more adept at comprehending material.