How to Check Backlinks in Google Search Console and Google Analytics

 

Backlinks are an important part of any SEO strategy. They help increase your site’s authority, improve rankings, and drive more traffic. Checking backlinks to your site allows you to see where you’re getting attention and helps improve your link-building efforts. Scalebuf offers you easy steps for viewing backlinks using Google Search Console and Google Analytics.

Why Are Backlinks Important?

Backlinks are links from other websites that point to your site. They act as "votes of confidence," signaling to search engines like Google that your content is valuable. When credible websites link to yours, it boosts your site's authority, helping you rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). Knowing how to check backlinks in Google Search Console and how to check backlinks in Google Analytics is vital for tracking your SEO success and refining your strategies.

How to Check Backlinks in Google Search Console

Google Search Console is a free tool by Google that provides valuable insights into your site’s presence on Google. It includes a feature that lets you see which sites are linking to yours.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Backlinks in Google Search Console

1. Sign into Google Search Console: Start by logging into your Google Search Console account. Make sure your website is connected to your account.
2. Navigate to the “Links” Report: Once you’re in, click on “Links” in the left-hand menu. This section shows the number of links that point to your site, also called inbound links or backlinks.
3. Review the External Links Section: Under the Links report, you’ll see two main sections: “External links” and “Top linking sites.” The External links section shows pages on your website that have the most backlinks.
4. Explore the Top Linking Sites: To see where your backlinks are coming from, go to “Top linking sites.” This area shows you which external websites link to yours, along with the number of links.
5. Download the Data: You can download this backlink data for further analysis by clicking on the “Export” button.

With Google Search Console, you get a clear view of which websites are giving you backlinks, helping you evaluate your link-building efforts.

How to Check Backlinks in Google Analytics

Although Google Analytics doesn’t offer a direct backlink report, you can still see referral traffic, which includes visitors from backlinks on other websites.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Backlinks in Google Analytics

1. Sign into Google Analytics: Begin by logging into your Google Analytics account and selecting the website you want to analyze.
2. Go to Acquisition > All Traffic > Referrals: In the left-hand menu, click on “Acquisition” to access traffic insights. Then click “All Traffic” followed by “Referrals.” The Referrals report shows you the sources sending visitors to your website, including backlinks.
3. Analyze the Referring Websites: In the Referrals report, you’ll see the list of websites linking to your content. This data shows which backlinks bring traffic, and it helps you understand which link sources are most effective.
4. Identify Valuable Backlinks: Look for high-quality websites that refer visitors to you. If certain sites send consistent traffic, they might be good targets for further link-building efforts.
5. Export Data for Review: Like in Search Console, you can export the backlinks data in Google Analytics by clicking on the “Export” option.

Benefits of Checking Backlinks in Google Search Console and Google Analytics

By using Google Search Console and Google Analytics to check backlinks, you can:

• Identify high-value links: Discover which sites link to your content and drive traffic.
• Understand link quality: See which backlinks contribute positively to your SEO.
• Improve link-building strategy: Identify gaps and opportunities for more effective link-building.

Tips to Enhance Your Link-Building Strategy

1. Build Relationships: Reach out to websites that already link to your competitors and offer content relevant to their audience.
2. Create High-Quality Content: Engaging and informative content naturally attracts backlinks, so prioritize quality.
3. Monitor Competitors’ Links: Keeping an eye on where your competitors get links can inspire new link-building opportunities.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check backlinks in Google Search Console and how to check backlinks in Google Analytics is a valuable skill in SEO. By understanding where your traffic is coming from and which sites value your content, you can refine your link-building efforts and enhance your SEO strategy. Let Scalebuf be your guide to successful tactics in SEO, link-building, and analytics. Start tracking your backlinks today for a clearer path to online success!