Last month I wrote about how local businesses can link build. And this month it may seem like I’m contradicting myself given the title of this post but I’m not. In March 2024, Google analyst Gary Illyes said during a conference that backlinking isn’t all that important. He pointed to a page with zero internal or external links that still ranked number one on Porsche cars. Some people are taking that information and running with it. “See! I don’t need to waste my time backlinking!” Is that really true?
As a Charlotte web developer since 2005, Web Symphonies has been around the block. We’re aware of tech changes and know how easy it is to get swept away with new proclamations and become tempted to abandon ship. Here’s the thing: Can you rank highly without backlinking? Absolutely. If you’re a big-time, established company with brand-name recognition of course you can be number one without much effort. But if you’re a small business or just starting, importance of backlinks in SEO for small businesses not so much.
The History of Backlinking in Charlotte, NC
I dug around for more info about this latest update trying to make sense of it all. If you think about the history of link building, Google’s announcement makes sense. People have manipulated links, used them as ads/near ads, paid for links, and ultimately tried to game the system. As a Charlotte web developer, we’ve seen some bad practices when it comes to SEO and link building. Google has too. In response, Google changed its practices.
Google’s mission is to provide relevant and useful information to searchers. Because of AI and natural language processing, Google can better sort information, and thus links carry less weight. However, that doesn’t mean they’re no longer important, just less so. SEO backlinks explained in modern Google algorithm context backlinking is still a factor but not an important factor.
In other words, sort out your content first. Make sure you’re offering something valuable to internet searchers. Find your proper keywords. Organize the technical parts of your page. And then start backlinking. When people are redirected to your website will they want to stay? That’s what matters much more than if you have a billion backlinks and reflects a modern SEO strategy with or without backlinks.
Conclusion
So, to recap, sensational stories will say backlinking isn’t important but they’re missing the nuance. Backlinking is not important but it’s still relevant. It’s semi-important. Most businesses still need backlinks to prove they’re authorities. They also need the boost in web traffic that backlinking provides. Yes, it’s possible to be ranked number one on a search engine results page (SERP) without any backlinks thanks to AI and natural language processing, but that’s not available for everyone and reflects how backlinks impact SEO rankings in 2026.
You know what is available to everyone? Creating good content that people want to read. Answering questions people have about your business. And using keywords that are relevant to what you do. It’s simple but not easy. Luckily, you don’t have to figure out everything alone because your favorite Charlotte web developer (aka, Web Symphonies) is here to help. Get in touch with us via email or call (704) 336-9113.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are backlinks still important for SEO in 2026?
A: Yes, backlinks are still important in 2026. While Google uses AI and advanced ranking signals, they are backlinks still important for Google rankings today question remains relevant, as they still build authority, trust, and visibility.
Q: Why are backlinks important for Google rankings?
A: Backlinks act as trust signals for Google and are part of SEO backlinks explained in modern Google algorithm context, showing authority and relevance that help improve rankings and search visibility.
Q: How do backlinks affect SEO rankings today?
A: Backlinks influence authority and trust, and how backlinks impact SEO rankings in 2026 is still significant, as quality links improve rankings while poor links have little or negative impact.
Q: Can websites rank without backlinks on Google?
A: Yes, but it depends on competition. The importance of backlinks in SEO for small businesses is higher since smaller sites often need backlinks to compete with established brands.
Q: What is the role of backlinks in modern SEO strategy?
A: Backlinks support authority building, traffic, and trust. A modern SEO strategy with or without backlinks combines quality content, technical SEO, and links for stronger long-term rankings.
