Is link building still relevant to SEO?
Yes, link building is still relevant to SEO in 2025. Backlinks remain an important ranking factor in Google’s algorithms, signaling trust, credibility, and authority.
At the same time, the tactics have evolved—spammy approaches are out in favor of those that prioritize quality, relevance, and forming genuine relationships. Investing time and resources in link building still delivers tangible results when the corresponding tasks involve creating valuable content, forming partnerships with reputable sites, and pursuing digital PR techniques. Balance these link building efforts with other key aspects of SEO, such as improving the user experience and refining technical elements.
Today, link building works best as part of a broader, well-rounded digital marketing strategy rather than as the only priority.
Further reading: Link Building for SEO
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The Semrush Team brings together AI visibility experts, SEO specialists, data analysts, and product practitioners to help businesses grow and manage their online visibility. We publish research, experiments, and practical guidance grounded in real data from the Semrush platform, covering search, content marketing, and the broader digital marketing landscape.
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