What is link equity in SEO? It’s more than just a fancy term—it’s the value, authority, and trust that links pass from one page to another.
Search engines use this to help determine which pages deserve a top spot in search results. The stronger the link equity, the better the ranking potential.
But how does it really work? What factors affect it? And how can you make the most of it? GetFound is here to make sense of it all, giving you a clear, easy-to-digest look at how link equity influences SEO and how you can use it to your advantage.
Understanding Link Equity in SEO
What is link equity in SEO? Link equity (also referred to as “link juice”) is the value that one webpage passes to another through a hyperlink.
When a high-authority website links to your page, it transfers some of its credibility, boosting your site’s ability to rank higher on search engines.
Example of Link Equity in Action
Consider two scenarios:
- A has a backlink from a reputable news website.
- B has a backlink from a spammy, low-quality blog.
Even though both have backlinks, Website A’s link carries more equity, meaning it has a greater impact on rankings. This illustrates how link equity in SEO is influenced by the quality of the linking site.
Factors That Influence Link Equity
Several elements determine how much link equity in SEO is transferred from one page to another.
Here are some key factors:
1. Source Page Authority
The authority of the linking page is one of the biggest determinants of link equity. A backlink from a high-authority website (like an established news outlet) holds significantly more value than one from a new or low-quality site.
2. Relevance of the Linking Page
Search engines assess link equity in SEO based on relevance. A backlink from a related industry website is more valuable than one from an unrelated niche.
For example, a backlink to a tech blog from a software review site carries more weight than one from a food blog.
3. Link Placement
Where a link appears on a page matters. Links embedded in the main content hold more link equity than those placed in footers, sidebars, or comment sections. Search engines prioritize naturally placed links within valuable content.
4. Number of Outgoing Links
If a page links to multiple external websites, the link equity gets divided among them.
For example, if a high-authority page links to only one other page, all its link equity is transferred to that page. But if it links to 10 different pages, the link equity is distributed among them.
5. NoFollow vs. DoFollow Attributes
Links with the nofollow attribute do not pass link equity, while dofollow links do. If a site adds a nofollow tag to a link, search engines recognize it but do not consider it when transferring ranking power.
How Search Engines Interpret Link Equity
Search engines like Google use complex algorithms to assess link equity in SEO. They analyze the above factors to determine how much authority is passed from one page to another. This is why earning high-quality, relevant backlinks is essential for SEO success.
Also Read: With This Explanation, Identifying Nofollow Links Has Never Been So Easy!
Example of Link Equity Flow (Code Representation)
To better understand what is link equity in SEO, let’s look at how it works in practice. The way links are structured determines whether they pass authority to the linked page.
Below is an example of how link equity in SEO flows depending on the link attributes used.
<a href=”https://example.com/high-authority-page” rel=”dofollow”>Check out this trusted source</a>
The rel=”dofollow” attribute ensures that link equity is passed, helping the destination page gain ranking power.
On the other hand, if the link had rel=”nofollow”, the receiving page would not benefit from any link equity.
<a href=”https://example.com/low-authority-page” rel=”nofollow”>Visit this site</a>
Link Equity vs. Link Juice
Although often used interchangeably, link equity in SEO and link juice have slight differences:
- Link Equity refers to the measurable authority passed between web pages.
- While Link Juice is a broader, less technical term that describes how authority flows through links.
Both terms describe the same concept but are used differently within the SEO industry.
GetFound: Your Partner for Better Rankings!
Understanding what is link equity in SEO can make all the difference in how your website ranks. Quality backlinks pass authority from one page to another, helping boost visibility and credibility in search results. The better your link equity, the stronger your SEO game.
Want to make the most of it? GetFound’s got you covered with smart link-building strategies that bring in high-quality backlinks and strengthen your site’s authority.
Reach out today, and let’s take your rankings up a notch!
