Why Backlinks Matter More Than You Think

Why do backlinks matter? They're one of Google's core ranking signals. A founder's guide to how backlinks work and how to earn them.

Backlinks matter because they're one of Google's core ranking signals — each link from another website is a vote of trust that helps your pages rank. Most founders underrate them, focus only on on-page tweaks, and wonder why they don't rank. This guide explains how backlinks actually work and how a new startup earns them.

Why backlinks are so powerful

Google's job is to rank the most trustworthy, relevant page for a query. It can't judge trust from your words alone — anyone can claim to be the best. So it looks at who else vouches for you: backlinks. A link from another site is a signal that someone found your page worth referencing. The more quality sites that link to you, the more Google trusts you, and the higher you tend to rank — especially for competitive terms.

This is why two sites with equally good content can rank very differently. The one with a stronger backlink profile usually wins.

Dofollow vs nofollow: the distinction that matters

Not all links are equal:

• Dofollow links pass SEO value ("link equity") and help you rank. These are the ones that build your authority.
• Nofollow links tell Google not to pass value. They still send referral traffic and brand exposure, but they don't directly lift your rankings.

This is why the type of link matters, not just the count. Product Hunt, for example, gives nofollow links — great for traffic, but no direct SEO boost. Directories like Launchit give dofollow links that actually build your profile.

How backlinks shape your Domain Rating

Your Domain Rating — a 0–100 score of your backlink strength — rises as you earn more quality dofollow links from more referring domains. It's not a Google ranking factor itself, but it's a useful proxy for the backlink authority Google does reward. Learn more in what is a good Domain Rating.

How a new startup earns backlinks

You don't need hundreds of links — you need real, relevant ones, built steadily:

• Get listed in dofollow directories. The fastest first backlinks. Free and legitimate.
• Publish linkable content. Original data, guides, and tools people want to cite earn links on their own.
• Guest post and do PR. A byline on an established site is a high-value link.
• Reclaim unlinked mentions. If someone names your product without linking, ask for the link.

One warning: don't buy spammy links. Paid link farms can raise a number briefly but risk a penalty that costs far more than it gains. Slow, real links win every time.

The takeaway

Backlinks matter more than most founders think because they're how Google decides who to trust. Focus on earning real dofollow links — start with directories, add linkable content and PR over time — and your rankings, traffic, and Domain Rating all climb together. Get your first dofollow backlink by launching on Launchit.

Frequently asked questions

Why do backlinks matter for SEO? Backlinks are one of Google's strongest ranking signals. Each link from another site acts as a vote of trust, and pages with more quality backlinks tend to rank higher for competitive terms.

What's the difference between dofollow and nofollow links? Dofollow links pass SEO value and help you rank; nofollow links don't. Both send referral traffic, but only dofollow links strengthen your backlink profile and Domain Rating.

How do new startups get backlinks? Get listed in dofollow directories, publish content worth linking to, guest post, and reclaim unlinked mentions. Directory listings are usually the fastest first backlinks.