Grumpy SEO Guy Podcast Summary

Episode: Should You Build Backlinks to the Homepage or to Inner Pages?
Host: Grumpy SEO Guy
Release Date: December 11, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 86 of the Grumpy SEO Guy podcast, the host dives deep into a fundamental SEO dilemma: Should you build backlinks to the homepage or to inner pages? Drawing from 14 years of experience running an SEO agency, Grumpy SEO Guy aims to clarify this often-confusing topic, dispelling myths and offering actionable strategies to help listeners optimize their backlink strategies effectively.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Core Question: Homepage vs. Inner Pages Backlinks

Grumpy SEO Guy addresses the central question head-on, emphasizing that the intuitive answer is to "build backlinks to the page that you want to get the authority," which is typically the specific page you aim to rank for certain keywords (00:04:50). This means focusing on the exact inner pages that target your desired search terms rather than solely concentrating on the homepage.

2. Importance of Authority in SEO

Authority is highlighted as a crucial factor for ranking. Grumpy SEO Guy reiterates the four essential elements required to rank:

• Avoid Penalties
• Have Content (doesn't need to be exceptional, just present)
• Relevancy
• Authority (00:05:30)

Building backlinks to authoritative pages increases their ability to rank higher in search engine results.

3. Natural Distribution of Backlinks

A significant portion of the discussion centers on maintaining a natural backlink profile. Grumpy SEO Guy stresses that "the number one rule in SEO is: Would this ever naturally happen?" (00:08:20). He warns against overly concentrating backlinks on a single page, which can appear manipulative both to search engines and algorithmically. Instead, backlinks should be distributed across various pages to mimic organic linking behavior.

4. Domain Authority (DA) and Domain Rating (DR)

The host delves into the nuances of Domain Authority (DA) and Domain Rating (DR), explaining that these metrics are “approximating authority” since Google’s actual metrics remain undisclosed (00:12:15). He emphasizes that while DA and DR provide some insight, they are not definitive measures of a website's ability to rank. Grumpy SEO Guy challenges the common misconception that higher DA or DR always results in better rankings, sharing that "small websites can outrank Amazon for specific pages" despite having lower DA or DR (00:18:40).

5. Practical Backlink Strategies

Grumpy SEO Guy advises a balanced approach:

• Target Pages: Focus on building backlinks to pages you specifically want to rank.
• Homepage Support: Additionally, secure backlinks for the homepage to ensure overall site authority.
• Natural Anchor Text: Vary anchor texts to maintain a natural link profile and avoid patterns that search engines might flag as manipulative (00:22:10).

He cautions against overthinking the backlink distribution and encourages adopting a "stop overthinking it and build backlinks" mentality (00:25:00).

Notable Quotes

• Defining the Problem:

  "I'm grumpy today because people don't know if they should build backlinks to the homepage or to the inner pages." — Grumpy SEO Guy (00:01:30)

• On Authority:

  "Build backlinks to the page that you want to get the authority, which normally is the page that you want to rank." — Grumpy SEO Guy (00:04:50)

• On Natural Linking:

  "Would this ever naturally happen? If you have pages on your website, would it ever naturally occur that that's the only page that gets backlinks? Probably not." — Grumpy SEO Guy (00:08:20)

• On DA and DR Metrics:

  "DA and DR are domain level metrics. People mistakenly feel that if a website has a lot of DR... but you can apply DA too." — Grumpy SEO Guy (00:12:15)

• Encouraging Simplicity:

  "Stop overthinking things. Stop overthinking the design of your PBN." — Grumpy SEO Guy (00:25:00)

Insights and Conclusions

Grumpy SEO Guy concludes that the most effective backlink strategy is both targeted and natural. By focusing on building quality backlinks to specific inner pages that you want to rank for particular keywords, while also ensuring that your homepage and other relevant pages receive backlinks, you create a balanced and authoritative backlink profile. This approach not only aligns with natural linking patterns but also enhances the overall authority of your website across multiple pages.

Furthermore, he demystifies the overreliance on DA and DR metrics, encouraging SEO professionals to prioritize actionable strategies over chasing numerical authority scores. By understanding that "the purpose of SEO is not to build your DA or DR, but to get to the top of the results," marketers can better align their efforts with what truly drives search engine rankings.

Grumpy SEO Guy emphasizes the importance of authenticity and natural growth in SEO practices, advising against manipulative tactics that could lead to penalties. His pragmatic advice underscores the value of experience and practical knowledge over theoretical metrics, making this episode a valuable resource for both seasoned SEO professionals and newcomers looking to enhance their backlink strategies.

Final Thoughts

Episode 86 of the Grumpy SEO Guy podcast serves as a comprehensive guide on backlink strategies, balancing technical insights with practical advice. By advocating for a natural and targeted approach to building backlinks, the host provides listeners with the tools needed to enhance their website’s authority and search engine rankings effectively.

For more insights and detailed discussions on SEO best practices, subscribe to the Grumpy SEO Guy podcast and join the community on Reddit or via email at me@hellorumpyseoguy.com.

Note: Timestamps are indicative and based on the transcript provided.