Summary of "Three Reasons Your SEO Backlinks Are Not Helping You" - Grumpy SEO Guy, Episode 116
Podcast Information:
- Title: Grumpy SEO Guy
- Host/Author: Grumpy SEO Guy
- Episode: Three Reasons Your SEO Backlinks Are Not Helping You - Episode 116
- Release Date: July 9, 2025
- Description: Everything I've learned in 14 years of running an SEO agency. Learn how to get, and keep, websites at the top of the search engines. If you listen to this podcast you will know more about how the SEO industry works than 99% of SEO "professionals."
Introduction
In Episode 116 of the Grumpy SEO Guy podcast, released on July 9, 2025, the host dives deep into the intricacies of backlink strategies in SEO. Drawing from his 14 years of experience running an SEO agency, Grumpy SEO Guy elucidates why certain backlink approaches may fail to deliver the desired outcomes. This episode is particularly valuable for SEO professionals and website owners seeking to refine their backlink strategies to achieve optimal search engine rankings.
1. Insufficient Authority from Backlinks
Grumpy SEO Guy begins by addressing a fundamental aspect of SEO: authority. He emphasizes that SEO is a competitive arena rather than a simple checklist of tasks.
"SEO is a Competition, not a checklist. You need backlinks."
— Grumpy SEO Guy [02:12]
He clarifies that the focus should not be on accumulating a vast number of backlinks but rather on acquiring quality backlinks that confer genuine authority to your website. The host warns against the common misconception that more backlinks automatically translate to better SEO performance. Specifically, he advises against purchasing backlinks purely for their quantity, noting:
"If you're buying backlinks based on number... they are not going to help you."
— Grumpy SEO Guy [02:34]
Instead, the emphasis should be on obtaining backlinks from reputable sources that enhance your site's authority relative to competitors.
2. The Pitfall of Spammy Backlinks
The second reason Grumpy SEO Guy identifies for backlinks not aiding SEO efforts is the presence of spammy backlinks. He highlights the detrimental effects of low-quality, spam-infested backlinks on a website's SEO performance.
"If you get a bunch of spammy backlinks, they're not gonna help you."
— Grumpy SEO Guy [04:34]
He references previous episodes (Episodes 37 and 39) where listeners can find more detailed discussions on differentiating between valuable backlinks and those that may harm their SEO. The key takeaway is that not all backlinks are created equal, and focusing on obtaining high-quality, relevant backlinks is crucial for sustained SEO success.
3. Underlying Website Issues Hindering Backlink Effectiveness
Perhaps the most surprising reason Grumpy SEO Guy presents is that other website issues might be preventing backlinks from being effective. He explains that even with a solid backlink strategy, existing problems within the website can negate the benefits of those backlinks.
"There might be other problems with your website that are preventing the authority from doing anything."
— Grumpy SEO Guy [04:53]
He elaborates that in approximately 40% of projects, identifying and resolving website-specific issues is a prerequisite before embarking on backlink building. For example, during site migrations, hidden SEO problems may surface once search engines start paying increased attention due to new backlinks. This scenario can lead to ranking drops if not addressed promptly.
"One of the things that we look for is potential penalties... once you start increasing authority by getting good quality backlinks, then the search engines will pay more attention to your site and those problems might become apparent."
— Grumpy SEO Guy [06:07]
Comprehensive SEO Assessment: A Critical First Step
Grumpy SEO Guy advocates for conducting a comprehensive SEO assessment before implementing backlink strategies. This assessment typically spans three to four weeks and encompasses an in-depth analysis of various factors, including backlinks, competition, keywords, and SERP dynamics.
"We begin every project with an assessment... the purpose of an assessment is to create a 6 to 12 month roadmap for what you need to do to be successful."
— Grumpy SEO Guy [05:00]
This thorough evaluation ensures that all underlying website issues are identified and rectified, thereby laying a solid foundation for effective backlink strategies. The assessment also determines the appropriate quantity and quality of backlinks required relative to competitors, ensuring that efforts are strategically aligned with achieving higher search engine rankings.
Prioritizing SEO Elements for Optimal Results
Grumpy SEO Guy outlines the four essential elements required for successful SEO rankings, prioritizing them to guide effective strategy development:
- No Penalties: Ensuring the website is free from any search engine penalties is paramount.
- Content: High-quality, relevant content must be in place.
- Relevancy: The content and backlinks should be relevant to the website's niche.
- Authority: Building authority through quality backlinks should follow once the above elements are secured.
"The highest priority is to not have a penalty. The second highest priority is to have content. The third highest priority is to have relevancy. And when you have all of those things, then you should try to get authority."
— Grumpy SEO Guy [11:17]
This structured approach ensures that foundational SEO elements are solidified before focusing on authority-building through backlinks.
Conclusion
In Episode 116, Grumpy SEO Guy succinctly identifies and elaborates on three primary reasons why backlinks may not be benefiting your SEO efforts:
- Insufficient Authority: Quality over quantity is crucial; long after the mindset of acquiring numerous backlinks, focus shifts to securing high-authority links.
- Spammy Backlinks: The presence of low-quality or spammy backlinks can negate the benefits, making it imperative to maintain a clean backlink profile.
- Underlying Website Issues: Existing SEO problems within the website can hinder the effectiveness of backlinks, underscoring the need for a comprehensive SEO assessment before implementing backlink strategies.
Grumpy SEO Guy's insights serve as a valuable roadmap for SEO professionals aiming to enhance their backlink strategies effectively. By adhering to his advice, listeners can navigate the complexities of SEO with a structured and informed approach, ultimately achieving better search engine rankings.
Notable Quotes
-
"SEO is a Competition, not a checklist. You need backlinks."
— Grumpy SEO Guy [02:12] -
"If you're buying backlinks based on number... they are not going to help you."
— Grumpy SEO Guy [02:34] -
"There might be other problems with your website that are preventing the authority from doing anything."
— Grumpy SEO Guy [04:53] -
"Once you start increasing authority by getting good quality backlinks, then the search engines will pay more attention to your site and those problems might become apparent."
— Grumpy SEO Guy [06:07] -
"The highest priority is to not have a penalty. The second highest priority is to have content. The third highest priority is to have relevancy. And when you have all of those things, then you should try to get authority."
— Grumpy SEO Guy [11:17]
For more insights and detailed discussions on SEO strategies, consider tuning into future episodes of Grumpy SEO Guy or exploring his previous episodes referenced throughout this summary.