Link gap – how many links are we losing to competitors?

Developing your website, but feel that your online presence is not as strong,as you would like? This may be due to a strategy overlooked by many – the link gap. Understanding and exploiting this concept can revolutionize the way you build authority in your network. What are the benefits of a link gap strategy, how to find valuable sources of links to competitors, how to conduct link analysis in the context of competing sites, and from what sites are worth acquiring links? We give you a hint!.

What is a link gap?

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Link gap refers to the difference in the number and quality of inbound links between a site its own and competing sites. This is an important indicator to understand how much potential authority and traffic is being lost to rival sites. Analysis of this phenomenon provides valuable insights into needed improvements and actions that can help improve search engine rankings..

What are the benefits of using a link gap strategy?

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Using a link gap strategy can bring many tangible benefits to your overall search engine optimization and overall online presence..

This approach allows first and foremost to improve search engine rankings by strengthening the inbound link profile. Focusing attention on closing the linking gap and actively acquiring new links promotes better visibility of the site to potential users. In addition, gaining links from diverse and reputable sources strengthens the inbound link profile, which is seen by search engine algorithms as an increase in a site’s authority..

This strategy also attracts users from different sources, generating more traffic to the website, which can translate into more conversions. As a result, with actions directed at closing the linking gap, it is possible to achieve a competitive advantage and increase the authority of the site by acquiring valuable links..

While analyzing the Link Gap, it is also worth conducting an analysis of the value of these links. Not all of them will be attractive in terms of site positioning. Instead of focusing on all the links that are missing from our site relative to the competition, it is worth extracting the best ones. Now all that remains is to make every effort to acquire a hyperlink. Link Gap does not have to be understood literally. Just because a competitor has a link from one of your sites does not mean that you necessarily have to have a link from the same domain. If acquiring such a link causes you problems, try to find a domain with similar parameters (for example, number of inbound links, visibility similar subject matter) – suggests Marcin Wątroba, SEO Specialist at Harbingers.

How to find linking sites to competitors?

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To effectively find valuable linking sites to competitors, the use of advanced SEO tools is key. Platforms that offer tools for analyzing the link profile of competitors, such as Ahrefs, will be essential. With them, you can discover relevant sources of backlinks and accurately assess their quality and impact on the authority of a competing site. Also consider searching industry forums, blogs or social media where competitors are active to identify potential linking sources..

How to find out which sites are linking to your competitors and not linking to your site?

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With SEO tools, you can identify exactly which sites are linking to your competitors, but not linking to your site. Analyzing common linking domains and monitoring your competitor’s new links are examples of methods that help you understand which sources you can acquire to benefit your own site..

One of the effective tools to use are link analysis platforms. After logging into your account and entering the URL of a competing site, you can go to the “Backlinks” or “Linking Domains” section. There you will find a list of sites that link to your competitors, but do not lead to your site..

An alternative approach is to monitor site traffic using tools such as Google Analytics and Google Search Console. In Google Analytics, it is worth focusing on analyzing the sources of traffic to our site. By identifying sites that generate traffic for competitors and not for us, we can discover potential sources of links to gain. In Google Search Console, on the other hand, it is possible to track links leading to a website. By comparing this data with competitor analysis, you can catch missing links, which can then help improve your site’s authority in the eyes of search engines..

Read also: How to use Google Search Console? Step-by-step guide

From which sites to acquire links?

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Gaining links from diverse and authoritative sources is the foundation of an effective link building strategy. Consider gaining links by participating in industry forums, publishing guest articles on blogs, collaborating with business partners, but also bloggers and influencers, reviewing products or services, sharing content on social media, and submitting your site to credible industry directories. .

The key to success when dealing with the link gap is to acquire links organically and in a valuable way, in order to boost your inbound link profile and increase your position in search engine results..

Diligent inbound link research and gaining valuable backlinks is the key to achieving an attractive Domain Rating, which directly affects a site’s visibility in search engine results. Consequently, focusing on link gap analysis and activities can be a critical factor in achieving online success, increasing traffic to your own URL and gaining an edge in the competitive online environment..