Why you shouldn't be afraid of setting outbound links
In this article, I don't want to start with the typical SEO text introduction about the definition and explanation of outbound links or backlinks. There are more than enough sources for that on the internet like the very well written post by MOZ called "What Are Backlinks and Why Are They Important for SEO?". The important thing is to understand that backlinks are extremely important for us in the niche of the black scene. The focus of this article is to dispel fear and concerns, to eliminate competitive thinking and to show the synergy effects that arise from setting outbound links.
A short explanation: An outbound link (aka external link) is a link from your website to another site, while a backlink is a link from another site pointing to yours.
Curious myths and urban legends about outbound links
I have been working in the field of search engine optimisation (SEO) for many years now. Building backlinks is one of the most difficult disciplines. There are many curious myths and urban legends about setting outbound links. Below are a few of the most persistent questions that website owners ask themselves, but which are completely unfounded.
Am I liable for outbound links?
One myth says that you are liable for the content of external sites if you link to them. Clarification: There is no liability for external links as such. As soon as you become aware of a legal violation, you must remove the link to the external content. If you are aware of an illegal link and still leave it in place, this is illegal behaviour that can have consequences. A disclaimer in which you distance yourself from outbound links may not protect you legally, but it does show good will. And if you do not knowingly link to sex/casino/warez sites, you will certainly not have any problems here.
Do outbound links lead away from my site?
Outbound links do not necessarily lead away from your own site. Especially if they are opened in a new tab. In fact, you are offering your visitors further information and sources. Furthermore, if the links are thematically related, it is not recommended to set the nofollow attribute, as Google can then better understand the contextual relationships and categorise the topic even better. If the link is relevant to the topic, the external link can even improve your own SEO. More on this in the section "Synergies".
Linking to other websites is a great way to provide value to your users. Often, links help users to find out more, to check out your sources and to better understand how your content is relevant to the questions that they have.
John Mueller, Google
Do outbound links always have to point to the homepage?
Deep links to specific sub-pages can be even more valuable, as they better represent the relevance and context. The anchor text should clearly indicate what is behind the link. The link is even better with a detailed alt text.
The current situation when it comes to building backlinks
I always actively ask for Google ratings or a backlink when I make contact. A few months ago, I took the initiative to actively seek backlinks again. I searched for articles that dealt with similar topics to Electrozombies. Then I thought about where I could link to an article from Electrozombies to provide the reader with additional information. When requesting a backlink, it is important to keep the request as brief as possible and not to cause the webmaster any great inconvenience.
No sooner said than done, and I politely asked various site owners and authors for a backlink. However, the result was sobering and frustrating. Over 90% did not respond at all, not even after a second reminder. There were a few empty promises here and there. Although a few backlinks were created, the effort involved is really extremely high and encouraging. At least it encouraged me to write this post to raise awareness of the issue.
Why is it so difficult to build backlinks?
I categorically rule out technical hurdles. Setting a link is one of the most basic functions of the internet and only takes a few seconds. In my opinion, time also plays a subordinate role. The main problem is more of a psychological nature.
Fear of competition:
Webmasters are hesitant to link to sites that are considered direct competitors. Links can improve the ranking and visibility of competitors, which goes against their own interests. Collaboration instead of competition: By linking to high-quality content on other websites, you can build valuable partnerships and collaborations that benefit both sides in the long term. It also shows that you are part of a larger community and are willing to share knowledge.
Lack of knowledge about SEO practices:
Well-placed outbound links can have a positive impact on your SEO by increasing the trust and authority of your site. Google and other search engines often rank sites with meaningful external links better. A good example of this is my article “The best Synthpop websites (to discover amazing Synthpop music)”. This helps visitors to find the most important sources of synth pop on the internet and rewards the linked pages with valuable backlinks. The page has become an evergreen content that continuously generates traffic.
Trust and authenticity:
Outbound links can help to build trust in your content, as visitors see that you have done your research and are willing to share valuable resources. This can make your site more credible and authentic.
Self-centredness:
By linking to external sites, you can offer your visitors a wider range of information. This can improve the user experience and present your site as a comprehensive source of information.
Reciprocal linking: a win-win situation through synergy effects
Backlinks is more than just an SEO strategy – it is a powerful way to create synergies that benefit all parties involved. When musicians, promoters, labels and bloggers link to each other, numerous positive effects arise that go far beyond a simple placement in the search results.
- Increased visibility and reach: By mutually linking, both parties benefit from an extended reach. When a musician refers to a blogger's page and vice versa, the audience of both sides is made aware of new content. This leads to an increased number of visitors and thus to more potential fans, customers or readers.
For example, a synth pop musician could get a lot more attention through a blog post on an established music site than through promotion on their own channels alone. - Building trust and authority: Links from trusted sites not only increase visibility, but also the trust and authority of your own site. When a well-known music blog recommends an up-and-coming artist, the audience is likely to take the recommendation seriously. Likewise, readers are more likely to trust a blogger who is supported by musicians they love. This mutual trust strengthens the brand and credibility of both sides.
- Improved search engine rankings: Search engines like Google rate websites that have many high-quality backlinks as more relevant and credible. This leads to better rankings in search results. When musicians, promoters, labels and bloggers link to each other, they increase the number and quality of their backlinks, which has a positive effect on the ranking of all participating sites. A higher ranking in search results in turn leads to more organic traffic and a greater online presence.
- Strengthening industry networks: Linking with each other encourages collaboration and exchange within the black music scene. Musicians who network with bloggers and promoters benefit from new opportunities, whether it's through joint projects, interviews or guest posts. These strengthened relationships can lead to long-term partnerships that go far beyond the initial link. Networks within the black scene also provide support and resources that are essential for growth and success.
- Creating added value for the audience: Ultimately, readers and listeners also benefit from these synergies. Linked content allows them to discover new music, exciting articles and interesting perspectives. A blog that regularly refers to new talented musicians offers its readers real added value and increases the attractiveness of its own site. Likewise, a musician who refers to informative blogs can offer his audience additional resources and insights.
Conclusion: Stronger together through reciprocal links
In today's digital world, visibility on the internet plays a crucial role in the success of musicians, promoters, labels and bloggers. Backlinks, i.e. links from one website to another, are a powerful tool that is often underestimated. By supporting and linking to each other, we can not only increase our reach, but also improve our ranking in search engines.
Musicians can increase their popularity and expand their fan base by linking to blogs and promotion sites. Promoters benefit from the increased attention and additional content that links create. Bloggers, in turn, can increase their readership and relevance by sharing and linking to musicians and their projects.
It's time for us as a community of a small scene to work together even more. By actively seeking and using opportunities for mutual linking, we create a network that benefits everyone. Ultimately, this leads to a stronger presence in search results and thus to more success for all of us. So let's take this opportunity and grow together!
