There is no fixed number of backlinks required to rank on Google. How many backlinks you need depends on how many links the pages already ranking for your keyword have, so the useful answer comes from comparison, not a universal target. Count referring domains (unique websites linking to you) rather than total backlinks, check your own numbers in Google Search Console, and use a backlink tool to see how many quality sites link to the top results. A local business in a quiet market may rank with a handful of relevant links, while a competitive national keyword can need hundreds.
Total backlinks vs referring domains
A backlink is a link from another website to yours. The total backlinks figure counts every one of those links, while referring domains counts the number of different websites they come from.
The difference matters. If one blog links to you from its sidebar, that single site can produce thousands of backlinks, one on every page it has. Your total backlink count jumps, but you have gained only one referring domain and very little extra authority. Ten links from ten different, relevant websites are usually worth far more than a thousand links from one.
So when you ask how many backlinks a site has, look at both numbers, but judge strength mainly by referring domains and by the quality of those domains.
How to count backlinks to your site
You can check how many backlinks point to your site with free and paid tools. Each one finds a different set of links, so expect the numbers to differ.
- Google Search Console: the free Links report shows top linking sites, top linked pages and the anchor text used. It is the closest view of the links Google itself knows about, though it shows a sample rather than every link.
- Ahrefs: Site Explorer shows total backlinks, referring domains, new and lost links and a Domain Rating score. A free backlink checker shows a limited preview.
- Semrush: Backlink Analytics gives similar totals, plus an Authority Score and a list of referring domains you can filter.
- Moz Link Explorer: shows linking domains and Domain Authority, with some free monthly queries.
Pick one tool and stick with it when tracking progress over time. Comparing a figure from one tool with a figure from another gives misleading results, because they crawl the web differently.
How many backlinks should a website have?
Google has never published a minimum number of backlinks, and reaching any particular number will not secure a ranking on its own. Links are one of many signals, alongside relevance, content quality, page experience and, for local searches, distance and your Google Business Profile.
A better question is how many backlinks you need for a specific keyword. To answer it:
- Search for the keyword you want to rank for, from the location you are targeting.
- Note the pages in the top five or ten organic results.
- Put each ranking page into your backlink tool and record its referring domains, both to that page and to the whole site.
- Look for the lowest and typical figures, not the highest. If several ranking pages have 15 to 30 referring domains, that is a realistic range to aim for.
- Compare the quality and relevance of those links, not only the count.
Many keyword tools estimate this for you. Ahrefs’ Keyword Difficulty score, for example, is based on the number of referring domains the top-ranking pages have. Treat these scores as a starting estimate and check the actual results yourself.
Why some sites rank with very few links
Backlink counts alone do not explain rankings. A page with fewer links can outrank a stronger competitor when it matches the searcher’s intent more closely, answers the question better or is simply more relevant to the location.
- Local searches: for “near me” and city searches, your Google Business Profile, reviews and proximity carry a lot of weight, so a local business may need only a modest number of relevant local links.
- Long-tail keywords: specific, lower-volume searches often have weak competition, and a well-written page can rank with few or no backlinks.
- Strong internal linking: links between your own pages pass authority from strong pages to newer ones.
- Brand searches: people searching for your name will usually find you regardless of link count.
This is why keyword choice matters. Our guide to keyword research for small businesses explains how to find terms you can realistically win.
What makes a backlink worth having
Quality matters more than the number of backlinks. A useful link usually has these qualities:
- Relevance: the linking site covers your industry, location or audience.
- Authority: the site has real traffic and its own backlinks from trusted sources.
- Editorial placement: the link sits within the main content because someone chose to cite you, not in a footer or a paid directory.
- Natural anchor text: a mix of your brand name, page titles and descriptive phrases, rather than the same exact keyword every time.
Avoid buying links, joining link exchanges or using automated link schemes. Google’s spam policies treat these as manipulation, and its systems can ignore such links or, in serious cases, apply a manual action that lowers your visibility.
How to earn more quality backlinks
Steady, earned links build authority that lasts. Practical ways to get them include:
- Digital PR: share genuine news or expert comment with journalists. Coverage on news sites brings strong editorial links. See our guide on how to write a press release.
- Useful resources: publish guides, checklists, local data or tools that others want to reference.
- Business relationships: suppliers, partners, associations and event organisers often list the businesses they work with.
- Local listings: accurate entries on reputable local and industry directories, plus a complete Google Business Profile.
- Unlinked mentions: find sites that mention your brand without linking and politely ask them to add a link.
Track new referring domains each month. A consistent trend upward matters more than a sudden spike.
Frequently asked questions
How many backlinks do I need for a new website?
Start by targeting specific, lower-competition keywords and aim to earn links from a few relevant sites first. Then compare your referring domains with the pages ranking for your next target keyword and close the gap gradually.
Why does my backlink count differ between tools?
Each tool runs its own crawler and index, and some count links others filter out. Use one tool consistently, and use Google Search Console to see links Google has found.
Can too many backlinks hurt my site?
A high number of natural links is not a problem. Large volumes of spammy, paid or irrelevant links can be, because Google may ignore them or treat them as an attempt to manipulate rankings.
Is the answer the same for “hoeveel backlinks heb je nodig”?
Yes. Dutch searchers asking how many backlinks they need face the same principle: compare with the pages ranking in your own market and language, and focus on relevant links from local, trusted sites.
Want stronger links without the risk?
Our SEO service includes a backlink audit, competitor link comparison and a plan for earning relevant links, and our digital PR team secures editorial coverage. Book a free consultation to see how your links compare with the sites ranking ahead of you.