Last Updated on April 23, 2025 by Becky Halls
Let’s face it, if you’re new to SEO, the world of backlinks can feel a little overwhelming. You might be asking yourself questions like, “Do I need 10 backlinks? 100? A million?” or “How many backlinks do I need to get on Google’s good side?”
First of all, take a deep breath. You’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll go through exactly what backlinks are, why they matter, and (drumroll, please) how many backlinks you really need to start climbing those search rankings. No jargon. No stress. Just beginner-friendly advice that’s super easy to follow!
What Are Backlinks, Anyway?
Before we answer how many backlinks do I need, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what a backlink actually is.
A backlink is a link from one website to another. If someone links to your site from their blog, news site, or product page – voilà, that’s a backlink. In SEO terms, it’s like getting a vote of confidence from the internet.
And Google? It loves a confident website.
The more quality backlinks you have, the more trustworthy your site looks in the eyes of search engines. This can help you show up higher in search results, and that means more clicks, more traffic, and more potential customers.
So… How Many Backlinks Do I Need?
Ah, the golden question: how many backlinks do I need?
The honest answer? It depends. But don’t worry… we’ll give you a clearer picture.
There’s no magic number, because the amount of backlinks you need depends on:
1. Your Industry or Niche
Are you running a travel blog or trying to rank in the finance world? Some industries are way more competitive than others. A finance site might need hundreds of quality backlinks to rank, while a local bakery might only need 10–20 solid links.
2. Your Competition
Google the keyword you want to rank for. Now take a peek at the top 3 results. How many backlinks do they have pointing to that page? That gives you a ballpark idea of how many backlinks you need to compete.
3. Your Website’s Age and Authority
New websites usually need more backlinks to build credibility. If your domain is fresh and squeaky clean, don’t be discouraged – it just means you need to put in a little more effort at the start.
A (Very) Rough Estimate
Still wondering how many backlinks do I need to see progress? Here’s a general rule of thumb:
- Low-competition keyword: 0–20 backlinks might do the trick
- Medium-competition keyword: 20–100 backlinks from unique websites
- High-competition keyword: 100+ backlinks and strong domain authority
But remember, this is just a starting point. It’s not about just hitting a number.
Quality Over Quantity (Every Time)
Here’s the truth: Not all backlinks are created equal.
One high-quality backlink from a trusted, relevant website is often better than 50 spammy ones. It’s like asking an expert chef to recommend your restaurant versus a guy handing out flyers on the street.
Look for backlinks that are:
- From reputable websites in your industry
- Embedded naturally in content (not in sidebars or footers)
- Using diverse and natural anchor text
- Coming from a mix of different domains
If you’re still thinking “how many backlinks do I need?”, start focusing on who is linking to you, not just how many.
How to Start Getting Backlinks (Without Losing Your Mind)
If you’re a beginner, here are a few easy ways to start building those sweet, sweet links:
1. Write Guest Posts
Offer to write helpful blog posts for websites in your niche. Most sites will let you link back to your own content in return.
2. List Your Site in Reputable Directories
Skip the sketchy link farms and go for real, curated directories that are relevant to your business.
3. Use a Platform Like 3Way.Social
Platforms like 3Way.Social help you buy, sell, and exchange backlinks with other legit websites in your niche. It’s ethical, trackable, and beginner-friendly—perfect if you’re new to the backlink game.
4. Create Content Worth Linking To
Write guides, create tools, or design infographics that people actually want to share. Then promote them on social media or through outreach.
Backlink Tips for Beginners
- Start with realistic goals: aim for 5 great backlinks to your top page and build from there
- Track your progress using Google Search Console or a free tool like Ubersuggest
- Don’t pay for spammy links – it might work today, but it could tank your site tomorrow
- Stay consistent. A few backlinks a month can snowball into big results over time
Final Thoughts: It’s a Journey, Not a Race
When you ask, how many backlinks do I need, the answer isn’t a single number. It’s a strategy. A process. A commitment to building real relationships, publishing great content, and earning trust one link at a time.
If you’re just getting started, don’t stress about reaching 100 backlinks overnight. Start small, stay consistent, and focus on getting the right links—not just more links.
You’ve got this. And hey, if you ever need a little help along the way, there’s a whole world of SEO tools and platforms (like 3Way.Social!) ready to back you up.
