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Glossary · Search fundamentals

Backlink

The definition

A backlink is a hyperlink from one website to another; search engines treat each backlink as a vote of confidence, so backlinks from relevant, trustworthy sites are a major factor in how well a page can rank.

In short

  • Quality matters far more than quantity — a few links from authoritative, relevant sites outweigh many low-quality ones.
  • Relevance (a link from a related site or page) strengthens the signal.
  • Editorially earned links are far more valuable than paid or manipulative links, which can trigger penalties.
  • The collection of all links pointing to a site is its backlink profile.

How it applies to Calgary businesses

For a Calgary business, the most valuable backlinks come from local and industry-relevant sources — a regional news mention, a respected supplier, a local directory, an industry association. These links tell Google the business is real, trusted, and relevant to its market, which lifts both local and broader rankings. Earning them takes genuinely useful content and real relationships, not link-buying schemes.

Learn more: See how Big Fox Agency builds authority through SEO for Calgary businesses.