The Google Propaganda never really work to scare off SEO professionals.
That was until Panda and Penguin penalties came around.
Basically, using technical warfare tactics, Google was able to scare off the website owners more effectively with communication tactics instead of algorithmic evolution. It’s simple, after the first Penguin manual filter was launched, planet SEO froze. Not one single backlink was built throughout the Web. Since regular folks are scared of buildings links. Since Google community managers keep on spreading fear and sticking to the message “produce awesome content, and the rest will follow”. Considering the situation, we need to ask the questions if it’s possible to rank on Google without links. When we talk about links, we include internal links and backlinks. Today, 99% of websites are built with a bad infrastructure, leading to a crappy internal linking. Today, people are afraid of building links. However, nobody can deny it’s the most powerful SEO asset.
With my special guest, Judith Lewis from http://www.decabbit.com/, we debunk the myth of doing successful SEO without backlinks.
Watch the video:
Ranking Without Links: Myth or Reality?
Welcome to SEOconspiracy.com, where we debunk myths and dive deep into the world of search engine optimization. Today, we’re tackling a hotly debated topic: Can you rank without links? Joining me is Judith Lewis, and together, we’ll break this down, from Google propaganda to the realities of internal and external linking.
The Role of Links in SEO
Links have always been a cornerstone of SEO. From the moment Google introduced PageRank, the algorithm that changed search forever, links became a measure of authority and trust. But what happens if you have no links? Judith puts it bluntly: If it’s an orphan page—no internal or external links—it’s not ranking. Period.
Google’s Mixed Messages
Google preaches, “Make a great website, and the rest will follow.” While true for the top 0.1% of content creators—those at the pinnacle of influence—it’s not practical for most. Here’s why:
- Content Pyramid: At the very top, internet-famous creators can publish and thrive without backlinks because of their reputation.
- Reality for Everyone Else: For the vast majority, waiting for organic recognition without link-building is like waiting for lightning to strike twice.
The Backlinks vs. Internal Links Debate
Backlinks
Google’s stance on backlinks has evolved. They created the link economy but have since demonized link buying. While backlinks remain powerful, they’re under scrutiny. Judith reminds us that buying a link from a high-authority site won’t work if the linked page itself lacks authority—it’s not the domain that matters, but the specific page.
Internal Links
Often overlooked, internal links are the unsung heroes of SEO. A well-structured internal linking strategy can:
- Improve crawlability.
- Distribute PageRank effectively.
- Keep users engaged by guiding them through the site.
Why Ranking Without Links Is Nearly Impossible
- Discovery: Without links, Google has no way to find or index your page.
- Authority Transfer: Links pass authority and relevance. Without them, a page remains isolated.
- Competition: In competitive niches, links are essential to gaining an edge.
The exceptions? Unique, groundbreaking content that fills a gap so specific and unaddressed that it ranks purely on its novelty. But let’s face it: that’s rare.
Internal Linking: The Most Underrated SEO Asset
For large websites, internal links are often the number one untapped resource. By strategically linking related pages, you can boost rankings without relying solely on external links. Judith emphasizes that internal linking isn’t just about SEO—it’s about improving user experience and keeping visitors engaged.
Ranking without links is like flying without wings. It’s theoretically possible, but in reality, it rarely happens. Links—both internal and external—are vital for visibility, authority, and engagement.
At SEOconspiracy, we believe in giving you the tools and knowledge to navigate these complexities. So, while links might not be the only factor, ignoring them is a recipe for obscurity.
