At first glance, links are such seemingly uncomplicated things in space search engine optimization (SEO). It's just about linking a URL to anchor text, right? Wrong.

Links are loaded with complexities – and like many other SEO experts out there, I fully understand the challenges involved in building connections the process. After all, as a critical Google ranking factor, you need to get the process right even though the field is so dynamic in nature.

So, should you focus on quantity over quality links? What are some emerging link building trends and best practices to implement in 2024? These are some of the questions I delve into below.

Keep reading if you want to move the needle in your SEO game and stay competitive.

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Quality over quantity: The evolution of link building

I've been an avid follower of the quality vs. quantity debate in link building. One thing I can tell you is that for us SEO experts, fit away from quantity and right quality connection it will be absolutely helpful in securing better ranking and traffic. Why?

Because with Google's algorithm updates, it's easy to get left behind in the dust, sticking to old practices that the search engine now criminalizes. What do I mean by that? So previous practices like link building and using private blog networks to drive hundreds of low quality links to your site no longer work.

Google is extremely smart and recognizes these practices as unwanted, unfriendly to users and a way to manipulate its system. Enter the building of high quality links; the process of building relationships with high authority websites for natural backlink acquisition.

So, as my first link building trend for 2024, I advocate building high quality links instead of just focusing on the number of links received.

Incorporating AI and automation into link building

Now, for trend number two: incorporation artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in link building. Those who know me know that I am a big proponent of using AI tools for sophisticated link building strategies.

But how can AI help you achieve greater SEO success? Well, it can do a lot for you. Examples include improving link prospecting, contact and monitoring processes for improved efficiency. Using both free and paid AI tools, here's how I use them to boost my link building efforts:

• Generate content and content ideas: There are numerous tools, including ChatGPT, that can take targeted keyword and audience analysis and analyze web resources to generate original content ideas that have the potential to attract backlinks. It's also possible to use AI – with care and customization, of course – to generate some of your content.

• Conducting detailed keyword research: The best part of this approach is that you can use AI SEO Tools to identify competitive keywords and long phrases. Ultimately, this will enable you to better target a more specific audience using less competitive terms.

• Creating your own guest posts: We all know the importance of creating hyper-personalized and compelling pitches when you're searching guest post opportunities on authoritative websites. AI tools are useful here as well. Whether you use AI templates or not, you have a much higher chance of landing these guest posting opportunities than without them.

• Identifying relevant thought leaders: Yes, building key relationships with industry influencers and thought leaders is a great approach to networking. However, while it may take you literally hours to figure out who is who at the zoo, AI tools can do it in seconds. It's about entering the right data to get the best results out of it.

• Engaging relevant online communities: Online communities are a great source of backlinks, and you'll want to know where your target audience hangs out online. By using artificial intelligence tools, this task becomes much simpler than ever as it can come up with some great ideas for engaging relevant online communities where you can earn more backlinks by sharing your content strategically.

• Source Page Link Building: Resource page link building is an essential link building strategy where you approach relevant websites with resource pages to share your content. Fortunately, AI tools take time and hassle out of the equation and enable you to build strong relationships with these resource sites by helping you identify them much faster.

• Advanced tracking and reporting: The sooner you have valuable data at your fingertips, the sooner you can make adjustments to your SEO strategy. Use AI tools to help you track link building metrics, including website traffic, search engine rankingsbacklink quality and others.

• Anchor text optimization: Some AI tools can instantly spot opportunities to identify which links will be ideal for your anchor text. It's time to take advantage of this to ensure relevance and authority in your anchor text that improves the quality of your links.

Connected: Both AI and machine learning can improve your link building process and increase your SEO

Building audio links

The number three trend on my list is about the rise of audio link building. We've all seen the massive popularity of audio content like podcasts and YouTube videos. The truth is, ignoring these content platforms will be detrimental to your link building efforts.

However, choosing to build links on these platforms is a great way to attract new audience segments while increasing engagement for backlink acquisition.

Social media integration for link building success

Social media makes it the latest trend and number four on my list. It is undeniable: social media cannot and should not be ignored. It has significant potential for building links and driving traffic. First, social media enables businesses and SEO specialists to create and share shareable content.

Second, it's a great platform to connect with influencers who might be interested in sharing your content. And last but not least: You can use social media to better engage with your target audience as you work to increase your online visibility.

Connected: 6 Elements Your Link Building Campaign Should Include

Adapting to Google algorithm updates

As my parting words for today, I would like to raise a sobering point. We SEOs are up against a solid wall. Google is very secretive about the factors it considers for ranking. While we think we can only play a guessing game, this is not necessarily true.

By applying industry best practices, following white hat link building strategies, and being constantly adaptable and flexible to algorithm changes, our link building efforts can become more effective.

The year is 2024, and while we're up against the world's leading search engine giant, we're not alone. By studying trends like the ones mentioned above and following industry best practices, we can stay more agile and innovative in building connections to achieve sustainable Success in SEO.