/ SEO
What are backlinks and do I need them?
Links from other websites to yours. They're still the biggest factor in competitive rankings — but quality matters far more than quantity.
/ 01
The short version
For local terms you can rank with few links. For competitive national terms, links are the bottleneck.
/ 02
What actually matters
- • Relevance and authority beat volume every time.
- • Local links: chambers, sponsorships, suppliers, local news.
- • Digital PR and genuinely useful free tools attract links naturally.
- • Guest posts still work when the site has real traffic.
- • Bought link packages are the fastest way to waste money.
/ 03
The bit most people get wrong
One link from a real local newspaper outweighs a hundred directory listings nobody reads.
/ 04
What to do next
List ten organisations you already have a real relationship with. That's your first link campaign.
/ 05
Where RIOT fits in
We're a small Colchester studio helping UK SMBs get link building right without agency waste or freelancer flake. If you've read this far and you want a second opinion on your specific setup, book a 20-minute call and we'll tell you honestly whether it's worth doing anything at all.
We work with clients across Essex, Suffolk, London and the wider UK — and remotely with brands abroad. No lock-in, no monthly retainer minimums, no pretending your problem is bigger than it is.
/ FAQs
Common questions
How many links do I need?
Enough to match whoever's outranking you. Check theirs.
Are directory links worth it?
Established UK directories, yes. Link farms, no.
Still not sure?
Book a free 20-minute call — we'll answer your specific version of this question with no sales pitch.
Book a call →