How Many Backlinks Do You Need?

Why Backlinks Matter (But Aren’t Everything)

Backlinks are important because they signal to search engines that your site is trustworthy and authoritative. However, they’re just one piece of the SEO puzzle. Factors like content quality, user experience, and relevance often matter just as much, if not more. In less competitive markets, you can rank with fewer backlinks because the bar for authority and competition is lower.

For example with a new website with backlinks zero or close to it, it’s almost impossible to rank for the keywords down below. However there are many keywords that newer sites can rank for, such as this article which you are reading right now had KD on the lower end.

Ranking with Fewer Than 100 Backlinks: Is It Possible?

Absolutely. Here’s why:

1. Low Competition Niches: If you’re targeting a niche with little competition, you might only need a handful of high-quality backlinks to rank. For example, a local business in a small town can outrank competitors with just a few strong links.
2. Geo-Specific Rankings: Ranking in smaller countries like Finland, Norway, or New Zealand is often easier than ranking in the USA. The competition is lower, and search engines prioritize local relevance. A site with 10–20 backlinks in Finland could easily rank on page one for competitive keywords.
3. High-Quality Backlinks: One backlink from a top-tier site like BBC or Forbes can outweigh dozens of low-quality links. Focus on quality over quantity.
4. On-Page SEO: If your on-page SEO is flawless—think optimized titles, meta descriptions, and content—you can rank with fewer backlinks.

Why Geography Plays a Huge Role

The difficulty of ranking varies significantly by location. Here’s why:

• USA: The US market is highly competitive, with millions of websites vying for the same keywords. Even with 100+ backlinks, ranking can be challenging unless your links are from extremely authoritative sites.
• Finland (or Smaller Markets): In smaller countries, the competition is often minimal. Local businesses and websites can rank with just a few backlinks because there are fewer players in the game. For example, a Finnish bakery with 10–20 backlinks could easily dominate local search results.
• Language Barriers: In non-English-speaking countries, the competition is often lower because fewer international websites target those markets. This gives local sites an advantage.

How to Rank with Few Backlinks

If you’re operating in a less competitive niche or geographic area, here’s how to make the most of your backlinks:

1. Target Long-Tail Keywords: Long-tail keywords are easier to rank for and often require fewer backlinks. For example, instead of targeting “best shoes,” try “best running shoes for beginners in Helsinki.”
2. Focus on Local SEO: If you’re in a smaller market, optimize for local search. Create a Google My Business profile, gather reviews, and build backlinks from local directories.
3. Create Outstanding Content: High-quality, relevant content can attract organic backlinks and improve your rankings without requiring a massive link-building campaign.
4. Leverage Social Proof: Promote your content on social media and engage with your audience. Social signals can indirectly boost your rankings.
5. Build Relationships: Network with local bloggers, journalists, and influencers. A single mention or link from a respected local source can work wonders.

Real-Life Examples

• Case 1: A small Finnish travel blog with 15 backlinks from local tourism websites ranked on page one for “best hiking trails in Finland.”
• Case 2: A US-based tech blog with 200+ backlinks struggled to rank for “best laptops” but easily ranked for “best laptops for students in Minnesota” with just 50 backlinks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Local SEO: If you’re in a smaller market, local SEO is your secret weapon. Don’t overlook it.
• Overlooking Content Quality: Even with great backlinks, poor content won’t rank. Focus on creating value for your audience.
• Chasing Quantity: A few high-quality backlinks are far more effective than hundreds of spammy ones.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need hundreds of backlinks to rank on page one. In fact, with fewer than 100 backlinks—or even fewer than 10—you can achieve top rankings, especially in smaller markets like Finland or less competitive niches. The key is to focus on quality, relevance, and local SEO.

Remember, SEO isn’t just about backlinks. It’s about understanding your audience, creating valuable content, and leveraging the unique advantages of your geographic location. So, whether you’re targeting a small town in Finland or a niche market in the USA, start small, stay strategic, and watch your rankings climb!