The Best Methods to Find Backlinks Using Google

You might have come across the term "backlinks" quite often, right? But what exactly are backlinks, and why are they crucial for your website's success? You can find backlinks using Google, and we will teach you how to do so.

Let's break it down easily and quickly for you👇🏻

😁 Think of backlinks as votes of trust from one website to another. When a site links to yours, they give you a little hint, saying, "Hey, this content is pretty awesome and worth reading and spending our time!" 

Search engines, like Google, take notice of these hints. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the more credible and authoritative your site appears in the eyes of these search engines.

But it's not just about quantity—quality matters too! A backlink from an authoritative, high-traffic site is like getting a recommendation from an industry expert like GoPeak.io,  while a link from a less reputable site might not carry as much weight. It's all about building a network of trust and authority around your content.

Backlinks can help boost your search engine rankings, bringing more organic traffic to your site. This means more eyes on your content, more potential customers, and, thus, more success for your online presence. 

Google plays a huge role in backlink discovery and analysis. Using tools like Google Search Console, you can get insights into who links to your site and how these links impact your SEO. You can find backlinks using Google if you read this article carefully and follow the steps.

If you want complete analysis and advanced features, consider paid tools like Ahrefs and Semrush. These powerful tools offer comprehensive data on backlinks, helping you identify opportunities to improve your link-building strategy and stay ahead of the competition.

If you want great SEO results, remember to prioritize building high-quality backlinks.

In other words, It's like planting seeds that will help your website grow and be visible in the extensive garden of the internet.

Table of content

Google Search Operators👇🏻

Regarding backlink discovery, Google Search Operators can be a helpful tool. These special demands help you refine your search queries, allowing you to find specific information quickly and efficiently. Let’s explore some of the most useful Google Search Operators for backlink discovery and see how they can help you boost your SEO efforts.

Google operator site

“Link:” Operator

Although Google has stopped the “link:” Operator, it’s worth mentioning for historical context. This Operator was used to find pages that link to a specific URL. For example, typing link:yourwebsite.com in the search bar would show a list of websites that have linked to your site. For backlink analysis, you’ll need tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or Semrush.

“Site:” Operator

The “site:” Operator is convenient for discovering backlinks within a specific domain. Using this Operator, you can search for content within a particular website. For instance, if you want to see all the pages indexed by Google on your site, you would type site:yourwebsite.com. This helps you understand how your site is indexed and can reveal potential backlinks within your domain.

This search will show any mentions of your website within the New York Times domain.

“Related:” Operator

The “related:” Operator helps you find websites similar to a specific site. This is useful for backlink discovery because similar sites are often good targets for link-building outreach. For example, if you want to find websites related to a competitor, you would type related:competitorwebsite.com.

This search will show you websites similar to yours, which can be potential backlink sources.

Using Google Search Operators is an intelligent way to streamline your backlink discovery process. While tools like Ahrefs and Semrush offer comprehensive backlink data, Google Search Operators provide a free and immediate way to gather valuable insights.

You must learn about these Google Search Operators, which can significantly enhance your SEO strategy. It does not matter if you’re looking to discover backlinks, analyze your site’s indexing, or find related sites for potential outreach; these operators are your secret weapon in SEO.

Here’s the full list of Google Search Operators: 👇

Search operator

What it does

Example

“ ” Search for results that mention a word or phrase. “steve jobs”
OR Search for results related to X or Y. jobs OR gates
| Same as OR: jobs | gates
AND Search for results related to X and Y. jobs AND gates
- Search for results that don’t mention a word or phrase. jobs -apple
* Wildcard matching any word or phrase. steve * apple 
( ) Group multiple searches. (ipad OR iphone) apple
define: Search for the definition of a word or phrase. define:entrepreneur
cache: Find the most recent cache of a webpage. cache:apple.com
filetype: Search for particular types of files (e.g., PDF). apple filetype:pdf
ext:  Same as filetype: apple ext:pdf
site: Search for results from a particular website. site:apple.com
related: Search for sites related to a given domain. related:apple.com
intitle: Search for pages with a particular word in the title tag. intitle:apple
allintitle: Search for pages with multiple words in the title tag. allintitle:apple iphone
inurl: Search for pages with a particular word in the URL. inurl:apple
allinurl: Search for pages with multiple words in the URL. allinurl:apple iphone
intext: Search for pages with a particular word in their content. intext:apple iphone
allintext: Search for pages with multiple words in their content. allintext:apple iphone
weather: Search for the weather in a location. weather:san francisco
stocks: Search for stock information for a ticker. stocks:aapl
map: Force Google to show map results. map:silicon valley
movie: Search for information about a movie. movie:steve jobs
in Convert one unit to another. $329 in GBP
source: Search for results from a source in Google News. apple source:the_verge
before: Search for results from before a particular date. apple before:2007-06-29
after: Search for results from after a particular date. apple after:2007-06-29

💡Analyzing Competitors' Backlinks

Have you ever heard businesses saying, “I don’t care what my competitor is doing; I am focusing only on my services“? This sentence needs to be revised in link building and SEO. You need to understand how your competitors get their backlinks, which can help you improve your SEO. You can find backlinks with Google and rank on Google SERP if you research your competitor’s backlinks. 

We are sharing the simplest ways to analyze your competitors’ backlinks and how to find competitor backlinks to boost your website.

How to Analyze Competitors’ Backlink Profiles Using Google👇🏻

  • Google Search Operators

You can use special Google search controls to find backlinks. For example, you can type site competitorwebsite.com with a keyword to see which pages on your competitor’s site are popular and get backlinks.

  • Reverse Image Search

If your competitor uses images like infographics, you can use Google’s image search to see where these images appear on other sites. This can help you find websites that link to similar content.

Tools and Methods for Finding Backlink Opportunities👇🏻

  1. Ahrefs and Semrush

These are paid tools that help you analyze competitors’ backlinks in detail. Just enter a competitor’s website to see where their backlinks come from. You can find out which sites are linking to them and try to get links from those sites, too.

  • On Ahrefs: Use the “Site Explorer” tool to enter a competitor’s website and see their backlink profile.
  • On Semrush: The “Backlink Analytics” tool gives you similar information. You can also compare your backlinks with those of your competitors.
  1. Google Search Console

This tool is usually used to check your own site’s performance, but it can also give you opinions about backlinks. Look at what kinds of links Google values for your site to get ideas for finding similar links your competitors might have. It allows you to create your backlink building strategies.

  1. Competitor Content Analysis

See what kind of content is getting backlinks from your competitors. Look at their most popular blog posts or articles, then create similar or better content for your site. You should not copy-paste what they have done; instead, you should use Google to find their ranking content by searching for common keywords in your industry.

Getting Backlink Opportunities 🎯

Once you know where your competitors are getting backlinks, contact those sites. Create high-quality content and ask these sites to link to it. You might need link building services for your rankings if you want a professional approach and better results.

Make sure to personalize your message and explain why your content is useful. By examining your competitors’ backlinks and using tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, and Google Search Operators, you can enhance your own backlink strategy and increase your site’s authority. You can find backlinks with Google and exceed your competitors with pro backlink strategies.

💡 Using Google Alerts

Google Alerts is a helpful tool that notifies you of new things about your website, competitors, or important topics mentioned online. This can help you find new backlinks, and we will share with you simple steps on how to use Google Alerts to find these opportunities.

How to Set Up Google Alerts

Step 1: Go to Google Alerts

Step 2: Visit the Google Alerts page to set up your alerts.

Step 3: Create an Alert for Your Website

Type your website’s name or URL in the alert box. For example, if your website is “gopeak.io,” type gopeak.io. Google Alerts will notify you when your site is mentioned online, helping you find new backlinks.

Step 4: Create Alerts for Competitors

Set up alerts for your competitors’ names or URLs. For example, if your competitor is “competitor.com,” type competitor.com. This helps you see where they are getting mentions and backlinks.

Step 5: Create Alerts for Important Keywords

Think of keywords related to your business. For example, if you started a travel agency, you might choose keywords like “travel packages” or “summer tours.” Type these keywords in the alert box to see who discusses these topics. This can help you find sites that link to your content and create outreaches to get mentions. It will also help to find backlinks with Google and understand how to create backlink strategies afterward.

💡Using Google Search Console

Google Search Console is a beautiful tool that helps you see how your website is doing regarding Google search results.

GoPeak.io experts say that it also helps you find backlinks using Google. That is why we want to share how to use Google Search Console to check your backlinks and find new link-building opportunities.

How Google Search Console Helps with Backlink Analysis

Google Search Console shows you which websites link to your site. By looking at this backlink data, you can discover which backlinks are necessary and new ways to get more links. This can help you find backlinks using Google and improve your website’s ranking. Learning how to find backlinks to access backlink data and use it like a pro for your backlink strategies is important.

Accessing Backlink Data in Google Search Console with Simple Steps

  1. Log In to Google Search Console
  2. Go to the Google Search Console and log in with your Google account. Note* Make sure your website is verified.
  3. Here, find the Backlinks Report.
  4. After logging in, look for the “Links” section on the left side menu. Click on it to see the backlinks report. This report helps you find backlinks using Google Search Console.
  5. View Top Linking Sites
  6. In the “External links” section, you can see the top sites that link to your website. This shows you where your backlinks come from and helps you identify the most valuable links.
  7. Check Top Linked Pages
  8. Google Search Console shows you which of your pages have the most backlinks. This helps you see what kind of content attracts links so you can create more of it and find backlinks using Google.
  9. Then look at Anchor Text.
  10. The “Top linking text” section shows the words used in links to your site. This can show how people link to your content and help you find popular keywords for backlinks.

Finding Link-Building Opportunities👇🏻

  1. Look for High-Quality Backlinks
  2. Check the high-ranking linking sites to find high-quality backlinks. Reach out to these sites with your best content to get even more links.
  3. See What Content Attracts Links; this will allow you to create more linkable content.
  4. Look at which of your pages have the most backlinks to understand what content is working well. Use this information to create similar content that can attract new backlinks.
  5. Using Google Search Console and tools like Ahrefs or Semrush, compare your backlinks with those of your competitors. This helps you find your competitors’ backlinks, but you must give new ideas for getting links. Like a pro, you must use backlink monitoring tools to manage your link building.

Using Google Search Console to find backlinks and analyze your backlink profile is essential for improving your SEO.

If you check your backlink data and find new link-building opportunities, you can make your site stronger and better in search results.

Monitoring Mentions and Unlinked Brand Citations👇🏻

Keeping an eye on where your brand is mentioned online is essential for finding chances to get backlinks.

GoPeak.io has a unique touch for this, and we are here to tell you how you can use Google to find mentions of your brand that still need links.

How to Keep Track of Mentions and Find Unlinked Brand Citations

  1. Set Up Google Alerts
  2. Start by setting up Google Alerts for your brand name, product name, or any special words connected to your business. Google Alerts will notify you whenever your brand is mentioned online, helping you find places where links could be added.
  • For example, set up an alert for “YourBrand” to get notifications whenever someone talks about your brand online.
  1. Search for Brand Mentions Yourself
  2. Use Google Search to look for mentions of your brand that don’t include a link. Type your brand name or relevant keywords into Google’s search bar and see what comes up.

Check Social Media Platforms

Remember to check social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Use their search tools to find posts or conversations about your brand.

While these mentions may not lead directly to backlinks, they can be opportunities to engage with people and eventually get links. Also, while sharing on social media about your brand, make sure to mention your website. This is how we find the best backlinks using Google and rank on Google SERP step by step.

Finding and Getting Backlinks from Unlinked Mentions

  • Ask for a Link

When you find mentions of your brand without a link, contact the person who mentioned you. Politely ask if they would consider adding a link to your website. Explain why your site or content would be helpful for their audience.

  • Keep Track and Follow Up

Keep a record of your outreach efforts and follow up if you are still awaiting a response. Sometimes, a gentle reminder can lead to a link being added. Be patient and persistent in trying to turn mentions into valuable backlinks.

  • Create Content Worth Sharing

To encourage more people to link to your site in the future, create content that others will want to share. These could be helpful articles, guides, infographics, or reports providing valuable information to your industry or community. If you want to know how to find backlinks, then you should first learn how to find relevant content.

🙌🏻By actively monitoring where your brand is mentioned and finding unlinked mentions using Google, you can find opportunities to get valuable backlinks.

This helps your website’s SEO and increases your brand’s visibility and authority online.

Finding Industry Experts on Google

When you want to connect with SEO experts and other leaders in your field, Google is the place to start.

GoPeak.io has link-building specialists who want to share how to find and build relationships with influencers, bloggers, and experts to get more backlinks.

Tips for Connecting with Influencers, Bloggers, and Industry Experts👇🏻

Use Google Search👇🏻

Begin by searching for experts in your industry using Google. Look for terms like “SEO experts,” “top bloggers in [your industry],” or “industry influencers.” Visit their websites and check out their social media profiles to learn about what they share and how they can help you.

Many influencers and experts share their ideas on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Follow hashtags related to your industry and engage with their posts. This helps you start conversations and build relationships that could lead to backlinks. 

Join Industry Forums and Communities

Get involved in online forums or communities that focus on your industry. Platforms like Reddit, Quora, or specialized forums are perfect for interacting with experts. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and contribute helpful insights to become part of the community. There are also precious Slack communities where you can meet your industry experts and share insights. This is one of the places to learn how to find backlinks and create pro link building strategies.

Give Value and Build Friendships

When reaching out to influencers and experts, focus on giving before asking. Share their content, leave thoughtful comments, or collaborate on projects that benefit both of you. Make sure not to be spammy, so they will trust you and find what you have shared helpful.

Building real friendships based on respect and support can naturally lead to getting backlinks.

🙌🏻Google and social media help you find and connect with experts, and you can improve your SEO with valuable backlinks while building lasting relationships.

💡Monitor New and Lost Backlink

Keep an eye on your backlinks—those links from other websites that link to yours are essential. This helps you know who’s linking to you and if any links get removed.

Now, let’s learn how to stay updated and find new link opportunities with simple steps👇🏻

Why Monitoring Backlinks Matters👇🏻

  1. Stay Updated on Your Links: Monitoring your backlinks helps you see which websites connect to yours. This tells you how others see your website’s importance.
  2. Find New Linking Sites: You can discover new websites that link to yours by keeping track of your backlinks. Tools like Google Search Console can help you find backlinks using Google and see where your content is shared.
  3. Notice Lost Links: Sometimes, links to your site disappear because of updates or changes to other websites. Monitoring your backlinks lets you know when this happens so you can take action if needed.

How to Monitor Backlinks Effectively👇🏻

  1. Use Google Search Console: Good News* Google Search Console is free and shows you which sites link to yours. Check it regularly to monitor backlinks and find new chances to build links.
  2. Set Up Alerts: Consider using tools like Ahrefs or Semrush to set up alerts. They can notify you when new backlinks appear, or existing ones are removed.
  3. Check Regularly: Make it a habit to review your backlinks occasionally. Look for any changes or practices in how your links are doing. This helps you understand how your site’s SEO is doing and lets you fix any problems early. If you solve these issues quickly, you will not have big issues in the future.

Why Checking Your Links Matters

Remember, links to your site can disappear for technical and strategic reasons. By monitoring your backlinks, you can ensure your SEO is going well and fix any problems quickly.

Watching your backlinks helps your website look good to search engines and opens new opportunities to grow and work with others. Stay on top of your backlinks to maximize your SEO plan.

Wrapping Up

“Link building is about connecting and sharing knowledge, not just SEO.” –  GoPeak.io.

As we wrap up, remember that using Google to find backlinks is crucial for improving your website’s credibility and visibility:

Regularly monitoring your backlinks through Google Search Console lets you track who’s linking to your site and determine new chances for building links. It’s important to constantly refine your backlink strategy to meet your SEO goals and improve your website’s authority.

Link building takes effort, but the benefits—like better search rankings and increased site visibility—are well worth it. 

GoPeak suggests you keep connecting with others, sharing valuable content, and growing our websites together!

If you would like a FREE consultation from us, book a call and get your first LINK FOR FREE. It is the right time to start link building!

💡FAQs

✅1. Why do backlinks matter for SEO?

Backlinks are essential for SEO because they show search engines like Google that your website is trusted and relevant. The more quality backlinks you have from other reputable sites, the better your website may rank in search results.

✅ 2. What is the best method to find backlinks using Google?

The easiest way to find backlinks using Google is to use special searches—type “link:” followed by your website to see who is linking to you. To find new links, try “related:” with a competitor’s site to find similar pages that might link to yours.

✅3. What is Google Search Console, and how does it help with backlinks?

Google Search Console is a free tool from Google that helps you manage how your website appears in Google search results. It includes a “Links” report that shows which websites link to yours. This information lets you understand your backlinks and improve your site’s SEO.

✅4. How often should I check my backlinks?

Check your backlinks regularly, like once a month. This way, you can see if you’re getting new backlinks or if any are removed. Regular checks help you keep track and make sure your site’s SEO stays strong.

✅5. What should I do if a bad backlink affects my site’s SEO?

If you find a backlink that might hurt your SEO (like from a spammy site), try contacting the site owner to ask them to remove it. If that doesn’t work, use Google Search Console to dispute the link. This tells Google not to count that link when ranking your site.

Anahit Babkenyan is a proficient content writer; she creates SEO-friendly content with scholarly research. She enjoys traveling, reading books on the trains, and creative writing in her spare time.

More Articles Like This

How to Find Your Competitors Backlinks In 4 Simple Steps?

Finding your competitor backlinks and using them is a smart move. You...
How to Find Your Competitors Backlinks In 4 Simple Steps?

Main Reasons to Outsource Your SEO

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, search engine optimization (SEO) has become...
Main Reasons to Outsource Your SEO

8 Best SaaS Link Building Agencies in 2024

Link Building can boost and rank the website on the first page...
8 Best SaaS Link Building Agencies in 2024

Ready to Rank Your Site with Authority Backlinks?

Book a Call