Google Search Console backlinks: reading the Links report

2 min read · Updated

The short answer

Google Search Console shows your backlinks in its Links report: the sites that link to you most, the pages they link to, and the words they use. It's free and comes from Google's own data, but it's a sample, not a complete list. For a local business, a handful of real local links matters more than a long list.

Where to find it

  1. Open Google Search Console for your site.
  2. Choose Links in the menu.
  3. Look at Top linking sites, Top linked pages and Top linking text.
  • Your chamber of commerce and local business groups.
  • Suppliers and manufacturers that list installers or dealers.
  • Local news, sponsorships and community sites.
  • Industry associations you belong to.

What to ignore

Strange links from sites you've never heard of are common and usually harmless. Google ignores most of them. Buying links or joining link schemes is what causes problems.

Questions

Why doesn't Search Console show all my links?

It shows a sample. Other tools estimate more, with their own gaps.

Should I disavow bad links?

Rarely. Google recommends it only in unusual cases, like links you bought.

How do I get more good links?

Be listed where your business really belongs: suppliers, associations, local groups.

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