Backlink
Inbound link from another site to yours; a core SEO and authority signal for search engines and AI systems.
Definition
A backlink (or inbound link) is a hyperlink from another website to your site. Backlinks are one of the oldest ranking signals in SEO: a link from a trusted, relevant site signals that your content is credible. Quality factors include domain authority of the linking site, topical relevance, anchor text, and placement (editorial vs. footer/sidebar).
In GEO, backlinks act as a proxy for domain authority, which AI systems use when deciding which sources to cite in answers.
Relevance to GEO
Sites with strong backlink profiles are more likely to appear in AI-generated answers. Building quality backlinks supports both traditional SEO and GEO visibility; combine with internal linking to distribute authority across your site.