How many backlinks does it take to get to the Top of Google?

In the era of constant updates of Google search algorithms, the question “How many backlinks do you need to rank in the Top?” has become much more complex than just naming a specific number. Let’s look at how link building worked in 2024 and what factors really matter.

Google’s key updates over the past year. In October 2023, the Page Experience algorithm was updated, which strengthened the requirements for the quality of incoming links. In December 2023, the Helpful Content Update appeared, which affected the assessment of the context of backlinks. And in March 2024, Google announced new tools for identifying artificial link schemes. This has completely changed the way link building is approached in 2024.

Today it is more important to have 10 high-quality links from authoritative sites in your field than 100 backlinks from random resources. Google rates: 

• Authority of the domain that links 
• Relevance of the content of the donor page 
• Naturalness of anchors and context 
• Geographic proximity (for local search)

In general, different industries have varying requirements. For a new information site, 20-30 high-quality links may be enough to enter the top 10 for low-competition queries. Commercial projects in competitive niches may need 100+ different backlinks, including media mentions, expert publications and natural links.

Expert opinions and current statistics on the number of backlinks for Google TOP in various niches as of the beginning of 2024.

IT sphere 

According to SEMrush research, successful IT companies in Google’s top 5 have: 

• Startups and small IT companies: 100-150 high-quality backlinks 
• Medium IT companies: 300-500 backlinks 
• Large IT corporations: 1000+ backlinks 

Experts note that links from technical forums, GitHub, Stack Overflow and specialized media are critically important for the IT niche.

Legal Industry

The legal niche is more loyal and generally requires fewer backlinks: 

• Local law firms: 150-200 backlinks 
• Regional companies: 400-600 backlinks 
• National law firms: 800-1200 backlinks 

Links from legal portals, government websites and specialized media play a key role.

Fintech projects 

Based on Ahrefs analytics conducted over the past six months:

• Fintech startups: 200-300 high-quality backlinks 
• Medium fintech companies: 500-700 backlinks 
• Large financial platforms: 1500+ backlinks 

Links from financial portals, banking sites and business publications are especially valuable.

E-commerce 

Statistics show the following situation for the niche: 

• Niche online stores: 150-250 backlinks 
• Average online stores: 400-800 backlinks 
• Large marketplaces: 2000-3000+ backlinks 

A variety of sources are important: product reviews, catalogs, topical blogs.

Gambling 

The most competitive sector requires: 

• New projects: 300-500 backlinks 
• Medium platforms: 800-1200 backlinks 
• Large gambling sites: 2500+ backlinks 

Experts highlight the critical importance of maintaining a diverse and natural link profile.

Recommended rates of backlink growth 

IT: 15-20 backlinks per month 

Legal Industry: 10-15 backlinks per month 

Fintech: 20-25 backlinks per month 

E-commerce: 25-30 backlinks per month 

Gambling: 30-40 backlinks per month

These statistics are based on an analysis of successful projects in each niche and may vary depending on the specific market and competition and even a specific project with its specific goals.

Link profile building strategy 

Instead of chasing quantity, focus on:

1. Creating valuable content that naturally collects links
2. Building industry connections and partnerships
3. Expert positioning through guest posting
4. Variety of sources and types of links

According to the latest Ahrefs research (early 2024), pages in Google’s top 3 have on average 35% more diverse link sources than pages in positions 4-10.

Risks and Considerations. Active build-up of backlinks can lead to sanctions. Google is getting better at identifying artificial patterns. It is better to build your link profile gradually, at a rate of 5-10 new high-quality links per month.

There is no universal answer to the question of the required number of backlinks. It’s more important to focus on building a natural and diverse link profile that aligns with your niche and goals. Start by analyzing competitors in your specific niche and developing a long-term link building strategy based on quality content and real value to users.

Monitoring results and constantly adjusting your strategy will help you achieve your desired positions in searches without the risk of falling under Google filters. Remember that in 2024, quality, relevance and natural links matter more than quantity.

 

At Linkyway, we understand that each project is unique and requires an individual approach to link building strategy. Our experienced SEO experts will conduct a detailed audit of your site, analyze the competitive environment and niche specifics to accurately determine the required number and quality of backlinks to achieve the desired positions in Google. We don’t just provide general recommendations – we develop a personalized link building strategy that takes into account all the features of your project, the current state of the site and business goals. Leave a request right now, and our team of experts will conduct a professional audit and provide a clear action plan to bring your site to the top of the search results.