How Many Links to Rank #1 (Post-Google Update)?

Author

Patrick from SERPpro
December 09, 2024

It’s a question every business owner asks: How many backlinks will it take for me to reach the top spot on Google? 

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the process of finding out is a blend of strategy, analysis, and execution.

Let’s dig deeper into how this works.

Backlinks remain one of Google’s strongest ranking signals.

But it’s not just about collecting links—it’s about collecting the right links.

Factors like authority, relevance, and link-building consistency play a huge role in determining rankings.

Here’s how we figure out what it takes to climb the ranks:

1️⃣ Backlink Quantity
The total number of backlinks your competitors have provides a baseline.

If the #1 result has 500 links, you’ll know you need a comparable volume. But it’s not all about numbers—this is just step one.

2️⃣ Link Velocity
Google rewards consistency. If your competitors are gaining 10-20 new links a month, you need a strategy to match or exceed their pace.

A sudden burst of links without consistency could even raise red flags.

3️⃣ Do-Follow vs. No-Follow Links
Do-follow links pass ranking power, while no-follow links don’t directly influence rankings. We look at the ratio competitors are maintaining.

A healthy mix is key, but do-follow links typically carry more weight.

4️⃣ Link Authority
Here’s where quality outshines quantity.

Links from high-authority, niche-relevant domains are far more valuable than a dozen low-quality links.

We analyze Domain Authority (DA), Domain Rating (DR), and traffic metrics to uncover the true power behind a backlink profile.

5️⃣ Link Placement and Context
Where a link appears on a site matters.

Contextual links within relevant content outperform sidebar or footer links.

Reviewing competitors’ link placements provides critical insights.

How To Gain The Competitive Edge

To answer the “how many backlinks?” question accurately, you need a granular view of your competitors’ link profiles.

This involves pulling data from multiple trusted sources like Ahrefs, Semrush, and Moz to build a complete picture.

Key Questions to Answer During an Audit:

  • Are their backlinks from relevant, niche-focused sites?

  • How many backlinks are from high-authority domains?

  • What anchor texts are they using, and how diverse is their strategy?

  • Are they leveraging regional links or industry-specific placements?

  • How fast are they building links, and are there seasonal trends?

What Does This Mean for You?

Once you have this data, you can create a strategy focused on the keyword’s competitive landscape.

This might mean focusing on high-authority guest posts, consistent link velocity, or securing regional links to match your competitors’ approach.

But if all this feels overwhelming, that’s where we come in.

Our Link Gap Audit doesn’t just tell you how many links you need—it gives you a roadmap for success.

With this service, you’ll receive:

  • A detailed competitor backlink analysis.

  • Insights into link gaps and opportunities.

  • A prioritized action plan to secure the links you need.

👉 Launch Your Link Gap Audit Today (See Sample Report Inside)

Let us help you uncover the exact steps to dominate the SERPs and secure that #1 spot.

P.S. Don’t let your competitors keep the edge—start building your strategy today!