How to Find Backlinks to a Website on Google

Introduction

If you’re looking to improve your website’s search rankings, you need to pay attention to backlinks. Backlinks, also known as inbound links, are one of Google’s top-ranking factors. They indicate to search engines that your site is authoritative and trustworthy. But how do you find backlinks to a website on Google? Whether you’re analyzing your own backlinks or researching competitors, Google offers several tools and techniques to uncover valuable link data. In this guide, we’ll walk you through different methods to check backlinks using Google and other free tools.

What Are Backlinks and Why Do They Matter?

Backlinks are hyperlinks from one website to another. They serve as votes of confidence for search engines like Google, which use them to determine the credibility and authority of a website. The more high-quality backlinks your site has, the better your chances of ranking higher in search results.

Key Benefits of Backlinks:

• Boosts Search Rankings: Google sees backlinks as trust signals, helping your site rank higher.
• Drives Referral Traffic: Backlinks from reputable sources can bring targeted traffic to your website.
• Improves Domain Authority: More backlinks from authoritative websites improve your site’s overall strength.

How to Find Backlinks to a Website on Google

Now that you understand the importance of backlinks, let’s explore different ways to find them using Google.

1. Using Google Search Operators

Google search operators allow you to perform advanced searches to find backlinks pointing to a website. Here are some useful commands:

• Link Search Operator (Deprecated by Google)
  • link:yourwebsite.com
  • This used to show sites linking to a domain, but Google has removed this feature.
• Alternative Search Operators
  • yourwebsite.com -site:yourwebsite.com
  • This shows indexed pages mentioning your website but excludes internal links.
• Find Backlinks to a Specific Page
  • "yourwebsite.com/page-url" -site:yourwebsite.com
  • This helps find exact mentions of a specific page.

2. Using Google Search Console

Google Search Console is a free tool provided by Google that helps website owners track their search performance, including backlinks.

Steps to Find Backlinks in Google Search Console:

1. Sign in to Google Search Console.
2. Select Your Website from the dashboard.
3. Go to “Links” in the left-hand menu.
4. Check “Top Linking Sites” to view backlinks from external sources.
5. Download the data for further analysis.

This method is ideal for checking backlinks to your own website but does not show competitor backlinks.

3. How to Find Competitor Backlinks Using Google

Analyzing competitor backlinks can help you discover new link-building opportunities.

Steps to Find Competitor Backlinks:

1. Use Search Operators:
   • Example: "competitorwebsite.com" -site:competitorwebsite.com
2. Look for Mentions and Guest Posts:
   • Check blogs, directories, and industry forums linking to your competitors.
3. Leverage Third-Party Tools:
   • While Google does not provide competitor backlink data, tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz can.

4. How to Check Backlinks in Google Search Manually

If you prefer manual methods, you can:

• Search for your website or a specific page using "yourwebsite.com" to find unlinked brand mentions.
• Use Google Alerts to monitor new backlinks as they appear.

Alternative Methods to Find Backlinks

1. Using Free SEO Tools

If Google’s options feel limited, try these free tools:

2. Using Paid Tools for In-Depth Analysis

If you’re serious about backlink analysis, consider paid tools:

• Ahrefs: Best for comprehensive backlink research.
• SEMrush: Offers backlink analytics and competitor insights.
• Majestic SEO: Specialized in link-building analysis.

Top 15 Frequently Asked Questions About Finding Backlinks on Google

1. How to find backlinks to a website on Google?

To find backlinks to a website on Google, you can use Google Search Operators by searching "yourwebsite.com" -site:yourwebsite.com to find external pages linking to your site. Additionally, Google Search Console provides a list of backlinks under the “Links” section. You can also use third-party tools like Ahrefs, Moz, and SEMrush to find more backlink data.

2. How to check backlinks in Google Search Console?

To check backlinks in Google Search Console, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to Google Search Console.
2. Select your website from the dashboard.
3. Click on “Links” in the left-hand menu.
4. Under “Top linking sites”, you will see a list of websites that link to your site.
5. Click on any site to explore specific backlinks and download the data for analysis.

3. How to find new backlinks my site received?

To find new backlinks, use Google Search Console regularly and check the “Links” section. Additionally, set up Google Alerts with your brand name or URL to get notified when new backlinks appear. SEO tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush offer real-time backlink tracking.

4. How to check backlinks manually using Google?

To check backlinks manually, use Google Search Operators:

• "yourwebsite.com" -site:yourwebsite.com (Shows indexed backlinks).
• intitle:"yourwebsite.com" (Finds mentions in page titles).
• inurl:"yourwebsite.com" (Finds backlinks within URLs).
• "yourwebsite.com/page-url" (Finds backlinks to a specific page).
  These searches help you identify backlinks without using paid tools.

5. How to find backlinks of a website using Google for competitor research?

To analyze competitor backlinks, use Google Search Operators:

• "competitorwebsite.com" -site:competitorwebsite.com" (Finds indexed backlinks).
• Look for competitors’ guest posts, mentions, and citations.
  For a more detailed analysis, use Ahrefs’ Backlink Checker, Moz Link Explorer, or SEMrush Backlink Analytics.

6. How to search backlinks on Google for a specific page?

To find backlinks for a specific page, use this search operator:
"yourwebsite.com/specific-page" -site:yourwebsite.com
This will show websites linking to that page. Additionally, Google Search Console allows you to filter backlinks by specific pages.

7. How to find relevant backlinks to improve SEO?

To get relevant backlinks, follow these methods:

• Competitor Analysis: Find where competitors get their backlinks using Ahrefs or SEMrush.
• Guest Blogging: Write articles for authoritative sites in your niche.
• Broken Link Building: Find broken links on other sites and offer your content as a replacement.
• HARO (Help a Reporter Out): Respond to journalist requests for expert insights.
• Business Directories & Forums: Submit your site to industry-related directories and participate in discussions.

8. How to check site backlinks on Google for free?

To check backlinks for free:

• Use Google Search Console to see who links to your site.
• Use Google Search Operators like "yourwebsite.com" -site:yourwebsite.com".
• Try Ahrefs Backlink Checker or Moz Link Explorer (free versions show limited backlink data).

9. How to find backlinks in Google without third-party tools?

If you want to find backlinks without SEO tools, use Google Search Operators:

• "yourwebsite.com" -site:yourwebsite.com" (Find indexed backlinks).
• "your website name" (Find brand mentions that may contain backlinks).
• "yourwebsite.com" intitle:"resource" (Find backlinks from resource pages).
  These searches can help you locate backlinks manually.

10. How to check backlinks in Google Search results?

Google does not have a built-in backlink checker in search results, but you can use advanced Google Search Operators like "yourwebsite.com" -site:yourwebsite.com" to find external pages linking to your site. Additionally, check the “Links” section in Google Search Console for verified backlinks.

11. How to find backlinks using Google and Ahrefs?

Google provides basic backlink information through Google Search Console, but for detailed backlink data, use Ahrefs:

1. Go to Ahrefs Backlink Checker.
2. Enter your domain or specific page URL.
3. Review the list of backlinks, domain ratings, and anchor texts.
   Ahrefs provides a more detailed backlink profile, including new and lost backlinks.

12. How to show backlinks in Google?

Backlinks appear in Google’s database once Googlebot crawls and indexes them. To speed up the process:

• Submit the referring page to Google Search Console using the URL inspection tool.
• Encourage site owners to use internal linking to ensure fast crawling.
• Share the linking page on social media to increase visibility.

13. How to find backlinks in Google Search Console for competitors?

Google Search Console does not provide competitor backlink data. Instead, use:

• Google Search Operators: "competitorwebsite.com" -site:competitorwebsite.com"
• Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz for a complete competitor backlink analysis.
  These tools provide insights into who links to your competitors, helping you find new link-building opportunities.

14. How to check backlinks in Google Search results for a domain?

To check backlinks in Google Search results:

• Use Google Search Operators: "domain.com" -site:domain.com"
• Browse Google Search Console for verified backlinks.
• Use Ahrefs or Moz for a detailed list of backlinks sorted by domain authority.

15. How to manually find backlinks using Google and Google Alerts?

Google Alerts can help track backlinks manually by setting up alerts for your brand or website URL. Steps:

1. Go to Google Alerts.
2. Enter your website name or URL.
3. Set alert frequency (instant, daily, or weekly).
4. Check your email for alerts whenever your site is mentioned or linked.

Conclusion

Finding backlinks to a website on Google is an essential SEO strategy. While Google Search Console helps analyze your own backlinks, using search operators and third-party tools can reveal valuable link-building opportunities. By monitoring backlinks and implementing a strong link-building strategy, you can improve your site’s authority and search rankings.

What’s your favorite way to check backlinks? Let us know in the comments!

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By AliBacklink Team Last updated May 3, 2025

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