How to Find Broken Backlinks with Ahrefs

TL;DR

Learn to find and fix broken backlinks using Ahrefs for better SEO.

Transcript

(upbeat music) - Hey what's up? Welcome back to my channel and welcome back to Gotch SEO if you're watching this video on my website. So in this video I'm going to be showing you how to find broken backlinks using Ahrefs. And so this is a very effective strategy because what you're doing is you're identifying websites where your backlinks are eithe... Read More

Key Insights

• The video explains how to identify and fix broken backlinks using Ahrefs, a tool for improving website SEO performance.
• Broken backlinks can occur due to URL issues or non-existent websites, impacting a site's link equity and SEO ranking.
• Ahrefs' Site Explorer tool is essential for locating broken backlinks, focusing on Dofollow links that hold more SEO value.
• The process of fixing broken backlinks involves outreach to website owners, using a simple email template to request corrections.
• Fixing broken backlinks is considered low-hanging fruit as the website owners are already familiar with your content.
• Regularly checking for broken backlinks is recommended, ideally on a quarterly or yearly basis, to maintain SEO health.
• The video provides a step-by-step guide on using Ahrefs, including searching for broken links and verifying their status.
• Follow-up is crucial after sending outreach emails to ensure a high success rate in fixing broken backlinks.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the primary tool used to find broken backlinks in the video?

The primary tool used in the video to find broken backlinks is Ahrefs. Ahrefs is a comprehensive SEO tool that provides various functionalities, including the ability to explore a website's backlink profile. The video specifically demonstrates how to use the Site Explorer feature within Ahrefs to identify broken backlinks, focusing on Dofollow links which are significant for SEO purposes.

Q: Why are Dofollow links prioritized over Nofollow links when fixing broken backlinks?

Dofollow links are prioritized over Nofollow links because they pass on link equity, or 'link juice,' which can significantly impact a website's SEO ranking. Dofollow links contribute to a site's authority and visibility in search engine results. In contrast, Nofollow links do not pass link equity and are generally used to prevent spammy links from affecting a site's SEO. Therefore, fixing broken Dofollow links is more beneficial for SEO efforts.

Q: What is a key benefit of fixing broken backlinks according to the video?

A key benefit of fixing broken backlinks, as highlighted in the video, is the recovery of lost link equity, which can enhance a website's SEO performance. By fixing these links, a website can regain the authority and ranking potential that the broken links were supposed to provide. This process is considered low-hanging fruit because the linking sites have already shown willingness to link, making outreach and correction more straightforward and effective.

Q: How does the video suggest verifying the existence of a broken link on a webpage?

The video suggests verifying the existence of a broken link on a webpage by visiting the URL where the link is supposed to be and conducting a search using the anchor text of the link. This method allows the user to confirm whether the link is still present on the page and if it is indeed broken. This step is crucial for ensuring that outreach efforts are directed towards links that are still relevant and need correction.

Q: What is the recommended frequency for checking broken backlinks?

The recommended frequency for checking broken backlinks, as advised in the video, is on a quarterly or yearly basis. Regularly monitoring and fixing broken backlinks helps maintain a website's SEO health by ensuring that link equity is effectively distributed to the correct pages. This routine check can prevent the accumulation of broken links, which might otherwise negatively impact a site's search engine ranking over time.

Q: What approach does the video recommend for reaching out to website owners about broken backlinks?

The video recommends a personalized and straightforward approach for reaching out to website owners about broken backlinks. It suggests using a simple email template that acknowledges the website owner's content, points out the specific issue with the broken link, and politely requests a correction. Personalizing the message by addressing the website owner by name and expressing gratitude for the initial link can increase the likelihood of a positive response.

Q: Why is follow-up important after sending outreach emails to fix broken backlinks?

Follow-up is important after sending outreach emails because it increases the chances of receiving a response from the website owner. Initial emails might be overlooked or forgotten, so a gentle reminder can prompt action. The video emphasizes that follow-up is a critical step in ensuring a high success rate in fixing broken backlinks, as it demonstrates persistence and continued interest in correcting the issue.

Q: What is the significance of providing a template in the video for outreach emails?

The significance of providing a template in the video for outreach emails lies in offering a structured and effective method for communicating with website owners. A well-crafted template simplifies the outreach process, ensuring that all necessary information is conveyed clearly and professionally. It helps users to quickly and efficiently request corrections to broken backlinks, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome and contributing to better SEO results.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video offers a detailed guide on using Ahrefs to find and fix broken backlinks, which are crucial for maintaining a website’s SEO health. It focuses on Dofollow links, which are more valuable for SEO, and provides a simple email template for outreach.

• Broken backlinks can negatively impact a site's SEO by preventing link equity from reaching the intended pages. The video demonstrates how to identify these issues using Ahrefs and suggests regular checks to keep a website’s backlink profile healthy.

• By addressing broken backlinks, website owners can improve their SEO rankings. The video emphasizes the importance of outreach to site owners who have previously linked to your content, as they are more likely to respond positively to correction requests.