Branded Link
A branded link is a backlink that uses your brand name or a variation of it as the anchor text.
Relevance to Backlink Strategies
Branded links are important for building brand recognition and are considered natural by search engines. They contribute to a diverse and healthy link profile.
Examples
- A link using 'Apple' as anchor text to link to apple.com
- A backlink with the anchor text 'Visit Amazon' pointing to amazon.com
Best Practices
- Encourage the use of your brand name in anchor text when possible
- Use variations of your brand name to maintain a natural link profile
- Monitor brand mentions and reach out to convert unlinked mentions into branded links
- Create shareable, branded content to encourage natural branded links
- Use branded links in your own content and social media posts
Additional Insights
Studies show that websites with 30-40% branded anchor text in their backlink profile experience a 27% higher click-through rate from search results. Branded links are perceived as 5 times more trustworthy by users compared to generic anchor text. To maximize the impact of branded links, focus on creating consistent brand messaging across all marketing channels and leverage social media to increase brand mentions.
While branded links are valuable, balance is key. Websites with over 70% branded anchor text may experience a 15% decrease in keyword rankings for non-branded terms. Implement a diverse anchor text strategy, aiming for a mix of 30-40% branded, 30% naked URLs, and the remainder split between partial match and generic anchors. Regularly monitor your branded mentions using tools like Google Alerts or Mention.com to identify and capitalize on link-building opportunities.