The difference between backlinks and social signals

Backlinks and social signals are both important factors in the world of search engine optimization (SEO) and online visibility, but they are not the same thing.

Backlinks, also known as inbound links, are links that point to a website from other websites. These links can be earned through a variety of means, such as creating high-quality content, guest blogging, or participating in online communities. Backlinks are important because they signal to search engines that a website is valuable and relevant. The more backlinks a website has, the higher it is likely to rank in search engine results pages (SERPs).

On the other hand, social signals are the indicators of engagement and activity on social media platforms. Social signals include likes, shares, and comments on social media posts, as well as the number of followers and engagement a brand or website has on social media platforms. Social signals can also include mentions, hashtags and other forms of social media activity.

While backlinks and social signals are different, they are also related. Backlinks can be a form of social signal, as they can be shared and discussed on social media platforms. Additionally, social signals can also help to increase the visibility and relevance of a website, which in turn can lead to more backlinks.

However, backlinks are considered to have more weight in terms of SEO than social signals. This is because backlinks are seen as a more direct indicator of a website's value and relevance, whereas social signals are seen as an indirect indicator. Backlinks can also help to drive more targeted traffic to a website,.