do backlinks still matter

You can absolutely say that backlinks are still a major factor in SEO for 2024. Here's why they remain important:

* **Authority and Trust:** Backlinks function like endorsements from other websites. Search engines, particularly Google, consider the quantity and quality of backlinks as a sign of your site's trustworthiness and credibility in its niche. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the more authority you establish in their eyes.

* **Ranking Power:** Websites with strong backlink profiles tend to rank higher in search results for relevant keywords. This is because search engines view these links as an indication that your content is valuable and deserves to be seen by users.

* **Increased Traffic:** Backlinks can also be a great source of referral traffic. When people click on a link from another trusted website, they land on your page. This exposes your content to a new audience and can significantly boost your website traffic.

However, there's a crucial point to remember: quality trumps quantity. It's more beneficial to have backlinks from high-authority sites relevant to your niche than to have a large number of links from low-quality sources. Search engines are getting smarter at evaluating backlinks, and manipulative or low-quality link-building tactics can actually harm your SEO.