The total number of backlinks to your website is the sum of all external links pointing to your domain from other websites. This metric varies constantly as links are created and removed across the web.
How to Check Your Total Backlinks
- Use specialized SEO tools:
- Ahrefs Site Explorer
- Moz Link Explorer
- Semrush Backlink Analytics
- Google Search Console (shows a sample, not comprehensive)
- Key metrics to monitor:
- Total referring domains (more important than raw link count)
- Link quality/authority distribution
- Anchor text diversity
- Follow vs. nofollow ratio
Why Backlink Monitoring Matters
Tracking your backlinks helps assess your site’s authority, competitive position, and potential spam risks. A healthy backlink profile directly supports SEO rankings and domain trust, providing a foundation for organic traffic growth.
Expert Tip
Focus on building authoritative, niche-relevant links rather than pursuing raw quantity. A single high-quality backlink from an authoritative site in your industry can outperform dozens of low-quality links.