Backlinks have always been a critical part of SEO. But as Google rolls out new core updates, the game around link-building is shifting. If you’re clinging to old tactics, it’s time to evolve. Below we explore what’s changed, why it matters, and how you can adapt—especially if you’re working with or considering working with the best DM agency in Singapore, Vouch Solutions.
Key Changes from Recent Updates
Based on Google’s March 2024 core update and related updates, here are some of the major shifts in how Google treats backlinks:
- De‑emphasis of links in general ranking weight
Google’s “Spam Explainer” has been updated to remove some of the language that elevated the importance of backlinks (for example, removing the word “important” when referring to links). t
In short: links still matter, but they’re no longer the dominant signal they once were. Other factors—content quality, user experience, domain trust—are increasingly significant. - Crackdown on manipulative link practices
Practices like link-building purely for ranking, private blog networks (PBNs), or content created with the primary intention of getting links are under stricter scrutiny. - Expired domain abuse flagged
Domains that have expired but that retain some past authority are often purchased and repurposed to host low‑quality content and benefit from their old link profiles. Google now has signals specifically looking at “expired domain abuse.” Use of these domains without aligning new content to their previous purpose or without high quality is risky. - Outgoing links matter more
It’s not just about who links to you; Google is also paying attention to the sites you link out to. Outgoing links from your site that are irrelevant or from spammy sources can weigh negatively. - Quality, relevance & behavior over quantity
Link signals are becoming more nuanced. The context of links, user behavior (do people click the links, stay on your pages, engage?), domain trust, and thematic relevance are increasingly important. Low‑engagement, high‑volume link profiles are easier to devalue.
Why It Matters
- If your site was getting links from expired domains, link networks, or sites with weak content or topic mismatch, these won’t help (and may hurt) as much anymore.
- Low‑quality or “spammy” link sources may be discounted or even flagged under the new spam policies.
- Link building is no longer “set and forget.” You need ongoing evaluation, cleanup, and a strategy aligned with Google’s current signals around trust, quality, relevance, and user experience.
What You Should Do Now: Backlink Strategy in the Post‑Update Era
Here are action items to adapt:
| Area | What to do |
| Audit existing backlink profile | Use tools like Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrush to list who’s linking to you. Identify low‑quality, irrelevant, expired domain links. Determine which links may need disavow‑ing or removal. |
| Clean up bad links | Disavow harmful or irrelevant domains. Reach out to webmasters for link removals where possible. Make sure your outgoing links are to trustworthy, topically relevant sources. |
| Earn high‑quality, editorial, relevant links | Guest posts on reputable sites, industry publications, academic or authority sites. Create link‑worthy content (studies, unique data, tools, how‑to guides) that naturally attract links. |
| Focus on content & user experience | Since Google has placed more weight on quality, helpfulness, originality: improve content, fix broken pages, enhance page speed, mobile usability, ensure content is written for real users not just search engines. |
| Monitor and measure behavior | Track not only number of backlinks but engagement metrics—clickthroughs, time on page, whether people bounce after arriving via a backlink. These behaviors can impact how Google treats your links. |
| Avoid risky practices | PBNs, purchasing link packages indiscriminately, spammy directories, expired domains just for their backlink‑history—these can backfire. |
How the Best DM Agency in Singapore, Vouch Solutions Can Help
If you want to stay ahead of all this, working with an expert partner makes a big difference. Here’s why Vouch Solutions, known as one of the best DM agency in Singapore, is well suited:
- Expertise in modern SEO & link strategies: They are up to date with Google’s latest guidelines and can help you build backlinks that align with what Google rewards now.
- Content‑driven outreach: Rather than mass link building, they’ll likely focus on high‑value content assets that naturally attract editorial links.
- Cleanup & auditing: Vouch Solutions can audit your current backlink profile, disavow harmful ones, and devise a plan to rebuild trust where needed.
- Holistic optimization: They can ensure content, user experience, domain credibility, technical SEO etc. are all aligned—not just focusing on links.
- Ethical & sustainable practices: Avoiding shortcuts that may work temporarily but could penalize you later.
Google’s new core updates are signalling a shift: quantity of backlinks is no longer enough. Relevance, quality, editorial integrity, and user experience matter more than ever.
If your site’s backlink strategy is still relying on mass link directories, expired domains, or cheap “guest posts,” those are now high risk. On the other hand, building good, relevant links, cleaning up bad ones, and focusing on content and user behaviour are the safer, more future‑proof routes. If you’re serious about adapting to these changes, engaging with experts matters—and Vouch Solutions, arguably among the best DM agencies in Singapore, offers the experience and strategic mindset to help you do just that.
