Backlinks and referring domains are terms that are often used interchangeably.
However, doing so would be a mistake.
While similar, they are not the same.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- What’s the difference between referring domains and backlinks
- How to check both
- How to build more high quality backlinks from new referring domains
Let’s get started.
Link building cheat sheet
What are Referring Domains?
Referring domains are the total number of unique domains (websites) linking to you.
A high unique referring domain number typically associates with better search engine ranking.
What are Backlinks?
Backlinks, on the other hand, refers to each individual link.
You can have multiple backlinks from one domain or even page, so usually the two numbers are different.
Are Backlinks or Referring Domains More Important?
Let’s put it this way: referring domains indicate how many unique links you have.
It’s better to have a unique domain link to you rather than the same two partners over and over again.
So, in general, growing your referring domains number is more important.
Let me dive a little deeper into why that is.
Backlinks pass on what is called PageRank, or “link juice”, or link equity.
Despite being a several-decade-old concept, it’s still used by Google because it lies so close to the core of its algorithm.
Links from different websites (and even different pages on those sites) offer a different amount of value based on a number of factors.
This includes:
- Relevance
- The number of other links on the web page
- Whether the link is dofollow or nofollow (only a dofollow backlink passes on link juice)
And, more importantly, whether the domain has already been linked to you before.
Each consecutive inbound link from the same website yields less and less value, so your SEO strategy should always focus on getting new high quality referring domains.
How to Check Referring Domains & Backlinks?
To check both backlinks and referring domains, you’ll need a backlink monitoring tool, such as Ahrefs, Semrush, or Moz.
We use Ahrefs so that’s what we’ll be using in this example.
First, paste your website into Site Explorer:
Right underneath, you’ll find your site’s Domain Rating, URL Rating as well as total backlinks and different referring domains.
Click on the number under either “Backlinks” or “Ref. domains” to view the corresponding report.
That’s it!
You can also use the referring domains report to weed out low-quality domains or links using a set of filters, including referral traffic, DR/UR, and more.
How to Get More Referring Domains
The most sure-fire way of getting new websites to link to you is through link building outreach.
It involves finding high quality backlink building opportunities (along with any associated contact information), and sending them an email along with a connection request on LinkedIn.
For this, we’ll be using our own tool, Respona to land guest posts.
It automates the process from start to finish.
To begin a guest posting campaign in Respona, you’ll need to specify the topics you intend to write about and provide a sample of your previous work.
This input helps Respona craft relevant search queries and quickly personalize your outreach sequence.
The platform also offers AI-powered keyword suggestions to broaden your search scope.
Once these details are entered, click “Use this template” and proceed to the campaign editor.
Respona provides pre-built email outreach sequences that you can further customize.
This includes adding personal touches, implementing spam checks, incorporating unsubscribe links, and adjusting the timing of follow-up emails.
A valuable feature is the use of AI variables, such as the “Icebreaker” and “P.S.”, which automatically add unique, personalized content to each email.
These AI-driven elements go beyond simple name insertion, personalizing each email for the specific guest post opportunity.
You can even create your own custom AI variables for more tailored personalization.
You can have it come up with topics, or make remarks about something your prospect said in their own article.
The next step involves identifying guest blogging opportunities.
Respona uses search operators to target “write for us” pages related to your chosen keywords, simultaneously running multiple Google searches.
You can then refine these results using SEO filters.
Since we used a template, the platform’s contact finder is already pre-configured for guest posting campaigns – it’ll find the website owner and/or any other relevant employees.
You can also fine-tune the AI personalization algorithm by providing examples of your own manual edit style.
To ensure a continuous flow of opportunities, Respona allows you to set up recurring searches.
This means the platform will automatically re-run searches and add new opportunities to your campaign, without the need for constant manual input.
The search is real-time, and shows results as soon as they are found. You can then review and remove any irrelevant or unsuitable opportunities.
The final stage is to review & launch your campaign.
Here, you can review the AI-generated personalizations and make any necessary manual edits.
Respona also retrieves LinkedIn profiles to provide additional connection opportunities.
Once launched, you monitor responses within Respona’s shared inbox, which consolidates multiple inboxes into one for easier management.
For optimal results, we recommend using multiple sender email accounts with a moderate daily email limit (e.g., 15-45 emails per day).
This will help maintain email deliverability while keeping the total sent volume high.
Link building cheat sheet
Now Over to You
In conclusion, the number of unique referring domains is more important than backlinks as you can have multiple links from one source.
At the same time, if a reputable website is open to linking to you more than ones, you shouldn’t throw those links away either.
Need help growing your referring domain and link profile?
Don’t hesitate to start your 14-day free trial with Respona to see how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between backlinks and referring domains?
Backlinks are the total number of links pointing to your website, while referring domains represent the number of unique websites linking to you.
You can have multiple backlinks from a single referring domain.
Which is more important for SEO, backlinks or referring domains?
Diverse referring domains are generally considered more valuable for SEO because they indicate a wider range of sources endorsing your site, suggesting greater authority and relevance.
While total backlink count matters, diversity matters even more.
If I have 100 backlinks from one website, how many referring domains do I have?
You would have only one linking domain, as all 100 backlinks originate from the same website.
This highlights the difference between quantity (backlinks) and diversity (referring domains).
How do I check my referring domains and backlinks?
You can use SEO tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, Moz, or Google Search Console to analyze your backlink profile.
These tools provide reports showing both total backlinks and the number of referring domains.
Does getting more backlinks from the same website improve my SEO?
While additional backlinks from the same domain can offer some value, the SEO impact diminishes with each successive link.
Focusing on acquiring backlinks from multiple referring domains is generally a more effective strategy for boosting SEO.
In other words, if you already have a link from someone, move on to a different website.
