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Backlinks—when other websites connect to yours—are just about the most important signals search engines like Google use to find out your site's authority and ranking. But how have you any idea who’s linking to your website? Whether you're tracking your SEO progress, checking for spam links, or exploring potential partnerships, knowing your backlinks is crucial. This guide covers why backlinks matter, and who links to my site using free and paid tools. 🔍 Why It’s Important to Track Who Links to Your Website SEO Performance: Quality backlinks improve your search engine rankings. Reputation Monitoring: Know how your site is being referenced and also by whom. Partnership Opportunities: Reach out to sites linking for you for collaboration. Spam Detection: Identify harmful or toxic backlinks that will hurt your rankings. Content Strategy: Understand what content attracts links and replicate success. 🔧 Tools to Find Out Who Links to Your Website 1. Google Search Console (Free) Best for: Basic backlink checking Go to Google Search Console. Under the “Links” section, see: Top linking sites Top linked pages Anchor text used Pros: Completely free Direct data from Google Cons: Limited detail and metrics Doesn’t show competitor backlinks 2. Ahrefs (Paid, with Free Backlink Checker) Best for: Deep backlink analysis Use Ahrefs’ Free Backlink Checker or join full features. Shows: Referring domains Anchor text Link type (dofollow/nofollow) Domain rating (DR) Pros: In-depth, real-time data Useful SEO metrics Easy to use Cons: Expensive for full access 3. SEMrush (Paid, Free Trial Available) Best for: Professional backlink audits Use the Backlink Analytics tool. Offers: Toxic backlink alerts New & lost links Link-building opportunities Pros: Detailed reporting SEO audit integration Cons: Premium pricing 4. Moz Link Explorer (Free Limited Use) Best for: Beginners and quick insights Visit Moz Link Explorer See: Inbound links Page authority Linking domains Pros: Clean interface Authority metrics included Cons: Limited daily queries with out a subscription 5. Ubersuggest (Free with Limited Use) Best for: New website owners and bloggers Offers backlink data and SEO suggestions View referring domains and link type Pros: Free version available Beginner-friendly Cons: Less comprehensive than Ahrefs or SEMrush Set up alerts: Use Google Alerts or tools like Mention to have notified as soon as your brand or site is mentioned online. Disavow harmful links: If you spot spammy backlinks, consider disavowing them using Google’s Disavow Tool (only when they affect rankings). Track competitors: See who links in your competitors and reach out for similar backlinks. Knowing who links to your website is essential for managing your SEO strategy, building authority, and protecting your online reputation. Start with Google Search Console for a free overview, and graduate to tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush for professional insights.