Backlinks, also known as link building, still matter a great deal in SEO, especially for small to medium business owners and tradies around Australia. These incoming links act as votes of confidence to Google. But with the rise of AI-driven backlink processes, it’s crucial to understand the difference between ethical backlinks and sketchy tactics that can hurt your online visibility.
What makes a backlink good
Good backlinks come from reputable, authoritative sites that are relevant to your industry or location. Think industry directories, relevant blogs or local media outlets. These links:
- Improve domain authority over time
- Build trust in both users and Google
- Support your local SEO efforts in a meaningful, lasting way
At GOOP Digital, we focus on white hat SEO link building that fosters long-term results and avoids risk.
Sketchy AI-driven backlink schemes
Pre-AI, creating unique content at scale was difficult. Now, AI can generate pages and distribute them via unique, often odd-looking URLs—Wiki-like pages with some domain authority. The plan?
- AI spawns mass autogenerated content
- That content gets links from sketchy pages
- All these backlinks show up fast
But these tactics are risky. They create a backlink glut in a short time, a classic sign of manipulative linking. Worse, they can trigger IP address class issues if these URLs share hosting patterns. It’s reminiscent of the Penguin update in April 2012, when Google penalised grey-hat techniques overnight.
The value of a local hyperlink
Local hyperlinks, also called citations or local backlinks, are incredibly powerful when it comes to ranking for what you do and where you do it. These are links from trusted local sources like the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, the Hobart Chamber of Commerce, or even your local sporting club’s website.
A link from a recognised local organisation says, “Yes, this business is real, active and involved in the community.” It’s about building relevance and prominence in your region, not just the internet.
As we’ve explained in our blog on the value of a link for your local sporting club’s website, something as simple as your club including a link to your business can make a real difference to your rankings.
If you’re part of a local footy club, cricket team, business network or parent group—ask them to add a hyperlink to your business. It’s easy, it’s ethical and Google loves it.
The warning signs you should know
- sudden spike in backlinks from unknown domains
- URLs that look autogenerated or wiki-like
- Links coming from a shared IP class
If Google hasn’t cracked it yet, it will, and clients may wake up to find they’ve vanished from page one. That’s bad for business, bad for trust, and totally avoidable.
How to defend your site with smart link building
GOOP Digital helps you build a clean, effective backlink profile:
- Conduct a backlink audit to expose dodgy links
- Build meaningful links in high-trust, relevant spaces
- Use local SEO campaigns that earn natural citations
- Remove toxic backlinks before Google flags them
Our approach protects your search visibility and builds long-term trust.
Focus on local SEO for long-lasting impact
For businesses across Australia, local SEO beats quick wins every time. A deliberate, ethically built backlink profile supports:
- Your presence in Google My Business
- Stronger visibility in local search
- Loyal customer trust over time
This method ensures consistency and sustainability. Something AI-driven schemes simply can’t match. (AI can be good when used ethically, and Google will rank AI-written content)
Final takeaway
Backlinks are powerful, but only when done the right way. Steer clear of AI-driven backlink farms and black hat tactics. Google will catch up, and penalties can be sudden and severe. Invest in good link building, GOOP Digital’s backlink audits and local strategies keep your rankings safe and growing.
Want to protect your site from sketchy backlinks and strengthen your SEO presence? Contact GOOP Digital today for a free backlink audit and local SEO consultation. Let’s build trust, not risk.