What is better, a backlink from an article that has a ton of high quality backlinks but no traffic or a backlink from an article that has traffic but not many quality links?

Evaluating Backlink Quality vs. Quantity: What’s More Valuable for SEO?

When it comes to building a robust SEO strategy, one of the most critical factors is acquiring high-quality backlinks. However, not all backlinks hold the same value, and often, SEOs face difficult decisions about which links to pursue. A common dilemma is whether to prioritize backlinks from authority articles with a vast array of high-quality backlinks but limited current traffic or to seek links from newer articles that generate significant traffic despite lacking many quality inbound links.

Scenario Overview

Imagine you have the opportunity to secure a backlink from an older article that experienced viral success in the past. This piece is characterized by:

• Limited current organic search traffic: It doesn’t rank highly on Google today and doesn’t attract much traffic from search engines.
• Robust backlink profile: Despite low search traffic, it is supported by numerous high-authority backlinks from reputable sources.
• Alternate traffic sources: It still receives consistent visitors from channels outside Google search, such as direct visits, referral traffic, or social media.

The Strategic Dilemma

The question arises: Is it more advantageous to obtain a backlink from this authoritative but low-traffic article, or to focus on creating a new, relevant article with a backlink, perhaps linking from the old viral piece?

Analyzing the Options

1. Securing a Backlink from the Old, Authority-Heavy Article

2. Pros:

   • Backlinks from a page with a strong backlink profile can significantly enhance your site’s authority.
   • Even if the page has low search traffic, search engines value backlinks from reputable sources.
   • The link can boost the ranking potential of your target page, especially if it’s related or on the same topic.

3. Cons:

   • Limited current traffic from search engines means less immediate visibility or referral benefits.
   • If the page’s authority does not translate into visible traffic, the direct benefit might seem minimal.

4. Creating a New Article with Strategic Internal Linking

5. Pros:

   • Fresh content can attract new visitors, especially if promoted well.
   • Internal links from authoritative pages can pass link equity and enhance the new article’s visibility.
   • Establishing a content hub can create a network of interconnected pages, boosting overall SEO.

6. Cons:

   • Building authority for new pages takes time and effort.
   • Without backlinks from high-authority