Google: Links No Longer A Top Three Ranking Signal
Yes, you are correct. In a Q&A session at PubCon in 2023, Gary Illyes from the Google Search team said that he wouldn't even put links into the top three ranking signals Google Search uses. He added that there really isn't a universal top 3, and that it's absolutely possible to rank without links.
This is a significant change from the past, when links were widely considered to be the most important ranking factor. However, Google has been downplaying the importance of links for a number of years now, as it has become increasingly sophisticated in its ability to assess the quality and relevance of content.
So, what does this mean for SEO? It means that you should still focus on building high-quality backlinks, but you should also focus on other factors, such as creating high-quality content, optimizing your website for user experience, and building your brand.
Here are some tips for improving your SEO without relying on links:
Create high-quality content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to your target audience.
Optimize your website for user experience by making it easy to navigate, fast to load, and mobile-friendly.
Build your brand by creating social media profiles, guest blogging on other websites, and attending industry events.
Use relevant keywords throughout your website, but avoid keyword stuffing.
Make sure your website is technically sound and free of errors.
By following these tips, you can improve your SEO and rank higher in Google search results, even if you don't have a lot of backlinks.