Ladies and gentlemen welcome to a riveting quest into the mystifying world of deep link ratios! Yes, you heard it right. We’re about to embark on a magical journey to uncover the secrets of this enigmatic SEO creature. So, tighten your digital seatbelts, and let’s dive into the deep end.
The Deep Dive: Is Deep Link Ratio Still a Thing?
First things first, let’s clarify something – the term “deep link ratio” might sound like some ancient incantation from the SEO scrolls, but the reality is quite different.
Once upon a time, the digital cosmos buzzed with discussions about deep link ratios and their supposed impact on rankings. It was like chasing after the holy grail of SEO – everyone wanted to find that perfect balance between homepage links and deep links.
But, hold on to your wizard hats, because we’ve got news for you: it’s a tale of the past. In 2023, Google couldn’t care less about it.
As far as Google’s concerned, when they mention “deep links,” they’re referring to something entirely different. It’s like trying to talk about medieval knights at a sci-fi convention – just doesn’t fit.
So, let’s get this straight: when someone talks about deep links these days, it’s not about SEO magic; it’s about guiding mobile app users to specific pages. It’s a different rabbit hole altogether, and SEO’s rabbits don’t reside there anymore.
The Mysterious Claim: Deep Link Ratio’s Role in Rankings
Now, let’s shine a flashlight on the core of our mystery. What exactly is the deep link ratio, and does it hold the keys to your SEO kingdom?
To decipher this enigma, we first need to understand what deep links are. They’re not some secret treasure map – they’re just links on your website that lead to pages other than the homepage. It’s like exploring the hidden chambers of your website’s castle instead of camping out in the grand hall.
So, here’s the claim: the deep link ratio, which measures the number of inbound links to inner pages versus those cozying up to your homepage, is a magical factor in SEO rankings.
The Magic Formula: Calculating the Deep Link Ratio
Now, hang tight because here comes some enchanting math. To find your deep link ratio, you take the total number of links leading to inner pages and divide it by the total number of links to the homepage.
For example, if you have 2328 links pointing to your digital realm and a delightful 983 of them lead to your homepage, you’ll calculate your ratio like a true SEO sorcerer:
983 (deep links) / 2328 (total links)*100% = 42.2% deep link ratioThe claim is that having a magical percentage of deep links is like finding the elusive unicorn of SEO. It’s supposed to give you a more natural and balanced link profile than a website with 90% of its links hogging the homepage spotlight.
The Conundrum of Evidence: Does Deep Link Ratio Matter?
Now, where does the evidence take us? Has Google left us any breadcrumbs in this forest of deep link mystery?
When we venture into Google’s vast library of SEO wisdom, we find… nothing. Nada. Zip.
That’s right. You won’t catch a whiff of deep links in Google’s official SEO guidebook.
Google’s guidance is straightforward: create epic content that naturally lures links from across the digital realm. It’s like being the life of the SEO party; people link to your content because they want to, not because a magic ratio compels them.
In fact, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the whispers of a deep link ratio even began. A few SEO explorers ventured to calculate their deep link ratios, but they found no treasure chests of evidence linking it to rankings.
One peculiar study in 2006 hinted at a correlation between homepage links and “spammier” websites, but even that is a distant echo in the SEO abyss.
The Revelation: Deep Link Ratio – A Fading Mirage
In the grand theater of SEO, where myth and reality dance like digital ballerinas, it’s time to reveal the truth. Deep link ratios, once thought of as SEO’s secret elixir, are nothing more than obsolete relics.
As confirmed by the wise sages at WebKodKod and Google’s SEO oracle, John Mueller, the number of links doesn’t hold the magic potion. There’s no golden ratio, no secret handshake with Google’s ranking deities.
So, dear SEO adventurers, let this be your quest’s end. The essence of SEO is in creating content that people genuinely adore, not in chasing after ghostly numbers.
If your links guide your users to what they seek, in the fewest clicks possible, that’s the real SEO treasure. No need to conjure up ancient SEO spells – just focus on a user-centric journey.
And so, the myth of the deep link ratio fades into obscurity. Go forth, brave digital warriors, and create your SEO legends with the wisdom of WebKodKod as your guide. 🧙♂️🚀
Resources
- Kristi Hines, Search Engine Journal
