Fill in the blank. Backlinks are links ________.

Backlinks are links from other websites to your website. This definition emphasizes their role in search engine optimization (SEO) and content marketing strategies. Backlinks are a vital component of increasing a website's authority and credibility in the eyes of search engines like Google. When other reputable websites link to your content, it signals to search engines that your site is a trustworthy source of information, which can improve your rankings in search results.

Other options focus on internal linking or specific types of links that do not capture the essence of backlinks. Internal links connect different pages of your own website, while the linkage from pillar pages to subtopic content represents a strategy within your own site rather than an external validation of your content through backlinks. Understanding backlinks is crucial for marketers, as they contribute significantly to the overall visibility and success of a website in search engine outcomes.