Before social media took over, everyone was chasing backlinks. Bloggers spammed the comment sections of bigger websites just to drop a link. Hustlers built entire networks of small “satellite” sites pointing to their main ones. You could even submit your site to directories just to get a mention with a link.

At some point, an entire industry grew around this — selling backlinks on sketchy (often Indian) websites for $5 on Fiverr.

Today, nobody really talks about backlinks anymore. As social media exploded, influencer shoutouts became the new gold. “Hit like and subscribe—and if you can, share my stuff on social media.” That’s how countless YouTubers end their videos. And it’s also the moment when many viewers click away, because they already know what’s coming.

I still believe links matter—not necessarily to get backlinks and please Google’s algorithm to climb higher in search results, but because links have a genuine human value.

Here’s a blog I enjoy: Chris Guillebeau – The Art of Non-Conformity
And here’s a YouTube channel I like: Nerdwriter

Both creators are far too big for me to expect anything in return for linking to them. They very likely will never share this post, give me a shoutout, or even notice my little blog. But what I gain from it is recommending something great to my readers.

I like reading Guillebeau’s blog, and I enjoy Nerdwriter’s video essays. I’m sure that some of my readers will too. Of course, many may already know them, but some might not—and for them, I’ve just shared two excellent links that make my site a bit more valuable.

Linking out also helps shape your online identity. The things you enjoy consuming reflect the kind of things you enjoy creating. These two links give my readers a clearer sense of who I am and what kind of content they can expect from me. It helps them decide whether they want to stick around.

So, if you want my advice: Link out to others as often as you can. Don’t expect anything in return. Don’t hope for a shoutout or a backlink. Do it for your readers—to offer value and share something worth their time.