What is off-page SEO?

Author: Semrush Team
1 min read
Jan 10, 2025

Off-page SEO is the process of improving your website's authority, trust, and relevance through activities that happen outside of your site to improve search engine rankings and visibility. It typically involves link building, social media engagement, local citations, and public relations activities. 

Off-page SEO differs from on-page or other forms of SEO because it focuses on earning credibility from external sources rather than optimizing content or structure on your own pages.

Off-page SEO matters because it shows search engines that your website is trusted and valued by others. When high-authority sites link to you, mention you, or share your content, it signals that your site is a credible source. This can help you rank more effectively in search results and attract more visitors.

Off-page SEO often takes time to deliver noticeable results because it depends on external sites and audiences. Consistent efforts to form relationships, earn links, and increase your brand's visibility builds a strong foundation for long-term search engine success.

Further reading: A Guide to Off-Page SEO

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