Backlinking is one of the few things in SEO that has never stopped mattering—and yet it’s still wildly misunderstood. In episode 124, Harrison Baron breaks down what backlinks actually are, why Google treats them like trust signals, and how ethical strategies outperform shortcuts every time. If you’ve been creating solid content but still aren’t ranking, this conversation will help you see what’s missing and where to focus next.
Originally aired: June 21, 2022
This post has been updated and republished as part of rebuilding the Gratitude Geek podcast archive.
If you want help applying SEO concepts like this without getting buried in jargon or chasing shiny tactics, that’s exactly what we do inside Gratitude Geek Lab. It’s a calm, practical space where you can ask real questions, test what actually works, and build momentum at your own pace.
Backlinking has never been dead, it just gets forgotten whenever the internet decides there’s a newer, shinier tactic to chase.
This conversation with Harrison was a solid reminder that Google still cares about trust, authority, and doing the fundamentals well. Ethical marketing, solid content, and real relationships beat shortcuts every single time.
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What This Episode Is About
Backlinking is one of the most misunderstood pieces of SEO, especially for small business owners who are doing everything “right” and still not ranking. In this episode, Harrison Baron breaks down what backlinking actually is, why Google treats links as trust signals, and how ethical strategies outperform shortcuts over time.
This conversation is for solopreneurs and service-based business owners who want visibility without gaming the system. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how authority is built online and where to focus your energy if you want SEO that actually lasts.
Key Takeaways
- Backlinks still matter because they signal trust, not because they’re a trick to game Google. Focus on earning links from relevant, credible sources instead of chasing volume or shortcuts.
- If your site isn’t ranking, check the basics before assuming SEO is broken. Missing or weak title tags and meta descriptions can quietly sabotage otherwise solid content.
- Guest podcasting works as an SEO strategy only when it includes real show notes on a real website. If there’s no page to link from, there’s no backlink and no long-term benefit.
- Ethical marketing scales better than clever hacks. Build relationships, create useful content, and choose strategies you can sustain without burning trust or energy.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 Introduction
01:58 Unethical marketing practices in digital agencies
02:24 Leaving IT to found an ethical digital firm
03:17 From struggle to SEO mastery
06:20 Knowing your limits as an entrepreneur
06:51 Why representing competing clients hurts results
07:11 Using social media and SEO to represent brands well
21:24 Writing killer meta descriptions and title tags
33:59 Backlinking explained + guest podcasting as a strategy
46:14 Can podcasting actually grow your business?
49:29 A house fire, loss, and protecting what matters most
Meet Harrison Baron
Harrison Baron is an SEO strategist and agency owner who built his business after watching too many marketing firms cut ethical corners.
He’s the founder of Growth Generators, known for explaining complex SEO concepts—like backlinking, meta descriptions, and authority—in plain English, without hype or shady tactics.
Grounded in integrity (thanks in part to his Eagle Scout background), Harrison focuses on helping business owners understand what actually moves the needle online and when it’s time to stop forcing strategies that aren’t a fit.
At his core, Harrison is about doing the work right, knowing your limits, and building long-term credibility instead of chasing shortcuts.
“Backlinking has been one of the few constants in SEO for decades — Google still treats links like votes of confidence, and the quality of those votes matters more than anything else.”
Harrison Baron
Connect with Harrison Baron
- Website: harrisonbaron.com
- YouTube: @TheMillennialEntrepreneurHarrisonBaron
Resources Mentioned
Disclaimer: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase. No added cost to you.
Your Turn
What resonated with you in this conversation? Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram or LinkedIn. Prefer to keep it on the blog? Drop a comment below.
Final Thoughts
What’s sticking with me is how much simpler this really is than the internet makes it. For Gen X women solopreneurs, this conversation reinforces that you don’t need to chase tricks or keep up with every algorithm shift to be visible. Build trust, do the fundamentals well, and focus on relationships you can actually sustain.
Support the Show
If this episode brought you value, here’s how you can help:
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Goodpods
- Share this episode with a friend who’s rebuilding her business after disruption.
- Want to be a guest? Send me a message on Podmatch.
- Support the podcast financially – every bit helps to keep the mics on.
If you’re tired of guessing which marketing advice actually applies to your business, come join us inside Gratitude Geek Lab. It’s where Gen X women solopreneurs get practical support, real conversations, and space to build visibility and momentum without noise, pressure, or performative tactics.
Backlinks are just one of the five strategies I cover in my complete guide on SEO tips every woman business owner should master — a practical framework built from real conversations with SEO experts like Harrison.
Stay Groovy!
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