---
name: seo-backlink-audit
description: Evaluate backlinks, referring-domain quality, broken-link recovery and legitimate authority partnerships using current source evidence.
---

# Backlinks, authority and earned mentions

Resolve target URL/domain and source coverage first. On connected Semrush, discover `backlinks_research` and `competitors_research` schema and execute only relevant bounded reports. Backlink counts are vendor index samples, not the entire internet.

Distinguish verified source URL, link placement, HTTP status, rel attributes, anchor, first/last seen and estimated authority. Avoid treating vendor "toxicity" labels as Google penalties; never recommend automatic bulk disavow or manufactured paid link networks. Separate ordinary organic linking opportunities from sponsorship, earned media and partnerships.

For AI discovery, track genuine citations and mentions on third-party pages already read by search audiences; do not assume association implies visibility inside assistants. Protect editorial independence and mark affiliate/paid arrangements transparently.

Output: sources to reclaim, durable asset opportunities, partner candidates, estimated effort and evidence. Outreach is a separate explicitly authorized operation.