SEO for Accountants in 2025 – Here’s what actually matters

Why Backlinks Still Matter for SEO for Accountants - even in 2025
For years, backlinks have been considered one of the most important ranking factors in SEO for accountants. However, recent discussions in the SEO community have raised the question: Do backlinks still matter as much as they used to? Google has suggested that their influence is diminishing, but a recent study from Ahrefs analyzing one million search results shows otherwise. The study confirms that backlinks, referring domains, and domain authority remain crucial ranking signals—especially for local SEO for accountants.
For accounting firms, where competition in search results is fierce, understanding the evolving role of backlinks can make the difference between a firm that ranks on page one of Google and one that struggles to be found. This article explores the findings from the Ahrefs study and outlines practical steps accounting firms can take to strengthen their backlink profile. For more detailed strategies on improving accounting firm SEO, visit our SEO for Accountants page.
The Ahrefs Study: Backlinks Matter More Than Ever
Ahrefs’ research examined correlations between search rankings and various backlink metrics, including the number of referring domains and domain authority. The key takeaways from the study include:
- Referring domains correlate strongly with rankings – The number of unique websites linking to a page had a correlation coefficient of 0.255 with higher rankings. While this may seem low, it is still one of the strongest measurable correlations in SEO for accountants.
- Domain authority remains influential – Websites with a strong overall backlink profile tend to perform better in search results, even if individual pages do not have significant links.
- Local SEO for accountants is even more dependent on backlinks – For location-based searches, backlinks were found to be even more critical than in broader searches, reinforcing the importance of local link-building strategies.
These findings suggest that while Google’s ranking algorithms continue to evolve, backlinks remain a vital component of accounting firm SEO. More importantly, for firms that rely on local search visibility, investing in backlinks should be a top priority.
Why Backlinks Matter for Accounting Firms
Backlinks serve as a vote of confidence from one website to another. When authoritative sites link to your firm’s website, it signals to Google that your content is trustworthy and relevant. For accounting firms, backlinks contribute to:
- Higher Search Rankings – The more quality backlinks your site has, the greater its chances of ranking higher for relevant keywords in SEO for accountants.
- Increased Website Authority – A strong backlink profile enhances your domain authority, making it easier to rank for competitive search terms in accounting firm SEO.
- Improved Local SEO for Accountants – Since accounting firms often serve specific regions, having backlinks from reputable local sources (e.g., chambers of commerce, business directories, and industry associations) can significantly boost local search visibility.
- More Referral Traffic – Links from high-traffic, relevant websites can drive prospective clients to your firm’s site, increasing inquiries and conversions.
Conclusion
Despite Google’s evolving algorithms, backlinks continue to play a significant role in SEO for accountants—especially for accounting firms competing in local search. The data from Ahrefs reinforces that referring domains, domain authority, and quality backlinks remain essential for ranking success.
For accounting firms looking to improve their online visibility, a well-planned backlink strategy should be an integral part of their accounting firm SEO efforts. By focusing on authoritative industry directories, local partnerships, high-quality content, and media opportunities, firms can strengthen their search rankings, drive more traffic, and attract new clients.
Investing in backlinks isn’t just an SEO tactic—it’s a long-term strategy for establishing credibility and trust in an increasingly digital-first business environment. For additional insights on optimizing your firm’s SEO strategy, visit our SEO for Accountants resource page.
Looking For Help?
At Fixyr we believe that "one-size-fits-all" marketing is the enemy, that you need strategy before tactics, and that the best path to success is through a results-focused marketing plan built just for you.

