A profile backlink is a link figuring in a profile page when a
user creates an account and a profile on a forum or on other types of sites
where profile creation is offered.
The link is often displayed on the profile page or below posts or
contributions as a signature.
A profile backlink may be a direct source of traffic for active
and valued contributors on forums.
It may also slightly influence SERP rankings for profile pages
with high PR which are to follow and accessible to search engine spiders.
Profile link creation is a tactic used by SEO professionals in
order to gain follow / no follow backlinks from reputed websites. Since
backlinks from high authority websites are considered a metric in ranking, It
is very valuable but not the most authoritative ones, unless you interact on
these websites on which you have created the profile.
The above-given image shows a profile I created in ted.com. And on
my profile, I have provided links to official webpage and product page. So
there are now 2 links displayed on my profile in ted. These sort of links are
called profile links. These are valuable but not the most valued by proper
digital marketers. Let me explain why.
The algorithms used in modern search engines are easily capable of
tracking your interaction with the websites. If you have less interaction on
the website, the search engine will understand that you have created this
profile just for getting links. And you know what SE does to misplace links.
Make no mistake it’s still a powerful factor in search engine ranking. I
personally have experienced the power of link creation. However, if you want to
drive customers articles, blog comments and other backlink activities will be a
better choice.