{
  "schema_version": "1.1",
  "id": "google-number-one-result-3-8x-more-backlinks",
  "slug": "google-number-one-result-3-8x-more-backlinks",
  "url": "https://groundedkit.com/claims/google-number-one-result-3-8x-more-backlinks/",
  "api_url": "https://groundedkit.com/api/claims/google-number-one-result-3-8x-more-backlinks.json",
  "claim": "The #1 result in Google has an average of 3.8x more backlinks than positions 2–10",
  "commonly_cited_as": "\"#1 results have nearly 4x more backlinks\"",
  "verdict": "verified",
  "verdict_definition": "Primary source found; it says the same thing, the scope matches, and it is reasonably current.",
  "confidence": "medium",
  "rating": {
    "value": 5,
    "best": 5,
    "worst": 1
  },
  "origin": {
    "publisher": "Backlinko",
    "title": "We Analyzed 11.8 Million Google Search Results",
    "year": "2025"
  },
  "quote": "We recently analyzed 11.8 million Google search results ... the #1 result in Google has an average of 3.8x more backlinks than positions #2-#10.",
  "method": "Correlation analysis of 11.8 million results using Ahrefs link data.",
  "drift": [
    "Correlation: top pages attract links because they rank, as well as the reverse"
  ],
  "interest": "Backlinko (owned by Semrush) sells SEO software; data partners were BuzzSumo/Ahrefs/Clearscope.",
  "safe_rephrasing": "Backlinko's analysis of 11.8 million Google results found the #1 result averaged 3.8x more backlinks than positions 2–10; it is a correlation, not proof that links alone cause rankings.",
  "sources": [
    {
      "title": "Backlinko — Search engine ranking study",
      "url": "https://backlinko.com/search-engine-ranking",
      "primary": true
    }
  ],
  "kind": "stat_check",
  "as_of": "Study page last updated Apr. 14, 2025",
  "last_checked": "2026-10-16",
  "stale": false,
  "date_reviewed": "2026-10-16",
  "license": "CC BY 4.0",
  "license_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"
}