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Link Velocity

Glossary 2 min read Updated 12.09.2026
Why the focus is not on the number of links but on their appearance consistency, what patterns look risky, how to allocate the budget over time, and what to not be afraid of.

Link velocity (link velocity) is the speed at which a website acquires new links and referring domains. The absolute number is less important than its consistency and alignment with the project's age.

Why This Matters

A natural project accumulates links unevenly, but without sharp peaks: an article is published — a few mentions, a product is launched — a spike and a drop. A profile where the same number of domains appeared in a week as in the previous year looks like a result of link buying. This is not a death sentence, but it is a noticeable signal.

What Is Considered Risky

PatternHow It Is Perceived
Young domain, hundreds of links in a weekThe most recognizable sign of link buying
Spike with the same anchorWorse than a spike with different ones
Sharp increase and immediate stopLooks like a one-time campaign
Steady growth with small fluctuationsNormal pattern
Practical Conclusion for Budget
One large launch once a year is worse than the same budget spread over several launches. This also compensates for the natural loss of some publications — see how many cascades to launch and how often.

How to Manage This with Us

  • Natural mode distributes publications over time instead of a burst — see analysis of the mode.
  • Flexible tariff allows you to set a small volume and repeat it: how to gather your volume.
  • Weekly planning is included in the budget strategy in Radar.

How to Assess Your Pace

  1. Look at the growth chart of referring domains over the year in any link service.
  2. Compare it with the charts of two or three competitors from the top.
  3. If your chart is a flat line with one peak, it’s worth switching to regular small launches.
  4. If it grows steadily, there’s no need to change anything.

What You Should Not Be Afraid Of

Normal project growth also brings spikes: publication in the media, viral post, seasonal interest. The problem is not the spike itself, but the combination of "sharp spike + uniform anchors + similar platforms".

FAQ

Is a sharp increase in links dangerous?
A spike can occur even in live projects. The risky combination is: sharp spike plus uniform anchors plus similar platforms.
How is it better to allocate the budget?
Through several launches over time instead of one large one: this way the profile grows more evenly and compensates for the natural loss of publications.
What helps to smooth the pace?
A natural publication mode, small volumes in a flexible tariff, and planning launches by weeks.
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