Are forum backlinks still worth building in 2026?

I still build a few but only where the discussion is actually relevant. Random forum links just for numbers arent worth much to me.

Forum links are useful for indirectly improving SEO and ranking, by boosting the organic direct traffic of one's site. Most of the comments here dwell on the direct SEO aspects too much, especially considering that many or most forum links now are either n0 follow, or don't permit hyperlinks for topically relevant discussions. That means, in those cases, even a relevant/contextual comment will not impact ranking directly. It also means SEO based ranking will have to concentrate on sites 1) that allow d0 follow linking, and 2) have high link strength based on DR/DA/AS or TF metrics to establish topical authority.

The most efficient way to work forums is to focus on dual use of them to grow overall traffic, whether one is trying to build search engine traffic from ranking, or referral clicks for organic traffic (straight to the domain, without third party search engines). Ironically, direct-to-domain traffic will be interpreted by Google as a sign of greater organic sign of topical authority, so will indirectly improve rankings. A good "sweet spot" to proceed from is a medium of around 1800-2000 minimum in monthly search volume.

From that baseline, try to add the d0 follow links to your direct ranking efforts, while making as much as ten times as many links (at that msv) with links of the n0 follow variety. So long as they are low/moderate comp, and are used on relevant forum topics, make DF and NF links for the same terms, at the same time, in that 1:10 pattern. This ratio should roughly double one's overall traffic results, without doubling the labor. Since the n0 follow links don't impact direct ranking or for indexing, they would be excellent for referral linking, branding or even some blackhat blitz campaigns.

I still use forum backlinks, but only in limited quantities because they’re no longer as effective as they used to be.

They can still be useful, but I wouldn't build an SEO strategy around them. A relevant forum link can bring referral traffic too, which is probably the bigger value.

If you can find a forum where links are do-follow and the forum is in the same niche as your site you should always go for it. The forum being active and getting visitors is always a plus

masood.seo said:

I’m learning SEO and I’ve seen mixed opinions about forum backlinks. Do they still provide any SEO value, or are they mainly useful for referral traffic and getting your site in front of people?

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Forum backlinks can still have value, but context matters. A genuine recommendation inside an active, relevant discussion can be worthwhile; mass profile or signature links are a different story. you have to choose based on your requirement.

Forum backlinks can still have some value but I wouldn’t rely on them as a major ranking signal.

Their bigger benefit is usually referral traffic, brand exposure and getting your site in front of a relevant audience especially when the links come from genuine, niche discussions.

It has no value left in terms of SEO, but it can be good source of referral traffic and in a good link profile scheme I would place it at 1-2% of the overall spread.

yeah forum will help to improve our brand visibility. But it should be natural and valid one then only you can gain its conversions and traffic. In terms of traffic you will get in a very small amount f users but mostly all be a valid ones.

they can be useful for referral traffic and diversification but can't depend on them for rankings

yeah there can some seo benefit but for me the bigger value is usually the referral traffic.if the link is placed closer to the homepage it can more useful too

I doubt it would ever actually lose any value, though building your whole start around forum backlinks specifically? I dunno about that.
Anyway, relevant links can still send referral traffic and possibly provide some SEO value, but if you drop links purely for the backlink then you won't really accomplish much.