What does link farming aim to achieve?

Link farming is a strategy used in search engine optimization (SEO) that involves creating a network of websites that link to each other to artificially inflate the number of inbound links a website has. The primary goal of link farming is to manipulate link popularity, which can potentially improve the ranking of a website in search engine results pages (SERPs).

Search engines often use the quantity and quality of inbound links as a factor in determining the relevance and authority of a website. By engaging in link farming, webmasters aim to create the illusion of greater popularity and authority than their site may actually possess. This method can lead to higher search rankings, attracting more visitors to the site. However, it's important to note that this practice is generally discouraged by search engines and can lead to penalties when detected, as it violates the guidelines for ethical SEO practices.

Understanding this concept is crucial for anyone studying SEO principles, as it highlights the importance of genuine link-building strategies that prioritize quality over quantity.