Backlinks No longer Key to Ranking

I've come to the conclusion that backlinks are no longer the key to ranking in Google:
Google have made some big changes since March 11, and i'm seeing minimal effect from gaining new links:

Any Thoughts?

 

that will be the day

 

This is very not true, backlinks have been the foundation of SEO since its inception and will continue to do so until either Web2.0 completely takes over and/or they find a more effective system put in place, which would take a complete algorithm overhaul

 

Yes, this is true, the backlinks are important but not like before. Of course, who spent a lot to buy backlinks won't believe this.

 

Google is continually innovating, but to say backlinks aren't important is more of an indication you do'nt have good links rather than Google devaluing great links.

 

Exactly but not true !!!!

BACKLINKS are not, certainly Quality Backlinks from an Authority Sites is the main key.

 

Backlinks still matter but not as important as it is yesterday. I observe that the key to rank is more on WEb 2.0 sites and optimized content.

 

Backlinks are still important, but not as much from what I am seeing. Social factors are starting to play more of a role as is the type of content you're using.

 

that's true a half.

 

No way, buts it's prob. quality not quantity now

 

Backlinks are important but only quality related backlinks only key to rank your site

 

We will see

 

most of web 2.0 has no follow rule, aren't they ? so is it still matters to leave BL there ?

 

it's what google like to do in future but now back links are still working.

 

I agree that backlinks are still working, but not as significant as before panda2 started.

 

I think quality of the backlinks outrank the quantity. Also backlinks should be related to your site.

 

Backlink still affecting the serp much as we can see now. Anyway, no one know what will happen in future

 

yes its a fact link selling business has gone down after panda update. I used to make lot of money selling links. Now its just reduced to 60%. Thats the reason i am jumping into different online business now. Anyone experiencing the same? I think hardly people buy links now as backlinks are not much important now. Now google also take into consideration number of outgoing links on a page. Link sellers sell links to so many websites on a single page. That is not useful anymore.

 

Yeah, I agree with this.

 

I guess some don't learn..and even their conclusions get the same quality as the links they get...Backlinks do count, but not those crappy ones that is easy to be build, they are now being filtered and "devalued" to an extend that it makes you believe that praying now is a better seo tactic then building links.

Build better links, of better quality and you will indeed see improvements in rankings.

Cheers.