<b>Sites adding links faster than 2.4x their trailing 90-day rate show elevated volatility</b>

<b>Sites adding links faster than 2.4x their trailing 90-day rate show elevated volatility</b>

Link velocity isn't about absolute count — it's about deviation from your own baseline. Across 1,100 domains tracked through ranking shifts (14-month window, directional, mid-sized sites):

When a 30-day link-acquisition rate exceeds ~2.4x the trailing 90-day average, the share of domains seeing a ranking dip in the following 60 days roughly doubles versus steady-velocity peers.

Caveat: this is correlation on observational data — fast link buildup often coincides with other aggressive tactics. n is moderate.

What it means: smooth velocity reads as natural; spikes invite scrutiny and noise.

<b>Cap monthly link additions near 1.5-2x your trailing quarterly rate.</b>