Open Site Explorer Backlink Numbers Wrong?

[DRPower]

So, I have a new site that we are currently building links for, lots of hard work. Anyway, I was a bit shocked when I viewed my site through Open Site Explorer and found only 4 backlinks!!!!! Alexa.com, Majestic, and Google Webmaster Tools don't show the exact same numbers, but their figures are all MUCH higher, 4 to 566 for example. What gives

Site is www.powerequipmentplus.com for those who want to look themselves.

Thanks for your time and concern.

[DesignbysoapLtd]

Tim is spot on - it's also worth noting that OSE updates around every 30 days, so if you gain a new link just after the update it will take a few weeks to show up.

Try Majestic SEO - their backlink checker tool is excellent and works very well in combination with OSE.

[DRPower]

That certainly clears things up. I do usually only use one tool. OSE has been the most consistent so far.

Thanks!

[TimKelsey]

Hey DRCS,

It's likely just because SEOmoz had some issues with their most recent update to their index. The update was delayed for a few weeks so the current infomation in OSE is a little outdated. If you website is new, most of your new links probably weren't included in the last index. Don't worry, however, the index is scheduled to be updated again next week.

Even after the next update, you'll notice differences between all the link tracking tools. They all use different methods for crawling the web, scrubbing out junky or old links and processing their data. This results in wildly different numbers. Although it can be good to use a few tools to get a larger picture of your link graph, I find it most helpful to track my success by sticking with one tool and comparing my metrics on a monthly basis.

Hope this helps!

Tim