Optimization is Important

"
PageRank relies on the uniquely democratic nature of the web by using
its vast link structure as an indicator of an individual page's value.
In essence, Google interprets a link from page A to page B as a vote, by page A,
for page B. But, Google looks at considerably more than the sheer volume of votes,
or links a page receives; for example, it also analyzes the page that casts the
vote. Votes cast by pages that are themselves "important" weigh more
heavily and help to make other pages "important." Using these and other
factors, Google provides its views on pages' relative importance."
From: google.com/technology
If your site isn't performing well, then you won't get many links. Analyze your website today.