How can Local Link Building Boost SEO?
Getting links to your website is just as important for local SEO as it is for any other type of SEO. Many of the strategies you’d use are the same, like creating valuable content, reaching out to influencers, guest posting, and getting listed on relevant resource pages.
But what makes local link building different? It’s all about focusing on your area. You want your links to show up in local directories, blogs, and resource lists that matter to your community.
This guide will walk you through how to find local backlinks, understand local business listings, and everything else you need to succeed in local SEO. Let’s dive in!
What is Local Link Building, and Why Does It Matter?
Local link building is the process of getting relevant, location-based links to your business website. The goal? To boost organic traffic and help your site rank better in local searches and Google’s map pack.
Unlike big national websites, local businesses don’t need a huge number of backlinks to rank well. You can use tools like The HOTH’s Google ranking tool to see how many backlinks you might need to compete locally.
A study by Backlinko found that the #1 search result in Google’s organic listings has a 31.7% click-through rate. That’s why ranking well in local search is a game-changer for your business.
In fact, according to Moz’s 2018 Local Search Ranking Factors survey, backlinks are one of the top ranking factors for local SEO.
Local Links vs. Local Citations: What’s the Difference?
A local link is a backlink from another website to yours. It helps build authority and improve your rankings.
A local citation is any mention of your business’s name, address, or phone number (NAP) online. These show up in business directories, apps, or even social media platforms.
Citations help customers find you and also improve your local search rankings. Many SEO experts believe citations are a key ranking factor for local SEO. Claiming and creating citations tells Google that your business is real and relevant.
How to Check Your Local Citations
Consistent and accurate citations boost your rankings and visibility. But keeping track of every online mention can be time-consuming.
That’s where tools like The HOTH’s local citation service, Moz Local, and Whitespark come in handy. They help you identify and fix any missing or incorrect citations, making sure your business info is accurate everywhere.
Also Read: What are the Key Ranking Factors for Local SEO?
How to Find Local Backlinks
Studies show that backlinks are one of the biggest ranking factors for local SEO. If you want to rank higher, you need a smart link-building strategy.
Here are some great ways to get local backlinks:
- Get links from trusted, high-authority websites
- Find and win backlinks your competitors already have
- Create local content about events, sales, and community happenings
- Build local citations
- Look for unlinked mentions of your business and ask for a backlink
- Add internal links to connect pages on your own website
Pro tip: Avoid spammy backlinks! Low-quality links can hurt your rankings instead of helping. Stick to reputable sites.
Also Read: How do I Create Locally Targeted Content?
Finding Local Business Listings
A great way to get backlinks is by getting listed in local directories. Whitespark has a list of the top 50 local citation sites by country, which is a great place to start.
Here are some search queries you can use to find business listings:
[location] business listings[location] business directory[business type keyword] directory [location]
For trade organizations:
[location] [business type keyword] association[location] [business type keyword] council
If you don’t find enough results, just do a little more digging on Google!
The Best Local Link Building Strategies
Getting local links isn’t just about SEO—it also helps drive foot traffic and build relationships in your community. In fact, 76% of people who search for a local business on their phone visit that business within a day!
Here are some top strategies for getting local links:
- Get your business listed in major local directories
- Join trade organizations relevant to your industry
- Partner with local charities, schools, or non-profits (sponsorships and scholarships work great!)
- Take part in or organize community events
- Connect with local bloggers and small businesses for link exchanges
- Offer mentoring programs or guest lectures at local schools
- Pitch stories about your business to local newspapers
Why does this work? Getting featured in local news or community websites often leads to high-authority .edu, .org, and .gov backlinks. Plus, being involved in local events can boost your reputation and sales.
Example: A local business once created a scholarship program, got featured in a local newspaper, and even earned a backlink from The Wall Street Journal!
Why Local Link Building is Worth It
Local link building helps you:
- âś… Improve local search rankings
- âś… Boost website traffic
- âś… Build trust and authority
- âś… Increase sales and conversions
- âś… Strengthen relationships with customers and other businesses
- âś… Get more social media engagement
A solid local link-building strategy will help you stand out, attract more customers, and grow your business.
Also Read: What are Best Practices for Local Landing Pages?
Google Maps and Link Building
Ranking in Google Maps is a big deal for local businesses. To get into the coveted Google Map 3-Pack, you need strong local backlinks that show Google your business is trusted in the community.
According to an Ahrefs study, the top-ranking pages get new backlinks at a rate of 5%–14.5% per month. That means ongoing link building is key to staying ahead.
How to Rank Higher in Google Maps
- Optimize your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)
- Add subcategories to your Google Business Profile
- Build high-quality local citations
- Optimize your website for SEO
- Get listed on local directories
- Collect testimonials and Google reviews
- Avoid spammy backlinks
Pro tip: Respond to every Google review—good or bad. It shows customers that you care, which makes them more likely to choose your business.
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