Local Link Building: Building Backlinks for Local Websites (Local SEO Part 8)

The (active or passive) building of backlinks is an essential part of the SEO strategy for every website. For local businesses, there are some special features and opportunities in link building, which are discussed in this eighth part of the Local SEO series.

Our list of link sources is not intended as a complete listing but as an inspiration that may not apply to every industry.

Backlinks vs. Citations/Mentions

As explained in the third part Local Ranking Factors, not only links are important for mobile search engine optimization, but also mentions of the company (known as "Citations" in English).

The topic of citations will be covered in a ninth part of this series; this part focuses on backlinks. Overall, it can be said that both factors are among the important ranking factors. Some of the ideas presented here not only provide links but also mentions of the company.

It is therefore advisable not to see the acquisition of links and citations as separate. The number, source, and content of reviews should also be considered in this context.

What to look for in backlinks?

In principle, the criteria here hardly differ from the factors that need to be considered in general link building. Both the quality and the quantity and diversity of the backlinks play a role.

The authority of the link sources is also important here, with links from local-specific domains being particularly valuable. It stands to reason that backlinks containing the location in the link text can have a positive impact. However, it is important to vary the link texts and achieve the most natural link building possible.

Local backlink research

A first point of reference for possible link sources is provided by backlink research. How many sources can be identified here depends significantly on the backlink tool used.

The most important local competitors, but also competing companies from other areas, should be analyzed for their backlinks. Links from relevant local websites are particularly interesting here.

Local backlink sources

As mentioned above, this list does not claim to be exhaustive. The following tips are intended to provide a starting point and ideally inspire your own ideas.

• Local directories and business directories

• City portals or local pages of certain city districts

• Local news sites: local newspapers, radio stations, and TV stations

• Link exchange with business partners

• Become a sponsor for a local event

• Organize a local event

• Become a speaker at local events

• Attend local events and report on them

• Publish advance information about local events

• Become a sponsor for a team: With a small budget, the children's or godchildren's basketball or soccer team is suitable, but small regional clubs are also always happy to find sponsors.
  This not only brings new contacts thanks to the team's fans but also possibly a logo on the jersey as well as backlinks (and mentions) from the team's events and games.

• Charity work: Donating yourself or collecting donations for a good cause is both helpful for reputation, meaningful, and can lead to backlinks and mentions in the press and on the pages of the respective organizations

• Join local business associations and get involved there

• Conduct a local competition.

• Publish local information and photos: news, events, activities, attractions (some relevance to the business field is required here)

• Network with local bloggers

• Guest posts on local blogs

• Job postings on university sites

• Local deal and coupon websites

• Review portals

If you are looking for an agency that will competently and individually support you in link building for your local business, contact us!