I’m sure you’ve heard a thousand times that if you want your local business to stand out online, you’ve got to nail your local SEO. And one of the most powerful tools in your SEO toolbox is local backlinks.
So, how do you get these magical local backlinks? Don’t worry—I’ve got you. Let’s talk about 17 easy, actionable strategies you can start using today to grow your business.
Local Backlinks VS Local Citations
First, let’s understand the key difference between local backlinks and citations.
Local backlinks are links to your website from other websites that are relevant to your area—like local blogs, businesses, or event pages. Think of them as a virtual high-five. When other sites link to yours, they’re basically telling Google, “This business is legit.” And the more high-quality local backlinks you have, the higher you’ll appear in local searches.
Why does this matter? It’s simple: better rankings mean more people find you online. More traffic to your website means more customers walking through your doors or calling for your services.
But what about local citations? Those are important as well, but they’re different. Citations are just listings of your business info—like your name, address, and phone number—on directories like Yelp or Google My Business. They’re good for local visibility, but backlinks are what really move the needle when it comes to rankings.
1. Guest Posting
Local guest posting is when you contribute articles to local or niche websites that align with your industry. This allows you to build local backlinks while reaching an audience that is geographically or topically relevant to your business. Besides, search engines love local connections. When you score a backlink from a website in your area, it carries extra weight because of its geographic relevance.
For example, if you are a plumbing company, you might write for local home improvement blogs where the audience is interested in plumbing services.
Real-World Example
Bed Kingdom, a bed store based in the UK, shows how to do local guest posting by contributing their article to Interior Designer Magazine. The backlink is super relevant since both websites are in the same niche—home design and bedroom solutions. Plus, because they’re local, it adds even more SEO value. As I’ve mentioned earlier, search engines love local connections and prioritize links from the same area when judging a website’s authority.
2. Linkable Assets
Linkable assets are high-value content that’s made to attract local backlinks naturally. Think local guides, interactive tools, infographics, or unique data specific to your industry or area. The goal?
To create something so helpful and insightful that other local businesses or websites can’t help but link to it as a resource.
Want to create your linkable asset? Start with something your audience truly needs. Here are some examples:
- If you’re a local travel agency, create an interactive map of the best hiking trails in [your region] with filters for difficulty, length, and scenery. Travel bloggers and outdoor enthusiasts will absolutely love it!
- If you’re a utility company or energy consultant, design an infographic about how home energy costs have changed over the last 10 years in [your area]. It’s highly shareable and provides unique insights for news outlets, energy blogs, and local organizations.
Easy Tip: Add visuals and promote these assets to local websites, bloggers, and organizations—they’ll find them valuable enough to link to while helping their audiences.
Real-World Example
SF Travel’s 'Visitor's Guide to Golden Gate Park' is the perfect example of a linkable asset. It’s a detailed guide highlighting must-see attractions, walking routes, and fascinating historical facts about one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks. This kind of high-value content caught the attention of Travel + Leisure, which featured it in their list of the "Best Places to Travel in August." That mention earned SF Travel a high-quality backlink from a major travel website with 88 DR.
3. Niche Edit/Link Insertion
Niche edits, also known as link insertions, are a clever way to build local backlinks. The idea is simple: you reach out to local websites with existing content and suggest adding your link as a valuable resource.
For example, if there’s a blog post about DIY plumbing tips on a local home improvement site, you could propose including a link to your plumbing business as a trusted resource. Since the content is already established and relevant to your area, your link fits naturally and provides value to readers—plus, it gives your backlink profile a nice local boost!
Real-World Example
Nationwide Appliance Repairs got a well-placed link in an article on Deep In Mummy Matters that aligns with the principles of link insertion. The article shares tips for creating a kid-friendly home, like child-proofing sharp corners and keeping appliances safe. Their link fits naturally in a section about maintaining safe appliances, offering a solution for repairing faulty ones.
4. Digital PR for Link Building
Digital PR is an awesome way to score high-quality local backlinks by crafting newsworthy stories or content that grabs the attention of journalists and influencers.
The idea is simple: create something compelling—like a unique survey, a quirky local event, or a cool industry insight—and pitch it to media outlets, blogs, or industry sites. If it clicks with them, they’ll feature it, publish it, and link back to your website.
Wondering how to come up with trendy topics? Start by keeping an eye on current events, seasonal trends, and hot topics in your industry. Tools like Google Trends, Twitter hashtags, or industry forums can spark ideas.
It’s all about being timely, relevant, and creative!
Real-World Example
Here’s a brilliant example of how digital PR can work wonders: Bloom & Wild landed a feature in the BBC article. The piece talks about the intriguing tradition of floriography—a Victorian-era way of sending coded messages through flowers—and how it’s making a comeback in modern times.
Bloom & Wild’s florist, Harriet Parry, shared her expertise, explaining how flower color symbolism still plays a big role today. She even revealed that 29% of their customers choose bouquets based on color, with red being the top pick.
This was a unique opportunity because it got Bloom & Wild a backlink from the BBC—something you’d never pull off with regular link-building.
5. Unlinked Brand Mentions
Unlinked brand mentions happen when someone mentions your business on their website but doesn’t include a link back to your site. This is a great opportunity to contact the site owner and politely ask them to turn that mention into a clickable link. Tools like Google Alerts or Ahrefs can help local businesses track these mentions and find where you’re being discussed.
Real-World Example
Let me share an example with you so the strategy is crystal clear: Evernest got a mention in an article on Business Insider, but there wasn’t a link to their website.
In such a case, they could just send the publisher a quick, friendly note: “Hey, we really appreciate the mention! Would you mind adding a link to our site so readers can easily find us?” It’s a simple request that turns a mention into a backlink.
By the way, I discovered this by searching for the brand name in Ahrefs Content Explorer and using the “highlight unlinked mentions” feature.
This tool makes it super easy to spot where your brand is being talked about but isn’t linked.
6. Broken Link Building
Broken link building is all about finding broken links on websites relevant to your business and offering your content as a replacement. It’s mutually beneficial: you’re helping the site owner fix a dead link and get a valuable backlink to your site.
It’s like finding a broken signpost and offering to replace it with one that directs visitors to your business. Tools like Ahrefs or Screaming Frog can help you locate these broken links, making it easier to reach out and suggest your content as a suitable fix.
Real-World Example
I used Ahrefs and discovered that Tartan Vibes Clothing, a local business, lost a valuable backlink from the article "Exploring the Rich Traditions of Scotland" on the Money and Advice website due to a 404 error. The broken link pointed to a now-defunct page on Tartan Vibes' site.
This creates a fantastic opportunity for one of Tartan Vibes' competitors to step in. A competitor with relevant content could reach out to the owner of Money and Advice with a message like:
"Hey, I noticed that one of your links to Tartan Vibes Clothing isn’t working. We actually have a similar article about Scotland's rich traditions that could be a great replacement—happy to share it with you!"
By doing this, the competitor helps Money and Advice fix their broken link and earns a valuable backlink.
7. Infographics
Infographics are visual tools that present complex information in a simple, easy-to-understand format. They combine images, charts, and text to make content more engaging and easier to digest. Creating a high-quality infographic and sharing it with relevant websites or blogs can attract local backlinks when others use your visuals to improve their content.
To expand its reach, you can submit the infographic to directories or reach out to niche websites that regularly share visual content. And don’t worry if you’re not a designer—tools like Canva make it easy to create professional-looking infographics without advanced skills.
Real-World Example
A solid example of this strategy is the infographic Laser Body MD created for their blog post titled “Botox Costs in Canada.” The infographic breaks down Botox pricing across different provinces, presenting the information clearly and visually engagingly.
Because it’s useful and easy to share, it’s the kind of content that naturally gets picked up by other health and wellness blogs, helping Laser Body MD earn backlinks.
8. Press Release for Link Building
Press release link building is all about sharing big news or updates about your business in a way that grabs attention and gets people talking. Think of it like spreading news from mouth to mouth—only this time, journalists, bloggers, and media outlets pick up your story and share it online.
When you create a press release with something genuinely newsworthy—like a new product launch, a big partnership, or an exciting milestone—it’s more likely to get noticed, covered, and linked back to your site.
Real-World Example
Polsinelli’s announced the addition of seven experienced international trade attorneys to their Washington, D.C., office, and it grabbed the attention of journalists.
By getting the story featured on a well-respected platform like IPWatchdog, they earned valuable local backlinks.
9. Blogger Outreach
Blogger outreach involves connecting with bloggers and influencers in your niche to collaborate on content featuring your business and including a backlink.
A simple way to find local bloggers is to search for them directly on Google.
Type “[your niche] blogger [your location]” and choose those bloggers whose websites have a higher DR score (more than 40) and a monthly traffic of more than 1000 visitors.
This will help you uncover local bloggers who might be a perfect fit to collaborate with or feature your content.
Real-World Example
Joe's Pizza is featured on The Infatuation’s New York City restaurant review page, where Willa Moore, a local food enthusiast, shares her experience at the restaurant. The article shows Joe's Pizza as a must-try NYC pizza place and includes a valuable backlink to Joe’s website.
10. Founder Interviews
Founder interviews involve having your company’s founder or key leadership featured on relevant websites, blogs, or podcasts. These interviews often include a backlink to your site, either within the article or in the author bio.
Think of it as sharing your company’s journey at a local networking event – you provide valuable insights. In return, you gain exposure and a backlink that strengthens your online presence.
Real-World Example
Romain Gaillard, founder of The Detox Market, has often put this strategy into action. He often does interviews where he talks about clean beauty, retail trends, and sustainability. In one interview with Authority Magazine on Medium, he shared his insights while putting his brand in front of a wider audience. It’s a smart way to build credibility, get people talking about your expertise, and naturally earn backlinks at the same time.
11. Case Studies
Case study link building is all about presenting real success stories using your product or service and getting them in front of the right audience. You create an in-depth case study highlighting your results—like how your solution helped a client boost sales, improve efficiency, or solve a major problem.
Once it’s ready, share it with relevant websites, industry blogs, or publications that might find the story valuable for their audience. Because case studies are detailed and trustworthy, they’re often seen as great resources worth linking to, helping you earn high-quality and local backlinks.
Real-World Example
Here’s how a case study can work for link building: Pizza Ranch teamed up with 7shifts to create a success story titled “How Pizza Ranch Improved Employee Turnover Across 150+ Locations.” The case study showed how they used 7shifts’ scheduling platform to cut employee turnover by 14% and improve labor costs by 0.5%. Sharing their experience, Pizza Ranch earned a valuable backlink from 7shifts’ website—an industry-relevant and trusted source.
12. Link Roundups
Link roundups are a simple way to get your content in front of the right audience and earn valuable backlinks. These are curated lists of useful or interesting content—like a “best of the week” post—where site owners showcase great resources in your niche.
To find link roundups that fit your topic, you can search on Google using phrases like “[your niche] link roundup” or “best [topic] articles this week.”
Tools like Google Alerts can also help by notifying you when new roundup posts are published. Once you find a good match, contact the site owner with a friendly pitch: “Hey, I saw your recent roundup and thought this [article/tool/resource] could be a great fit for your audience.”
If your content is valuable and relevant, it’s a win-win: the site gets a great resource to share, and you earn a quality backlink while reaching a new audience.
Real-World Example
Superside’s curated list of “Top Creative Agencies in London,” which features KOTA, is a perfect example of link roundups.
The list is packed with value for businesses or brands looking for expert creative talent, whether for web design, branding, or digital solutions. KOTA stands out on the list for its innovative web design and unique approach to digital projects, which has earned it a strong reputation (and a quality backlink).
13. Whitepapers and Research Reports
Whitepapers and research reports are a great way to attract backlinks by creating in-depth, data-driven content that people actually want to reference. It’s like putting together a detailed industry study or guide that answers big questions or highlights key trends in your field. When you share real insights backed by solid research or data, other websites, blogs, and publications are more likely to link to it because it adds value and credibility to their content.
The trick is to make your report useful and relevant and share it with industry websites, influencers, and publications covering your niche. When done right, it helps you build local backlinks, which we’re aiming for, right?
Real-World Example
Take JLLT’s research report as an example. The report shows key trends and challenges in real estate technology.
By publishing this kind of in-depth, data-driven content, JLLT catches the attention of real estate news outlets, tech publications, and property management blogs looking to share relevant industry insights with their audiences.
The result? A quick look at the report’s backlink profile shows how well this strategy works—111 backlinks, including links from websites with DR scores of 58, 71, and even 82!
14. Google My Business (GMB)
Optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) profile is a great way to get your business noticed locally, and it can indirectly help with link building.
When you fill out your profile with accurate details, add photos, and post regular updates, you’re more likely to appear in local searches and Google’s Local Pack. This makes it easier for local blogs, directories, or news sites to discover your business and potentially feature or link to you.
While GMB doesn’t directly create backlinks, it helps strengthen your local SEO and builds trust with your community. Plus, the more visible and active your business is, the more likely others—like local media or businesses—will reference or link to you.
Real-World Example
Top Notch Moving’s GMB profile is the perfect example to prove our point. Based on the search results for “moving companies near me,” conducted from New York, Top Notch Moving & Storage ranks prominently in the local search listings.
By keeping its Google My Business profile up-to-date with accurate contact info, 24/7 availability, and details about its onsite services and online estimates, Top Notch Moving makes it easier to stand out in local searches. This extra visibility helps local blogs, directories, and news sites find and mention them when recommending trusted movers in New York.
15. Local Directories
Submitting your business to local directories is a powerful way to build local citations and improve your online visibility—just like we discussed in the earlier section on Local Backlinks vs. Local Citations.
Even though these directories don’t usually give dofollow backlinks, they’re still super helpful for getting your business noticed locally and building a good reputation in your community.
To get started, search for “[your location] + directory” or “[your industry] + local directory” on Google.
For example, if you run a bakery in Austin, you could search for “Austin business directory” or “food and drink directory Austin.” Focus on reputable directories like Yelp and Yellow Pages.
The key is keeping your information accurate and consistent—your business name, address, phone number, and website (NAP) must match all listings.
Real-World Example
Children's Dental FunZone is featured on the Demandforce directory, a resource containing a network of 28,000 service providers.
This listing puts them right in front of families searching for pediatric dental services in Los Angeles, where being visible matters most.
On top of that, it earns them a quality local backlink and makes it easy for parents to find, trust, and book with them.
16. Charity Link Building
Charity link building is a practical way to support local causes while earning valuable backlinks. Start by looking for local events, charities, or community initiatives that align with your business values.
For example, you could sponsor a 5K charity run, donate to a food bank, or help fund a local youth sports team.
Many of these organizations have websites listing sponsors and supporters, often including a link to your business.
To find opportunities, search for terms like “local charity sponsorship [your city]” or “community event sponsors needed [your area].”
Once you get involved, you earn your desired local backlink by doing something good for your community.
Real-World Example
Co-op’s Local Causes initiative shows how businesses can make a real impact while building meaningful connections. In Guildford, three Co-op stores raised over £9,000 for the Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity’s Teenage and Young Adult Cancer (TYAC) service. The funds went toward essential peer support groups, social outings, and adventure weekends, helping young people living with cancer connect and enjoy life beyond treatment. By getting involved in such causes, Co-op connects better with the community and scores a helpful backlink.
17. Event Link Building
Event link building is a great way to earn backlinks while getting your business involved in the community. Whether hosting an event or sponsoring one, you can often secure a link from the event’s website, registration page, or promotional materials.
For example, if you sponsor a local food festival or a charity 5K, your business might get featured on the event’s website with a link back to your site.
To make this work, start by searching for local events in your niche or area using terms like “sponsorship opportunities [your city]” or “local events looking for sponsors.”
You can also collaborate with other businesses to co-host workshops, webinars, or networking events.
Real-World Example
Now that we’ve covered the theory let’s look at how it works in practice. Easy Tiger joined the Austin Fermentation Festival by hosting a sourdough workshop. As part of the collaboration, the festival’s website featured them as a key participant and linked back to their site.
What Websites Are More Likely to Give Local Backlinks to Your Business?
Once you’ve nailed down your strategies, the next step is finding the right prospects to make them happen. After all, the key to success is knowing where to focus your efforts and who to reach out to. Here are a few types of local websites that are more likely to link back to your business:
- Local Business Directories: These directories list businesses based on location and services.
- Local Blogs: These blogs focus on topics related to your community, such as local events, businesses, and news.
- Community-Focused Websites: Platforms that serve local communities by providing information about services, events, or resources. These could include city guides or community centers that offer links to local businesses.
- Local News Websites: Local newspapers or news stations frequently cover stories about businesses in their area, often providing local backlinks when businesses are mentioned in articles or press releases.
- Educational Institutions: Schools and universities often provide local business resources or sponsor scholarship programs.
- Local Event Listings: Websites that promote local events, such as city tourism pages or local community centers, often link back to the businesses hosting or sponsoring events.
How to Find Prospect Websites for Your Local Business?
Building a strong local backlink profile is not just about the strategies—it’s about finding the right places to use them.
The good news? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. With a little focus and the right tools, you can find local websites perfect for boosting your rankings.
Here’s how you can identify potential local backlink opportunities:
- Search for Local Directories: Look for directories specific to your location or industry. A quick Google search using phrases like “best business directories in [your city]” or “[your industry] directories” can help you uncover the most relevant options.
- Use Prospecting Tools: Tools like Linkee can automate identifying high-quality local link opportunities. This tool makes finding local websites relevant to your business easy, saving you time and helping you build links that count for your niche.
- Check Local Competitors: Look at the backlink profiles of your local competitors. Tools like Ahrefs or Moz can show you where they’re getting backlinks, giving you a list of potential websites to contact.
Maria Harutyunyan is the co-founder at Loopex Digital, one of the fast-growing SEO agencies in the world. She grew the agency to a 7-figure from the ground up in 3 years. Outside of Loopex Digital, Harutyunyan is a keynote speaker and SEO coach. She is the founder of the first SEO academy, an off-line training program in Yerevan, Armenia.
