Last Updated on September 21, 2025 by Ian Naylor
In today’s competitive digital landscape, ranking prominently in local search results has become a critical factor in driving business success. While many businesses focus solely on content optimization or paid ads, they often overlook one of the most effective long-term strategies: local link building.
Backlinks remain one of Google’s strongest ranking signals, especially for local SEO. If your business depends on local clientele, mastering the art of acquiring quality backlinks can be transformative. This article distills 17 practical, ethical, and highly effective tactics for building local backlinks, designed for SEO professionals, digital marketers, and small business owners aiming to take their local SEO to the next level.
Why Local Backlinks Matter
Cory Hind, in his detailed breakdown, explains why backlinks are still a cornerstone of Google’s search ranking algorithm. Local backlinks – those from websites within your geographic area or niche – signal trust and relevance to Google. A single high-quality local backlink can often outperform multiple lower-value links. Whether you’re a small business owner, a tradesperson, or a local service provider, building a robust portfolio of local backlinks can:
- Enhance your website’s credibility and authority.
- Improve visibility in search results, including the coveted top spots below paid ads and map packs.
- Drive organic traffic and, ultimately, more leads and revenue.
Below, you’ll find 17 actionable strategies to earn quality local backlinks, explained with examples and tips for implementation.
1. Leverage Local Directories in Tourism and Travel
Local directories related to travel and tourism are an excellent starting point, particularly for businesses tied to activities, hospitality, or locations worth visiting. For instance, a car rental business in New Zealand successfully gained visibility by reaching out to local travel guides and directories like tourism websites.
How to implement:
- Identify tourism-related directories in your area.
- Reach out to directory administrators with your business details and request inclusion.
2. Alumni and Educational Associations
Local schools and universities often celebrate alumni achievements. Leveraging this connection can help you earn backlinks while also increasing your business’s visibility in your community.
Example: A mortgage advisor reached out to his former school to give a career presentation, earning a valuable backlink and community recognition.
How to apply:
- Contact your alma mater or local schools.
- Offer to share your business journey or participate in career talks.
3. Sponsor Local Events
Event sponsorship not only helps your community but also provides businesses with excellent backlink opportunities. A local bike shop increased their authority by sponsoring cycling events and earning mentions on event websites.
Steps to follow:
- Identify community events and sports activities that resonate with your target audience.
- Negotiate sponsorship packages that include website mentions and backlinks.
4. Join Your Local Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce websites often have high domain authority, making them valuable sources of backlinks. Membership benefits typically include directory listings, networking opportunities, and regular mentions.
Tip: Ensure your business profile on the Chamber of Commerce website is complete and includes a link to your site.
5. Collaborate with B2B Partners
Building partnerships with non-competing businesses in your area is a win-win strategy. For example, a decluttering service partnered with local house maintenance vendors, exchanging referrals and backlinks.
How to proceed:
- Identify complementary businesses in your niche.
- Offer to collaborate on joint promotions, guest blog posts, or feature each other on respective websites.
6. Participate in Local Fundraisers
Community fundraisers are not only great for philanthropy but also for gaining local backlinks. Many fundraiser websites or social media pages include sponsor mentions.
Actionable steps:
- Look for upcoming charity events or crowdfunding campaigns in your area.
- Propose offering sponsorship or free services in exchange for website mentions.
7. Utilize Local Government Directories
Local government websites often maintain free or low-cost business listing directories. These are highly authoritative and trusted resources.
Quick tip: Search Google for "Free business listings + [your city name]" to find available opportunities in your area.
8. Sponsor Local Sports Teams
Sports sponsorship can provide exposure across the community, with the added bonus of backlinks from team or event websites.
Example: A plumbing business in Australia sponsored a local football team, gaining a backlink and positive association with the community.
9. Engage Local Influencers
Micro-influencers with a regional focus can amplify your reach and even provide backlinks from their blogs, websites, or social platforms.
Pro-tip: Offer free products or services in exchange for backlinks or shoutouts, depending on your business type.
10. Get Featured in "Best Of" Lists
Local blogs and review sites often write "best of" articles, such as "Top 10 Restaurants in [City]." Being featured can significantly boost your credibility and rankings.
Actionable insight: Reach out to these blogs, offer insights about your business, and inquire about inclusion.
11. Offer Internships or Career Opportunities
If applicable, advertise internships or apprenticeships on school websites or community boards. These often include backlinks to your website or job posting.
12. Submit Press Releases to Local Media
Local newspapers and business journals are powerful platforms for gaining exposure and backlinks.
Steps to take:
- Write a compelling press release about a unique aspect of your business.
- Send it to local journalists or media outlets to increase your chances of publication.
13. Use Reporter Query Platforms
Websites like HARO and Featured.com connect journalists with experts. Responding to queries can earn you backlinks from highly authoritative sources.
14. Present at Community Centers or Libraries
Offering workshops or educational sessions is a highly effective way to establish local authority and gain backlinks through event pages or announcements.
15. Optimize Directories and Citations
Ensure your business is listed in all relevant local directories. ChatGPT, for example, can help identify directories you may have missed by analyzing your niche and city.
16. Contribute to Local Blogs
Local blogs often seek expert opinions, guest posts, or collaboration opportunities. For example, a builder might share insights on home maintenance with a local real estate blog.
17. Partner with Nonprofits
Collaborate with charitable organizations in your area. Offering your services for free or at a discount in return for a mention on their website can yield a high-value backlink.
Key Takeaways
- Consistency matters: Building one or two quality backlinks per month can significantly improve your local SEO over time.
- Start with your network: Leverage schools, local directories, and B2B partnerships to earn easy initial backlinks.
- Combine creativity with outreach: Tailor your approach to your niche and community to find unique backlink opportunities.
- Focus on quality over quantity: A few high-authority local backlinks often outperform numerous low-value links.
- Give back while gaining visibility: Many strategies, such as sponsorships and charity work, double as community-building efforts.
By implementing even a handful of these strategies, businesses can capitalize on the power of local backlinks to climb search rankings, attract organic traffic, and increase their bottom line. Digital marketers and small business owners alike will find these tactics reliable, scalable, and rewarding. Start small, be persistent, and watch your efforts pay off over time.
Source: "How to find Local Link Building Opportunities for SEO – get your business found online!" – Corey Hinde – Marketing | Google | Business, YouTube, Jan 1, 1970 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LOb074mcqY
Use: Embedded for reference. Brief quotes used for commentary/review.
