Last Updated on September 23, 2025 by Becky Halls
Showing up in local search can make or break a business. Whether you’re running a coffee shop, a plumbing service, or a local agency, if people in your area can’t find you on Google… you’re basically invisible.
Most businesses pour their energy into content or paid ads (which are great, and we couldn’t do without them), but there’s one powerful strategy that often gets overlooked: local link building.
Backlinks are still one of Google’s biggest trust signals — and when those links come from websites in your community or niche? Even better! Just one solid local backlink can do more for your visibility than a dozen low-value ones.
So if you’re a small business owner or digital marketer looking to boost your rankings where it really matters — your hometown — you’re in the right place.
This guide breaks down 17 practical, ethical, and surprisingly doable ways to earn local backlinks that actually make results!
Why Local Backlinks Actually Matter
So, what’s the big deal with local backlinks?
Well, according to SEO expert Corey Hinde (and pretty much anyone who’s been in the game for more than five minutes), backlinks are still one of Google’s most powerful ranking signals. But when those links come from websites in your local area? That’s when the magic happens.
Local backlinks tell Google:
“Hey, this business matters here.”
“Other people in the same area trust them.”
“They’re relevant to the people searching nearby.”
“76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business they find online within a day.” Digital Silk
Whether you’re a dog groomer in Derby, a builder in Brighton, or a yoga teacher in York — a few strong backlinks from local blogs, directories, business partners, or community organisations can seriously level up your visibility.
They help you:
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Show up higher in those super-competitive local search results (right under the ads and map packs)
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Build trust with both search engines and potential customers
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Drive more clicks, calls, and foot traffic from people who are actually nearby
In other words: if you want to own your local patch online, backlinks are still the secret weapon.
“Over 1.5 billion searches each month contain ‘near me,’ indicating local intent.” SEO.com
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.
“Quality and authority is the most important attribute of a good local backlink. However, remember to split these across a diverse range of sources, rather than just one great source.” — Dev Basu, BrightLocal BrightLocal
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.
