Last Updated on September 29, 2025 by Becky Halls
Want a little secret? Local SEO isn’t just about keywords and content. It’s about who anchors to you in your own neighbourhood. Backlinks from local sites tell Google, “Hey — this business really matters right here.”
You don’t need a hundred random backlinks to win locally. What you do need is consistency, relevance, and a few clever strategies you can actually act on.
In this article, you’ll find 17 realistic and creative local link building ideas — everything from sponsorships to school partnerships — that small businesses, digital marketers, or local SEO nerds can use to stand out in their town or city.
“A backlink from your local rugby club’s website can do more for your local rankings than a link from a national directory — because Google cares about context, not just domain authority.” Becky Halls, SEO Strategist @ 3Way.Social
Key Ideas You’ll Learn
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What makes a backlink “local” vs “generic”
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How to tap into community-driven link sources
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Ways to partner with institutions, events, and local influencers
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Examples of link ideas you might never have considered
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Tips to make your outreach more effective and human
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get those links that make sense for your area.
Why Local Backlinks Matter
Local backlinks essentially tell search engines like Google that your business is trusted and relevant to a specific geographic area. These links improve your website’s authority, increasing your chances of outranking competitors.
Key Insight: You don’t need dozens of backlinks to see results – just a consistent flow of high-quality, local links. Even gaining one or two strong backlinks per month can have a compounding effect on your rankings over time.
Local link building isn’t complicated — it’s just overlooked. Start by showing up for your community online the same way you do offline. Ian Naylor, Co-founder @ 3Way.Social
1. Leverage Local Directories and Tourist Websites
Local directories and tourism-related websites are often high-traffic, high-authority platforms in their respective regions. If your business is in an industry tied to travel, tourism, or leisure, reaching out to these directories can be a fruitful strategy.
- Example: A car rental business in New Zealand partnered with travel directories to secure backlinks, resulting in greater online visibility.
Steps to Implement:
- Identify authoritative local directories using a search query like “tourism directories [city name].”
- Contact the site and provide your business details for inclusion.
- Don’t forget to ask for social media mentions if possible!
2. Alumni Associations
Rekindle connections with your alma mater by reaching out to alumni associations or schools. These organizations often feature successful alumni on their websites or newsletters.
- Example: A mortgage advisor in his hometown delivered a career talk at his old school and secured a backlink from the school’s website.
Steps to Implement:
- Contact your former school or university.
- Offer to share your career journey or provide a guest presentation.
- Request a backlink as part of your feature.
3. Sponsor Local Events
Sponsoring community events is a win-win strategy. Not only does it position your business as a community supporter, but it also often earns you a backlink from the event’s website or promotional materials.
- Example: A bike shop in New Zealand sponsors several local cycling events, gaining backlinks from event pages and shoutouts on social media.
Steps to Implement:
- Identify relevant local events in your area (e.g., charity runs, fairs, or sporting events).
- Propose a sponsorship deal in exchange for a backlink.
4. Join Your Local Chamber of Commerce
Membership in your local Chamber of Commerce is an excellent way to earn backlinks from their website, which often boasts strong domain authority.
- Example: A boutique business broker listed their services on their Chamber of Commerce website, boosting their local search rankings.
Steps to Implement:
- Research membership costs and benefits.
- Ensure your business is listed on the Chamber’s website.
- Attend events and network for further opportunities.
5. Collaborate with B2B Partners
Form partnerships with other local businesses in complementary industries. Many businesses are willing to exchange backlinks as part of a mutually beneficial relationship.
- Example: A decluttering specialist partnered with vendors like house cleaners and landscapers, exchanging referrals and backlinks.
Steps to Implement:
- Identify businesses in your area that serve the same audience but aren’t direct competitors.
- Offer to feature them on your website in exchange for a backlink from theirs.
6. Build Links Through Local Fundraisers
Supporting local fundraisers not only enhances your brand reputation but often leads to valuable backlinks from event organizers, community groups, or charities.
- Example: A business sponsored a local car boot sale and earned a backlink from the event’s website while gaining exposure to local attendees.
Steps to Implement:
- Reach out to community organizers or look for announcements on local Facebook groups.
- Offer sponsorship or donations in exchange for a backlink.
7. Get Listed on Local Government Directories
Local government websites often host free or low-cost business directories, which are highly trusted by search engines.
Steps to Implement:
- Search Google for “free business listings [city name].”
- Add your business information to these directories.
8. Partner with Local Sports Clubs
Sponsoring sports teams or clubs in your area can result in backlinks from their websites and positive community exposure.
- Example: A plumbing business in Australia sponsored a football club, gaining links from the team’s website and social media pages.
Pro Tip: If the club doesn’t offer website links, request social media mentions instead – these can also drive local traffic.
9. Collaborate with Local Influencers
Local micro-influencers on platforms like Instagram or YouTube can help promote your business through mentions and backlinks.
- Example: An organic food store provided free products to a local influencer in exchange for a blog post and backlinks.
Steps to Implement:
- Identify influencers within your niche and region.
- Offer free products or services in exchange for an honest review and a backlink.
10. Feature on “Best Of” Lists
Many blogs and websites create “best of” lists for local businesses, such as “Best Plumbers in [City]” or “Top Restaurants in [Area].”
Steps to Implement:
- Search for local “best of” lists in your industry.
- Contact the authors and suggest your business for inclusion.
- Offer additional value, such as photos or customer testimonials, to increase your chances.
11. Offer Internships or Career Opportunities
Posting internships or job opportunities on local school or university websites can earn you backlinks from these authoritative institutions.
Steps to Implement:
- Work with local schools to promote internships on their websites.
- Ensure your business name and website are included in the job listing.
12. Pitch Stories to Local Newspapers
Local newspapers and business journals are great sources for backlinks. By sharing unique or interesting business stories, you can earn a feature on their websites.
- Example: A sand artist specializing in team-building workshops was featured in a local business journal, earning a powerful backlink.
Pro Tip: Build relationships with local journalists on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter to increase your chances of being featured.
13. Use Online Platforms Like HARO or Feature.com
Help a Reporter Out (HARO) and Feature.com connect journalists with industry experts. By contributing expert insights, you can earn backlinks from reputable publications.
Steps to Implement:
- Sign up for HARO or Feature.com.
- Respond to queries relevant to your expertise.
- Secure backlinks from published articles.
14. Partner with Community Centers and Libraries
Volunteer to host workshops or presentations at local community centers or libraries. These organizations often feature events and contributors on their websites.
Steps to Implement:
- Contact community centers in your area to propose a session.
- Request a backlink as part of their event promotion.
15. Check for Local Service Directories
Use tools like ChatGPT to identify local directories where your business isn’t listed yet.
Steps to Implement:
- Use this prompt: “Are there any local directories in [City] where my business can be listed?”
- Compile the results and add your business details to all relevant directories.
16. Write for Local Blogs
Many local blogs are eager for guest content. Offer to contribute expert insights or stories in exchange for a backlink.
Steps to Implement:
- Identify blogs in your niche or region.
- Pitch unique article ideas that align with their audience.
17. Partner with Nonprofit Organizations
Supporting nonprofits or community initiatives can lead to backlinks from their websites and enhance your brand’s community image.
Example: A landscaping business offered free services to a local golf club in exchange for a website mention.
Key Takeaways
- Start Small: You don’t need hundreds of backlinks – 1–2 high-quality local links per month can make a difference.
- Focus on Relationships: Many strategies require building connections with other businesses, influencers, or community groups.
- Leverage Existing Resources: Alumni associations, directories, and local partnerships are untapped goldmines.
- Be Creative: Tailor your approach to your niche and community. Creativity often leads to the best backlinks.
- Think Long-Term: Link-building is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent effort over time delivers lasting results.
By implementing even a handful of these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to boosting your local search rankings and driving more traffic to your website.
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.
