Last Updated on October 27, 2025 by Ian Naylor
Backlinks have long been a cornerstone of effective SEO, and in today’s digital landscape, they remain indispensable – especially for businesses aiming to dominate local search results. With Google still at the core of search behavior and even AI-driven search tools pulling data from Google, acquiring high-quality local backlinks is essential for improving your online visibility and driving valuable leads.
In this guide, we’ll explore 17 practical and ethical strategies for earning local backlinks, as outlined by SEO expert Cory Hind. Whether you’re a small business owner, SEO professional, or marketer, these ideas will help you gain a competitive edge in your local market. Best of all, these tactics don’t require advanced technical skills – just time, effort, and creativity.
Why Local Backlinks Matter for SEO
Before diving into the strategies, let’s address why local backlinks are critical. Backlinks – links from other websites to yours – serve as votes of confidence in the eyes of search engines like Google. The more local and authoritative your backlinks are, the more likely you’ll appear at the top of search results. For businesses serving specific geographic areas, such as contractors, retailers, or consultants, local backlinks can dramatically increase online visibility.
Cory Hind emphasizes that you don’t need dozens of backlinks every month; even one or two strategic, high-quality backlinks can have a significant impact. The key lies in relevance, location, and authority.
17 Strategies to Build Local Backlinks for Your Business
1. Tourism Directories
If your business is tied to travel, tourism, or any local experience, getting listed in tourism directories is a no-brainer. Platforms promoting local attractions, accommodations, or activities often have high authority. Reach out to these directories and offer your information – it could result in both backlinks and increased visibility among tourists.
2. Alumni Associations
Reconnect with your former schools or universities. Alumni networks often feature success stories or business directories on their websites. Reach out to offer a guest talk, share your journey, or simply ask to be featured. This is particularly useful if your business serves the local area where you studied.
3. Sponsoring Local Events
Local events – such as charity fundraisers, sports tournaments, or festivals – often have websites or promotional materials with backlink opportunities. Sponsorships are a win-win: they not only earn you backlinks but also position your business as a community supporter.
4. Chambers of Commerce
Joining your local Chamber of Commerce is an easy way to secure a high-quality backlink. Many chambers have directories for member businesses on their websites. Membership also helps you network within the local business community.
5. Partnering with Other Businesses
Identify complementary businesses (not competitors) and explore partnerships. For example, a landscaper might partner with local real estate agents, or a fitness studio could collaborate with a nutritionist. These partnerships can lead to mentions and backlinks on each other’s websites.
6. Local Fundraisers
Support local fundraisers or charity initiatives. Whether it’s a car boot sale or a community giveaway, sponsoring these events can earn you backlinks from event websites or social media mentions.
7. Local Government Directories
Many city or county websites have directories for local businesses. Google search phrases like "free business listings [city name]" to find directories in your area and ensure your business is listed.
8. Sports Club Sponsorships
Sponsor a local sports team and request a backlink from their website. Many clubs have dedicated pages for sponsors, making this an excellent backlink opportunity while strengthening your standing in the community.
9. Collaborating with Local Influencers
Look for micro-influencers in your area with engaged followings. Offering free products or services in exchange for a backlink or social media mention can be a simple yet effective way to gain exposure.
10. "Best of" Lists
Search for blogs or websites that curate "top businesses" in your industry or region. Many of these lists accept submissions or offer paid placements. While some fees may apply, the potential SEO boost often outweighs the cost.
11. Internships and Career Listings
If your business offers internships, apprenticeships, or job opportunities, list them on relevant school or university career boards. Backlinks from educational institutions carry significant SEO weight.
12. Job Boards
Post your job openings on local job boards, such as Craigslist or niche-specific platforms. Even temporary listings can drive traffic and earn valuable backlinks.
13. Media and Press Features
Pitch story ideas to local newspapers, business journals, or blogs. For example, if you’re doing something unique in your industry, reach out to journalists or editors to share your story. Tools like featured.com or Help a Reporter Out (HARO) can also connect you with journalists seeking expert insights.
14. Hosting Community Events or Workshops
Offer to host or speak at events organized by local libraries or community centers. These organizations often promote speakers and sponsors on their websites, providing an opportunity for a backlink.
15. Service Directories
Many industries have directories that cater to specific niches, such as contractors, consultants, or health professionals. Use tools like ChatGPT to identify local directories you may have missed by asking: "What local directories exist for [your industry] in [city name]?"
16. Guest Blogging on Local Blogs
Search for local blogs in your niche and offer to contribute expert articles. For example, a wedding planner could write a guest post for a bridal blog or a home inspector could contribute to a real estate blog.
17. Nonprofit Partnerships
Offer your services to nonprofits or community organizations in exchange for backlinks. For example, a painter might volunteer to repaint a local charity’s office, or a landscaper might offer free lawn maintenance to a retirement home. These partnerships can provide highly authoritative backlinks while enhancing your reputation.
Key Takeaways
- Quality over quantity: Even one or two strategic backlinks per month can significantly outperform competitors.
- Leverage your local community: Sponsorships, partnerships, and event participation are excellent ways to build backlinks while giving back.
- Target trusted sources: Local government websites, schools, and chambers of commerce provide high-authority backlinks.
- Be proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to directories, blogs, and event organizers.
- Use creativity: Tailor your approach to your niche and community. Think outside the box to identify unique backlink opportunities.
- Stay ethical: Avoid any "black hat" tactics that could harm your website’s reputation. Focus on genuine, mutually beneficial collaborations.
- Track your progress: Regularly audit your backlink profile to ensure you’re reaping the benefits of your efforts.
Conclusion
Building local backlinks takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By implementing even a handful of the 17 strategies above, you can strengthen your website’s authority, improve your local search rankings, and ultimately drive more business. Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint – consistent, strategic work will yield the best results. Start building relationships, exploring opportunities, and watch your online presence grow.
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
