Building links for your local business isn't just about SEO; it's about positioning yourself in the right places to get noticed by the right people. It’s like attending the best networking events in town—you don’t just go to say you went; you go to make connections, get on people’s radar, and ultimately, win more business.
So, What Exactly Is Local Link Building?
Local link building is about getting other websites in your local area to link back to yours. Think of it as gaining endorsements from neighbors who can vouch for your business. Whether it's local news, directories, or a chamber of commerce, these local links serve two purposes: they give you an SEO boost and place your business in front of people who might actually walk into your store.
“Local links don’t just improve your search rankings—they build your business’s reputation within your community.”
Why Local Links Matter
Here’s the deal: 94% of people search for local businesses online before making a decision. If your website isn’t ranking, you’re missing out on all that traffic. But when you start showing up in search results (thanks to those precious local links), customers start to find you, trust you, and, most importantly, choose you over your competition.
Pro tip: A link from your local chamber of commerce is like a direct endorsement. It not only boosts your SEO, but it’s also a sign that you’re a trusted local business.
9 Local Link Building Tactics That Actually Work
Getting local links doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth. With the right strategy, it can actually be a smart, systematic process. Here’s how:
Sponsor Local EventsSponsor a local sports team or a charity event and get a link in return. These sponsorships don’t just give you a backlink—they get you noticed by locals.
Engage in Local MeetupsFind meetups and offer to sponsor or host one at your business. You’ll often score a backlink from the meetup’s website, and bonus points if you get some foot traffic too.
Offer ScholarshipsScholarships are a killer way to generate goodwill—and links. Offer a local scholarship and watch those local blogs and news sites start linking to your application page.
Be Active in the Local CommunityPartner with local charities, community boards, or churches. These organizations are always looking for support and they’ll be happy to give you a shout-out (with a link) in return.
Collaborate with Local CreativesWhether it’s a podcast, local journalist, or theater group, these folks are always in need of expert input. Offering to collaborate or sponsor them can get you a valuable backlink and exposure in the local scene.
Leverage Local Case StudiesDid you do something special for a local business? Share a case study, and ask them to link to it on their site.
Write a Column for a Local Paper or BlogYour local news outlet or neighborhood blog is always on the lookout for expert opinions. Contributing content gives you authority—and a backlink.
Speak at Local EventsFind local expos and events where you can present. These often come with a speaker bio and a link back to your site.
Audit Your CompetitorsFind out where your competitors are getting their links. Tools like Ahrefs or SEMRush can help you reverse-engineer their link-building strategies so you can do it better.
The "Linkless" Advantage
Not every mention needs to come with a hyperlink. Sometimes, a simple mention in a local news article or community forum can give you just as much clout. Google now treats “linkless mentions” as a ranking factor, so don’t sweat it if they don’t link every time.
Does Link Building Affect Local SEO?
Absolutely. But here’s the kicker—not all links are created equal. You don’t need hundreds of random links from questionable sites. Focus on quality, relevance, and locality. A few strong, local links can do more for your rankings than a sea of spammy ones.
Quick Tips for Building Local Links:
Don’t ignore directories or local review sites, even if they’re “NoFollow.”
Focus on relevance over domain authority—local relevance trumps DA.
Go hyper-local. If you’re a bakery in Chicago, links from your neighborhood block association are gold.
Final Thoughts
Local link building isn’t just about SEO—it’s about community. When your business is endorsed by other locals, it builds trust and makes you more visible to the people who matter most: your potential customers.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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