When it comes to crushing it in local SEO, we all know there are countless moving parts—content optimization, local citations, technical tweaks—but let’s cut to the chase: link building is king. Whether you're a local dentist, a craft brewery, or a boutique shop, if you're not actively building quality links, you're leaving money on the table. Don’t just take my word for it—let’s dive into what the experts are saying about this powerhouse strategy for boosting local search rankings.
Why Link Building Matters for Local SEO
In the latest survey of local SEO experts, a whopping 89% said they prioritize link building for their clients. The goal is simple: get your business higher up in the search rankings. According to Moz’s Local Search Ranking Factors, link signals are now the most important factor for organic rankings and the second most important for local pack rankings. In other words, if you're not focusing on quality backlinks, you’re falling behind.
Here's the kicker: 100% of SEO experts agreed that link building is effective at boosting local search rankings. Every. Single. One. It’s not just some “nice-to-have” tactic; it’s a must-do if you want your business to stand out online.
Experts Spill the Beans on Link Building
So what makes a good link? The consensus among experts is clear: it’s all about quality over quantity. Forget about racking up hundreds of low-quality backlinks. Instead, focus on getting links from local news sites, community websites, and industry-specific platforms.
“Meh, links! With respect to local SEO, quality links are the competitive difference-maker. It’s not that citations, content, technical, etc., aren’t important—they are. But links tend to make the difference.”—Gyi Tsakalakis, AttorneySync
Gyi nails it here. When you think “quality,” don’t get hung up on high Domain Authority scores. The real gold comes from local and topically relevant links that actually make sense for your business. If you’re a local coffee shop, a link from the town’s food blog is worth its weight in gold.
The Key to Success: Relationships
Link building isn’t just about cold emails and outreach (although that’s still a factor). The most valuable strategy according to experts is relationship building. Whether it’s connecting with local businesses or influencers in your area, building strong relationships pays off in backlinks. In contrast, sharing links on social media is ranked as one of the least effective ways to build backlinks.
Want to build some serious link juice? Start nurturing those local connections. Host community events, collaborate with local influencers, or even partner with nearby businesses. The more you integrate with your local ecosystem, the more natural backlinks you'll generate.
“I think we need to completely revamp link building and really work on brand building instead. The links follow. Building the brand builds the business's reputation in their community—which will reap more benefits than just a link.”—Carrie Hill, Ignitor Digital
Carrie’s absolutely right. Build your brand, and the backlinks will follow naturally.
The Changing Face of Outreach
In the world of link building, not all emails are created equal. According to our expert panel, short, personal emails are the new standard. The days of sending out massive, detailed email templates are gone. Keep it personal and get to the point.
Joel Headley from PatientPop says, “Link building is expensive, but with consistent investment, search visibility can increase, sometimes dramatically.” The bottom line? Don’t expect quick wins. Be consistent, stay patient, and results will come.
The Future of Local Link Building
So, what’s next? While link building remains as important as ever, some experts think the process could become a bit trickier in the near future. It’s getting more competitive out there, and building quality links requires strategy and effort.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go at it alone. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale your local SEO efforts, GMB Fox has your back.
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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