Backlinks remain one of the most important ranking factors for SEO, but how do you get them as a local business? In this guide, we’ll walk through six proven methods to build backlinks that boost your search rankings and bring real traffic to your website.
What Are Backlinks and Why Do They Matter?
A backlink is simply a link from one website to another. Search engines like Google treat backlinks as votes of confidence. When an authoritative website links to yours, Google sees this as a signal that your content is trustworthy and valuable.
💡 Think of it this way: If the New York Times links to your website, Google will recognize that a trusted source finds your site credible—helping your rankings improve.
Why Backlinks Matter for Local SEO
• Builds trust: Backlinks signal to search engines that your site is authoritative.
• Improves rankings: The more high-quality links you have, the better your chances of ranking for competitive local search terms.
• Drives referral traffic: A well-placed backlink from a site with good traffic can bring you direct visitors.
Common Types of Backlinks for Local Businesses
Not all backlinks are created equal. Here are the main types of links that are valuable for local businesses:
1. Citations (Business Listings)
These are directory listings that include your business name, address, and phone number (NAP). Examples include:
• Google Business Profile
• Yelp
• Apple Maps
• BBB (Better Business Bureau)
• Industry-specific directories (like Avvo for attorneys or Houzz for contractors)
Pro Tip: Tools like BrightLocal, Yext, and SEMrush can help automate this process by checking existing listings, identifying incorrect info, and adding new citations.
2. Guest Posts (Content Backlinks)
Guest posting is when you write an article for another website in exchange for a backlink. This is a great way to:
• Build credibility in your industry
• Reach new audiences
• Earn a high-quality backlink to your site
3. Press Releases
A well-written press release distributed through PR services (or picked up by actual journalists) can earn backlinks from reputable news sources.
4. Locally & Industry Relevant Backlinks
The most valuable backlinks come from sites that are:
• Locally relevant (city, state, regional websites)
• Industry relevant (sites in your niche)
Example: A plumber in San Francisco would benefit from links on home improvement sites and local blogs in the Bay Area.
How to Get High-Quality Backlinks: 6 Proven Methods
1. Claim & Optimize Business Citations
This is the easiest way to get backlinks. Make sure your business is listed on:
✅ Google Business Profile
✅ Yelp, Apple Maps, BBB
✅ Industry-specific directories
✅ Social media profiles (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)
💡 Use a tool like BrightLocal or Yext to scan your existing citations and add any missing ones.
2. Find Local Guest Posting Opportunities
Guest posting isn’t just for big brands—it works for local businesses too! Here’s how:
1️⃣ Make a list of local businesses & blogs in your town.
2️⃣ Reach out and offer to write a valuable article for their site.
3️⃣ Naturally include a backlink to your website within the content.
🎯 Example: If you’re an SEO expert, offer to write an article for a local plumber on “How Plumbers Can Rank Higher in Google.”
3. Get Featured in Local Press & Media
Earn backlinks from news outlets, magazines, and online publications by:
• Doing something newsworthy (sponsoring an event, launching a charity initiative)
• Using PR tools like Featured or Prowly
• Reaching out to local newspapers, YouTube channels, and podcasts
💡 Bonus: Many small podcasts and blogs are actively looking for guests—offer to share your expertise in exchange for a backlink!
4. Sponsor Local Events & Organizations
Many local events and charities will link to sponsors on their website. Here’s how you can benefit:
• Sponsor a local event, festival, or fundraiser
• Join local business groups or Chamber of Commerce
• Partner with schools, sports teams, or nonprofits
These backlinks are local and high-quality, making them super valuable for small businesses.
5. Get Listed on Resource Pages
Many websites create “Best Resources” lists. For example:
• “Top 10 Local SEO Experts”
• “Best Tools for Small Business Owners”
✅ How to Get Included:
1️⃣ Find resource pages related to your industry (search “Best [Your Industry] Resources”)
2️⃣ Reach out and ask if they’d add your website
Example: If you create an SEO guide for law firms, reach out to legal marketing blogs that list the best SEO tools for attorneys.
6. Unlinked Mentions (Low-Hanging Fruit)
Sometimes, websites mention your business but don’t link to you.
To fix this:
✅ Search Google for your business name
✅ Find articles that mention you without linking
✅ Contact the site owner and request a backlink
This is one of the easiest ways to get high-quality links if you already have a presence online.
Final Thoughts: How to Win at Link Building
🔹 Focus on quality, not quantity – One good link is better than 20 bad ones.
🔹 Track your backlinks – Use Google Search Console or paid tools like SEMrush & Ahrefs.
🔹 Be patient – Link building takes time, but consistent effort pays off!
Need Help with Link Building?
If this sounds like a lot of work, that’s because it is! Link building takes time, but the results are worth it.
💬 If you need help building backlinks for your business, I can help. Let’s get your site ranking higher and bringing in more leads.
Looking to improve your website’s visibility and drive more traffic through SEO? Whether you’re building from the ground up or optimizing your existing strategy, I’m here to help you succeed. Let’s work together to elevate your search rankings—schedule a call today!
Small Business SEO Guide
📖 Want to learn more? This is a part of our Small Business SEO Guide. Click the link to view the entire guide.
Slides from Video
How to Get Backlinks for Local SEO (2025 Guide) by samuel.bretzmann