Local Links Are Different
When you're a local business, you don't need links from national media outlets (though they're nice).
You need links from local sources. Local newspapers. Local business associations. Local bloggers. Community organizations.
These carry outsized weight for local search rankings.
The Local Link Building Playbook
Chamber of Commerce. Join your local chamber. Get listed on their member directory. Instant authoritative local link.
Local business directories. Not the spammy ones — the legitimate local directories run by newspapers, magazines, and business organizations.
Sponsor local events. 5K runs, charity galas, school events, sports teams. Each sponsorship typically comes with a link from the event's website. Our dedicated guide on local link building through sponsorships goes deeper on this tactic.
Local PR. Local newspapers are HUNGRY for content. Pitch stories about your business, community involvement, or industry expertise. These earn DA 50-70 links from local news sites.
Partner with local businesses. Cross-promotion, joint events, supplier relationships. Each can yield a relevant local link.
Community involvement. Volunteer. Join boards. Support local causes. These organizations link to their supporters.
The NAP Consistency Bonus
While building local links, ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is consistent across every mention. Inconsistent NAP data confuses Google and weakens your local SEO. Optimizing your Google Business Profile is a critical complement to local link building.
Local Link Velocity
Most local businesses need far fewer links than national brands. 3-5 quality local links per month can dramatically improve your local pack rankings.
The competition is usually much lower than national SEO. A little effort goes a long way. Search Engine Journal's link building guide has an excellent section on local strategies.
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