15 Tips for Local Link-Building: How to Get Links Without Buying

81% of people use Google to look up local businesses, and 82% read online reviews before choosing one. That's why local link-building is important for SEO. But many business owners assume they only have two choices: sending desperate cold emails or paying for questionable links.

However, focusing on earning local links can improve your rankings without having to beg or buy them. With over 67.6% of clicks going to the first five organic search results, you can't afford to ignore local link-building. You can build a strong local backlink profile through community connections and sharing relevant content.

This blog covers local link-building strategies that improve your physical presence to earn quality links naturally, without awkward emails or wallet-draining investments.

What Makes a Local Link 'Quality'?

According to Moz, link signals account for over 27% of localized organic ranking factors, making them the single most important element for local SEO success. Understanding what makes a quality link can change your local link-building strategy: 

• Relevance to your location and industry: Links from sources specific to your geographical area carry way more weight than random backlinks from anywhere.

• Trustworthiness of the linking site: Google's algorithm puts huge emphasis on Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T) when evaluating backlinks. 

• Page Authority: The strength of the specific page linking to you matters alongside the overall domain authority.

• Link neighborhood: Avoid sites connected to spammy link networks, which could harm your SEO.

• Contextual placement: Links within main content carry more weight than those buried in footers or sidebars.

15 Tips to Earn High-Quality Local Links

Local seo link-building requires efforts to improve search rankings and strengthen presence in the local market. These are impactful tips to help you earn valuable local links and grow your business visibility in your area.

1. Create Link-Worthy Local Content

Create compelling local content that works like a natural link magnet, draws backlinks without the need for aggressive outreach tactics. Studies show that 38% of local marketers consider content development the most effective tactic for earning backlinks. 

Write local guides to build your business as an authority while naturally attracting links. Consider creating:

• Lists of the best attractions in your area, such as "15 Best Family-Friendly Activities" or "25 Top Restaurants for Food Enthusiasts".

• Seasonal guides that highlight different local experiences throughout the year.

• Industry-specific resource pages that provide valuable information to your community.

2. Highlight community events and feature other local businesses

Showcase local events that local websites want to share or link to. Event-based content can boost your local SEO efforts by attracting backlinks from event websites, community calendars, and local news sources. Moreover, featuring local businesses creates goodwill in local link-building. 

Reach out to let them know they've been mentioned; this often leads to reciprocal links, since people are inclined to repay favours. Additionally, you can reach a wider audience by collaborating on posts or co-branded campaigns that benefit both parties and create natural linking opportunities.

3. Citations

Securing the basics of local citations can boost SEO with minimal effort. Research shows that citations are the 5th most important ranking factor for local visibility. Maintain your Google Business Profile, as studies show that businesses with a verified GBP experience an 89% increase in direct search visibility and an 87% increase in website clicks. 

To increase the impact of your profile:

• Start by claiming and verifying your profile through Google's verification process via phone, postcard, or occasionally through Search Console.

• Complete every section of your profile with accurate information.

• Add high-quality photos that showcase your business.

• Regularly post updates to show Google your business is active.

4. Add your company to local directories

After completing your Google business profile, expand your online presence by adding your business to the right directories. According to a study, companies that added 10 or more listings saw a 77% rise in indirect search visibility when compared to those that only submitted to four major directories. 

Begin with these high-authority directories:

• Bing Places for Business

• Yelp

• Better Business Bureau

• Apple Maps

• Yellow Pages

• Foursquare

• Local Chamber of Commerce

5. Provide the same NAP for all listings

Maintaining consistent Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) information is necessary. When Google sees the same NAP information from multiple sources, it gains confidence in the location and authority of your business.

Whereas, inconsistent NAP data sends conflicting signals, and inaccurate information can lead potential customers to call the wrong numbers or visit closed locations, creating frustration that damages your reputation. Even minor variations, such as "Street" versus "St.” can create confusion. To maintain NAP consistency:

• Use your Google Business Profile information as your standard format

• Keep a master spreadsheet of all your citations for easy updating

• Regularly audit your citations using tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark

• Fix inconsistencies on major platforms 

6. Partner with nearby businesses

For local link-building, identify local partners who share a similar target audience to create opportunities for both links and leads. Instead of cold outreach, look for businesses that complement yours without direct competition. For example:

• Real estate agents can partner with mortgage brokers or home inspectors

• Restaurants can collaborate with local farms or food tour companies

• Fitness centers might connect with nutritionists or health food stores 

7. Join local business organizations

Business organizations help to build trustworthy links that boost relevancy and improve position in local search. Chamber of Commerce memberships include online directories with member listings, providing valuable backlinks from highly trusted domains. When evaluating potential associations, check these factors:

• Their Google ranking (ideally on page one for relevant terms)

• Do they offer a member database with backlink opportunities?

• The domain authority of their website 

8. Offer testimonials to vendors

Testimonial link building endorses products or services you use in exchange for backlinks. This tactic benefits both parties: vendors get positive endorsements, while you receive authoritative backlinks. To implement this strategy effectively:

• List businesses whose products or services you regularly use.

• Create authentic, detailed testimonials highlighting specific benefits.

• Include your company name naturally (where the backlink will attach).

• Request placement on their testimonial page, ideally on their homepage.

9. Use your physical location as an asset

Your physical presence provides unique local link-building advantages that online-only businesses lack. Focus on hosting special events or promotions specifically designed to increase local visibility. Then, advertise these activities to local news outlets with press releases containing your keywords and backlinks. During these events, you might:

• Run workshops related to your industry

• Host charity fundraisers

• Offer free product demonstrations

• Sponsor local sports teams 

10. Publish local statistics or survey results

Original research provides unique value that naturally attracts links. Google's Consumer Surveys tool allows you to collect local data at reasonable prices ($150-2000, depending on scope). This data can then be transformed into:

• Visualizations that make information easy to understand

•  Press releases that attract media attention

• Authoritative sources that other websites cite

11. Write about local trends or topics

Trending content highlights what people are actively searching for and creates opportunities for links and traffic. Create content that features relevant local activities, cultural events, traditional happenings, and seasonal deals from restaurants and businesses. 

For maximum reach, include:

• Location-specific keywords alongside trending topics to improve local search rankings.

• Structured data to improve visibility in search results.

• Regular updates to reflect current events and promotions

12. Use HARO and local journalist platforms

Help A Reporter Out (HARO) connects journalists with sources who can provide expert insights on industry topics. HARO allows you to:

• Land backlinks from high-authority websites that competitors can't easily replicate

• Build Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) by being cited as an expert

•  Generate valuable referral traffic while establishing thought leadership

13. Host or sponsor local events

Local link-building attracts media coverage by hosting community workshops, fundraisers, or sponsoring contests with local publications. Events work well because they generate "geo-specific" links that search engines recognize as highly relevant to your location. Moreover, event sponsorships position your business as a community supporter, increasing positive media attention and backlinks. 

14. Collaborate with local influencers

Local influencers maintain strong connections with news publications through their networks and social media. Build relationships by engaging with individuals whose values align with your brand. Host events or social media campaigns to increase visibility and encourage shoutouts that reach local media.

15. Offer your space for meetups or workshops

By hosting community gatherings at your physical location, you can earn local link-building opportunities. Meetup.com, with its web strength and local relevance, offers valuable backlink potential. You can join local Meetup groups in your niche to learn how they work, then pitch event ideas to the organizers. 

They often add your business link to their main page, boosting local SEO. Besides Meetup, you can also offer your space for workshops, charity events, or seasonal activities. These events can help your business get mentioned on event websites and local community pages.

Use Tools to Find Opportunities

There are simple tools that can help you find local backlink opportunities your competitors might be taking advantage of. Here are easy-to-use tools for local link-building:

Conclusion

Local link-building doesn't have to involve begging or buying. There are many more effective ways to improve your local search visibility and attract customers in your area. Focus on the basics, such as GBP, consistent NAP information and maintaining local partnerships. Use tools for finding opportunities, competitor analysis and tracking unlinked mentions to discover link prospects. 

An impactful local link-building comes from consistent efforts and contributing to your local area. It doesn't require desperate emails or questionable paid links, it requires you to be an active, engaged business that adds value to your community.

FAQ

How to build local backlinks?

Link building for local SEO tips:

• Focus on creating a Google business profile.

• Use the same NAP (Name, Address and Phone number) information across all platforms.

• Collaborate with influencers who have good reach within your area.

• Use your physical space for meetups and events.

• Write about local and trending topics.

• Partner with nearby businesses.

What is meant by link building?

Link building includes efforts and strategies to improve ranking, authority and visibility. This requires experts to maintain a high-authority website that others want to link to. 

Is link building legal?

Yes, link building is legal, only if you use white hat strategies. Otherwise, buying backlinks or relying on spammy links can result in a Google penalty.