According to Google’s John Mueller, backlinks remain an essential ranking factor, though their significance has evolved over time.
Studies from SEO tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush indicate a strong correlation between high-ranking pages and the number of quality backlinks they have.
What are Backlinks in SEO?
Backlinks, or inbound or external links, are hyperlinks from one website to another. In SEO, backlinks are crucial because they signal to search engines that a website is credible, authoritative, and valuable.
When a website receives backlinks from reputable sources, search engines like Google consider it more relevant, boosting its rankings in search results.
High-quality backlinks can improve domain authority, enhance organic traffic, and ultimately lead to better visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs).
Why Are Backlinks Important for Local SEO?
Backlinks help local businesses rank higher in search results by improving their authority and relevance. Google still considers backlinks as ranking signals because they validate the credibility of a website.
When a local business acquires links from authoritative local sources, directories, and industry-related websites, it strengthens its local search visibility. This helps attract more customers searching for relevant services within their area.
Additionally, backlinks from local directories and news websites enhance geo-relevance, further improving rankings in local search results.
Do-follow vs No-follow Backlinks for Local Business Websites
Do-follow backlinks pass link equity (ranking power) from the referring website to yours, making them highly valuable.
However, most reputable publications and directories often provide no-follow backlinks, which instruct search engines not to pass link equity.
Despite this, no-follow links still contribute to a diverse and natural backlink profile, improve referral traffic, and enhance brand visibility. A mix of do-follow and no-follow links is ideal for a well-rounded link-building strategy.
Methods of Link Building for Your Local Business Website
1. Link from Google Business Profile
When you claim your Google Business Profile (GBP), there is an option to link your website, providing a valuable backlink. Additionally, GBP posts allow you to share updates, promotions, and blog links, indirectly driving traffic to your site.
Optimizing your GBP enhances your chances of appearing in local search results and Google’s Map Pack.
2. Link from Apple Maps and Bing Places for Business
Like Google Business Profile, Apple Maps and Bing Places allow businesses to claim their listings and link their websites. These platforms are essential for local visibility as they help reach potential customers using different search engines and devices.
Bing is still widely used, especially on Microsoft products, while Apple Maps is the default mapping app for iOS users.
Listing on these platforms ensures a broader audience reach and an additional backlink.
3. NAP Citations
Creating Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) citations on platforms like Yelp, Manta, Cylex, BBB, and Trustpilot is crucial for local SEO.
These citations help establish trust and credibility with search engines, making it easier for potential customers to find your business. Consistent NAP information across directories strengthens your local search presence and reinforces your business’s legitimacy.
4. Chamber of Commerce of Your City
Many cities have a Chamber of Commerce that lists local businesses on their websites. These listings often include a backlink to your website, which can improve local SEO.
While some chambers charge a membership fee, the backlink and networking opportunities often make it a worthwhile investment.
5. Local Publications
Getting featured in local newspapers, blogs, and magazines is an excellent way to earn high-quality backlinks.
Research local media outlets and offer to contribute guest articles or newsworthy content. For example, businesses in Toronto can collaborate with publications like BlogTO, Insauga, ToTimes, TheBestToronto, and NowToronto to gain visibility and backlinks.
6. Guest Post Outreach
Guest posting involves writing articles for other websites in exchange for a backlink. To find guest post opportunities:
- Search Google for terms like “write for us” + industry keyword.
- Use platforms like Qwoted to connect with journalists.
- Reach out to industry blogs and offer valuable content. A well-placed guest post on a reputable website can drive significant traffic and improve search rankings.
7. Reach Out to Good Websites
You can also reach out directly to websites that offer backlink opportunities. Some websites charge a small fee for backlink placements. For instance, I have helped clients secure backlinks from TechBullion, NewsBreak, and Benzinga for as little as $100. These authoritative websites enhance credibility and SEO performance.
8. Check Competitor Backlinks
Using tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Moz, you can analyze your competitors’ backlinks and identify potential link-building opportunities. Focus on high-quality backlinks and avoid spammy or low-authority sites. Reaching out to websites that have linked to your competitors can lead to valuable backlink opportunities for your own business.
9. PR Websites
Press release websites like EIN Presswire and PR Newswire allow you to distribute news about your business, leading to backlinks from major news outlets. A well-crafted press release can help your business get featured in authoritative publications, improving brand visibility and SEO.
10. Ask Other Businesses
Networking with other business owners can open up backlink opportunities. If you know someone with a website, ask if they can link to your business. For example, if you own a moving company, you can ask a realtor friend to add your link to their resources page. Building relationships with complementary businesses can lead to mutually beneficial backlink exchanges.
Conclusion
Building backlinks for your local business is an ongoing process, but the right strategies can significantly improve your SEO performance. By leveraging local directories, publications, guest posts, and competitor research, you can establish a strong online presence and attract more local customers. Focus on acquiring high-quality backlinks from authoritative sources to ensure long-term success in local SEO.
FAQs
1. How long does it take for backlinks to impact SEO?
Backlinks can take a few weeks to several months to impact SEO, depending on the website’s authority and Google’s crawling frequency.
2. Are no-follow backlinks valuable?
Yes, no-follow backlinks still provide referral traffic, brand exposure, and a natural backlink profile, making them valuable for SEO.
3. How many backlinks do I need to rank locally?
There is no fixed number, but quality matters more than quantity. A few high-authority backlinks can have a greater impact than many low-quality ones.
4. Can I buy backlinks?
Buying backlinks from spammy sources violates Google’s guidelines and can lead to penalties. Instead, focus on earning backlinks through ethical strategies like guest posts and PR.
5. What are the best tools to check backlinks?
SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz, and Google Search Console are some of the best tools for analyzing and tracking backlinks.