Local SEO citations and link building strategies are essential for generating more traffic to your website.
The right links can dramatically improve your search engine rankings, which in turn will help you grow your online business.
In this article, we’ll share 50+ local link-building and citation strategies that can deliver massive SEO growth.
Ultimately, you want to fulfill search intent for local searches.
Table of Contents
What is Local Link-Building?
Local link-building is a process of building links to your website from other websites in the same geographic location.
This kind of link-building can be extremely beneficial for local businesses because it helps them rank better on Google Maps and listings, which could increase traffic by bringing more visitors to their store or place of business.
Link Citation Strategies: Link citation strategies are about making sure you’re not only getting links but also adding local citations back into the web so that Google and other search engines see those as authoritative sources linking back to your site and will index your pages higher up in local search results accordingly.
Some types of ways you can create these local citations include providing information online such as reviews, testimonials, forums discussions, etc.
Why are Local Link Citations Important?
Local citation building is important for two reasons: first, it can help with your local search rankings in Google Maps and other listings services.
Secondly, links that come from sites geographically close to yours will have a higher chance of being indexed by Google than more competitive international keywords.
This means that if you’re running an online retail store in Detroit, Michigan, and are trying to rank better on search engines so more people find your site when they type “Detroit clothing,” then creating links from websites located within Wayne County (where the county seat is) would be most beneficial.
Likewise, if you own a restaurant in Queens Village but live elsewhere outside of New York City like Manhattan or Brooklyn, local link-making should include web pages that are based in all of these areas.
1. Enter the Running for Local Awards
If your business is located in a specific city or town, enter the running for local awards.
This will allow you to create links from other sites that are also based in this area and eases the process of getting those websites to link back to yours.
To find out what kind of events are happening near where you live that would be appropriate for entering into running for local award contests, check with your Chamber of Commerce or Google “Your City Name + Events.”
Contact these event organizers via email and ask if they have any upcoming competitions scheduled; many may be happy to take either an entry fee (which can go toward their fundraising efforts) as well as a link on their website mentioning which category you’re participating in.
2. Get Local SEO Citations from Local Influencers
Another great way to get local links is by discovering and reaching out to local influencers.
You can find these people through social media, Google Earth, or aggregate websites.
Whether you’re looking for bloggers in your industry that are posting about topics related to what you offer or other businesses nearby with a large number of followers on their Facebook page who could help share your content, it’s worth trying this local SEO strategy if you have the time.
3. Write a Review of Your Favorite Local Business
Do you love a restaurant, store, or other local businesses?
If so, then write them a positive review online and be sure to ask for permission first before posting it.
There are many websites that offer “reviews” of local businesses like Yelp – but don’t just insert the link with no context; if possible, find out what kind of information they’re looking for in their reviews and provide contextual, local links relevant to your experience at this place.
Who knows?
Chances are, that business may enjoy the free publicity and link back to your local article.
4. Create a Local Resource Page on Your Website
Another one of the great ways to get local links is by creating a “Local Resources” page on your website.
This can include information like nearby businesses or services in your area that people might be interested in, such as restaurants, auto mechanics, pet groomers, etc.
If you link to any of these places and they mention it back on their site – not only will this help with search engine rankings but also create more business for them from customers who find out about them through your website.
5. Browse Local Online Mentions
You can do your own research to find these mentions or use sites like AllTheRooms, which will allow you to enter an address and see what other businesses are nearby – as well as some information about their rankings on Google Maps.
If the site has reviews from others that have been posted for this business, then it could be worth following up with them through email if they’ve linked back to the review so you get those links pointing toward your website too.
You can also check online mentions and ask business owners to link back to your website for a simple backlink exchange.
6. Get Local Citations from Local Guides
Another way to get local SEO citations is by creating an account and adding your business information to local guides.
This includes sites like Yelp or Google Business Profile, where you can create a listing for free; in addition, read the next sentence about how this strategy works well if there are already listings for other businesses that have their own website but no page online.
If another business has one of these pages that they’re not using anymore – ask them politely if it’s alright with them if you use this existing webpage as your site’s main source of exposure (with permission) instead of investing time into building up a brand new URL from scratch.
Be sure to explain what they stand to gain too.
You can also use this strategy to acquire local link insertions.
7. Try Acquiring Alumni Links
If you’re currently a student at an institution, then it might be worth reaching out to past students for potential local links.
You can find alumni through yearbooks or affiliation databases or other business data aggregators like the National Alumni Association’s online directory by using the school name and/or your graduating year.
That way, if they have their own website already set up with the content on it about what they do now in their career field as well as other pertinent information; there is much less of a risk when asking them for permission to link back to this webpage from yours instead of just posting the name, address and phone number without context.
This strategy works best if you are also able to offer some type of incentive such as discounts or free gifts, so they’ll remember who helped them get started.
8. Get Cited on Local Review Sites
After finding a great local business and getting to know their customer service, it’s worth then reaching out to them about being featured on a review site like Yelp.
You can find these sites by using Google Maps, Google Search, Apple Maps or asking the company you’re looking for directly; if they have reviews from customers already posted – this could be an excellent opportunity as part of your link-building strategy to get those links pointing back towards your website in return.
If they don’t have any online mentions yet but offer good customer service that’s worthy of sharing with others – be sure not only to ask politely for permission before posting anything but also mention how this will help increase their visibility and show potential clients what they’re all about.
9. Contribute to Your Local Magazine or Newspaper
You could also submit an article for publication in your local news outlets or local magazines – as well as articles about buying a home, renting business property, setting up new services, and so on.
Even if the editor turns you down because they’ve already planned their next issue ahead of time – it’s worth asking them what types of topics they would like to write about that may interest readers most; this is where you have an opportunity to pitch ideas instead!
If one idea gets picked up by another organization outside of yours then be sure to let the editors know right away so there are no surprises when following up at a later date.
10. Create Helpful Resources to Attract Local Traffic
Another website where you can get a link is by creating helpful resources for your local community.
This includes things like “how-to” tutorials, seasonal blog content such as what to look out for in the fall or how to winterize property before the snow starts falling, articles about topics relevant to those of all ages (such as grades K-12) – teachers could even use this resource during their lessons on Fridays when teaching students how these strategies work outside of school; and much more.
11. Steal Your Competition’s Links
If you’ve done your local keyword research and you’re worried about the whole “exact match” thing with anchor text – then just use their exact keywords as your links instead.
For instance, if they’ve got a list of every local business owner, including related tips and tricks on their site that’s already been published for public viewing; steal those same keywords from the article in order to get them back out there again by linking them over to your page/domain name instead.
This is also an easy way to pad another link or two from your local business citations, so it looks more natural.
12. Create Gated Content
If you have a free offer that would make sense to include as part of your site or if you’re just getting started with content marketing – why not create an eBook, webinar, video series, etc. and only allow access once they sign up for something like your email list?
This is another way to build brand awareness while also leveraging the power of social media by offering exclusive deals on products/services in exchange for their email address so it’s worth having this in mind when considering what type of information should be included within these assets instead.
13. Promote Your Business on a Local Interest Publication
If you’re looking for a way to get your content in front of the right people, then it’s worth thinking about whether or not they would enjoy reading an article that relates specifically to their interests.
This includes topics like education (teachers), health and wellness (personal trainers and yoga instructors), travel & photography, etc.; just make sure you don’t pick something too broad when narrowing down these potential ideas so as not to confuse them with other types of industries instead.
14. Capture the Attention of Local Expert Contributors
If you’re having a hard time with local link building citations, then it’s worth considering who might be able to help.
For instance, if you have an event coming up and need someone to speak on behalf of your company – why not reach out?
More often than not when I’m looking for experts in my industry, I’ll start by asking people like conference organizers or the press releases team at organizations directly instead of cold calling them first.
This way they can get back to me with their availability and what types of topics they would usually cover within those presentations so there are no surprises whatsoever later on down the line.
15. Run Facebook Ads to Drive More Local Traffic
If you’re looking to drive more traffic from your social media account or if you just want to try something new – Facebook ads are a great place to start.
This includes content like digital coupons, offers for free consultations, discounts on products/services, and even specific types of marketing campaigns.
The only downside is that it takes some time before these posts actually show up in other people’s feeds so don’t be discouraged if nothing happens right away either.
16. Partner with Local Charities
Having a hard time finding links to the specific charities you would like to partner with?
No problem.
Just start by looking for organizations that are already in your local area and then reach out.
Plus, if they’re not able to help at first don’t give up because chances are that someone there will have connections within other organizations as well so it’s worth giving them some extra attention instead of just forgetting about this strategy altogether.
By partnering with local charities, you can create joint press releases and draw local backlinks and local citations.
17. Create Free Linkable Resources on Other Websites
If you’re not sure what to do with your content, then why not try creating free link-worthy resources on websites that offer this type of service?
This includes things like Linkedin Pulse or Medium.com where they allow people to publish long-form articles without being constrained by character limits; just make sure the topic is something that will actually be helpful for them before making it public instead.
Otherwise, there’s no point in wasting their time and yours as well when there are so many other ways you could go about doing this instead (including writing an article for someone else’s blog).
18. Create Custom Images for Links
If you’re looking for a way to stand out from the crowd, then it’s worthwhile considering how custom images can help.
This includes things like using your logo or business name on the color of links instead as well; just make sure that these are consistent so there aren’t any gaps in between them either (or else this might confuse people instead).
By doing this, you’ll be able to maximize link-building opportunities for people searching for similar images. When other websites provide an image credit, you’ll receive a free backlink.
19. Create a Valuable Statistic or Stat List
If you’re looking for a quick way to get links then there’s no point in trying to come up with something on your own.
Instead, why not just create one instead?
This includes things like creating an infographic or fact sheet that will be helpful for people who are looking around the internet and can’t seem to find what they need either; just make sure it has accurate data as well (or else this simply won’t work).
Plus, if you would prefer – why not write out these facts into blog posts about certain topics so people have more opportunities to share them later down the line because of how relevant they are here too.
20. Create a Google Custom Map
If you’re looking for a way to make it easier for people to find your website while they’re searching online, then Google Maps is the best option.
This includes things like adding pins and labels so that people know what these are as well; just make sure that this information is accurate though or else there’s no point in wasting time on this either (or at least until someone from their team contacts you).
Plus, if you would prefer – why not create custom maps with free tools instead? Some of them include ArcGIS Online or Bing Maps. These can also be used offline which means that more users will have access because of how easy it now becomes here too.
Also be sure your NAP (name, address & phone) are updated as well.
21. Get Involved in Specific Industry Directories
Local industry directories involvement is a great way to build local citations and links.
This includes things like getting involved in something like the Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau; just make sure that they offer this service as well so people will be able to find what you’re doing with their time without any problems (or else it’s not worth continuing down this path).
Plus, if there isn’t anything out there for your specific niche in local directories- why not create one yourself instead? All you need is some free SEO tools and an internet connection in order to get started here too.
22. Get Involved in Local Specific Directories
If you’re looking for a way to improve your local SEO then this is the best strategy.
This includes things like getting involved with something like Yelp or Facebook; just make sure that they offer these services and have enough reviews in order to rank well on search engines as well (or else it’s not worth continuing down this path).
Plus, if there isn’t anything out there for your specific city – why not create one of several local directories yourself? All you need is some free tools a CMS (content management system) and an internet connection in order to get started here too. In doing so, you can also build your own structured citations so your technical SEO shines through. In fact, you should be building both structured and unstructured citations to your website.
It doesn’t matter what niche or industry either because people will find them when searching online without any problems whatsoever now either.
23. Create Career Opportunities on Job Posting Websites
If you’re looking for a way to improve your search engine rankings while also improving the user experience, then this is what will work best.
This includes things like creating career opportunities on sites like Indeed or Monster; just make sure that these are accurate though and rank well so people can find what they’re doing with their time without any problems (or else it’s not worth continuing down this path).
Plus, if there isn’t anything out there for your specific industry – why not create one yourself instead?
All you need is some free tools and an internet connection in order to get started here too. It doesn’t matter what niche or profession either because people will find them when searching online without any problems whatsoever now even.
24. Promote Your Local Blog Content
If you’re looking for a way to promote your content in an effective manner then this is what will work best.
This includes things like promoting it on social media, email blasts or even with paid advertising; just make sure that these are accurate though and rank well so people can find what they’re doing with their time without any problems (or else it’s not worth continuing down this path).
Plus, if there isn’t anything out there about blogs – why not create one yourself instead? All you need is some free tools and an internet connection in order to get started here too. It doesn’t matter what niche either because people will find them when searching online without any problems whatsoever now as well.
25. Collaborate with Local Influencers
If you’re looking for a way to collaborate with other businesses in your area then this is what will work best.
This includes things like participating on their social media accounts, promoting them or even joining forces instead; just make sure that these are accurate though and rank well so people can find what they’re doing with their time without any problems (or else it’s not worth continuing down this path).
Plus, if there isn’t anything out there about local influencers – why not create one yourself instead? All you need is some free tools and an internet connection in order to get started here too.
It doesn’t matter what niche either because people will find them when searching online without any problems whatsoever now as well.
26. Gift Local Discounts
If you’re looking for a way to promote your store then this is what will work best.
This includes things like offering discounted pricing, customer appreciation days or even free shipping; just make sure that these are accurate though and rank well so people can find what they’re doing with their time without any problems (or else it’s not worth continuing down this path).
Plus, if there isn’t anything out there about local stores – why not create one yourself instead? All you need is some free tools and an internet connection in order to get started here too. It doesn’t matter what niche either because people will find them when searching online without any problems whatsoever now as well.
27. Host a Local Event
If you’re looking for a way to promote your business, then this is what will work best.
We have hosted numerous local events over the years and garnered a good deal of quality local backlinks and references as a result. Pictured here is Sam Edwards, our CMO hosting an event in West Palm Beach, FL.
This includes things like hosting contests, giveaways or even free samples; just make sure that these are accurate though and rank well so people can find what they’re doing with their time without any problems (or else it’s not worth continuing down this path).
Plus, if there isn’t anything out there about local businesses – why not create one yourself instead? All you need is some free tools and an internet connection in order to get started here too. It doesn’t matter what niche either because people will find them when searching online without any problems whatsoever now as well.
28. Partner With Local Bloggers
If you’re looking for a way to promote your business, then this is what will work best.
This includes things like hosting contests, giveaways or even free samples; just make sure that these are accurate though and rank well so people can find what they’re doing with their time without any problems (or else it’s not worth continuing down this path).
Plus, if there isn’t anything out there about local businesses – why not create one yourself instead? All you need is some free tools and an internet connection in order to get started here too. It doesn’t matter what niche either because people will find them when searching online without any problems whatsoever now as well.
29. Produce a Local Infographic
If you’re looking for a way to promote your business, then this is what will work best.
This includes things like hosting contests, giveaways or even free samples; just make sure that these are accurate though and rank well so people can find what they’re doing with their time without any problems (or else it’s not worth continuing down this path).
Plus, if there isn’t anything out there about local businesses – why not create one yourself instead?
30. Create Local Internships
Internships serve two benefits. They help young professionals acquire job skills and opportunities and a promising labor force for all kinds of businesses. By creating a posting for a local internship, you can acquire a meaningful link in the process.
31. Submit a Press Release to a Local News Station
If you have something interesting to share with the local community, submitting a press release to your local news station will help. Depending on the severity of your request, there’s a great chance your story could be featured in a news article or on TV.
32. Use Photos from Local Photographers
If you’re looking to populate your site with new images, consider using photos from a local photographer. They’ll be more invested in the project and will likely provide better quality content and SEO at an affordable price.
This is also a great way to receive a backlink in gratitude from the local photographer.
33. Sponsor Local Scholarships
If you’re up to it, you can create a local scholarship to uplift your local community and help students attend college. In return for your good deed, you can receive backlinks from schools, charities, news publications, and other authoritative websites.
34. Participate in Local Causes
If you have the time, consider participating in a local cause. You can do so by donating items to charity drives and fundraisers, inviting people to your business for a launch party or event like an art show with wine tasting, teaming up with other companies in your area on common causes, or even volunteering at their events.
This type of information can be picked up by journalists who can then share your story to local news publications with a link back to your website.
35. Create a Microsite
Create a microsite based on specific information your users will find to be valuable. If you’re creating high-quality content, you can improve the domain authority of this microsite.
Finally, you can link back to your original website to improve its local SEO.
36. Set Up a Local Writing Contest
Arranging a local writing contest will allow you to put your local connections to good use. You can contact the local press to gain goodwill from the community to showcase popular talent.
Indirectly, you can succeed in achieving more coverage for your business and backlinks in the process.
37. Provide Free Testimonials for Businesses You Trust
If you found a product or service to be helpful, contact the business and agree to submit a testimonial. The organization will clearly be eager to accommodate you. To prove the authenticity of your testimonial, they may link back to your website as well.
38. Create Long-Form Content
Long-form content, especially on local topics, can always be referenced by influencers, bloggers, and journalists. It can prove your mastery on specific subjects and help you rank for popular keywords as well.
39. Get Social Bookmark Links
If you want to gain more social bookmark links, make sure you submit your site’s URL and content to a variety of different platforms. You can do this by using an RSS feed service like FeedBlitz or Bloglovin’ (if the sites allow).
40. Participate in Second Tier Link-Building
Second tier link-building involves building links by participating on other people’s blogs by contributing a guest post that includes a link of another guest post.
If you’re contributing to a local publication, this is a great way to create a funnel of traffic back to other guest posts and your website.
41. Seek Out Content Syndication Opportunities
Content syndication is one of those somewhat old-hat techniques online marketers use when it comes to SEO success because they know how effective it can be in linking back to their original website with valuable information about local businesses.
42. Find Broken Links on Other Websites
If you can find a broken link on another website, you might be able to contact the organization and offer them your content. You’ll not only help out other businesses by increasing their quality of SEO, but it also builds backlinks for your site.
43. Receive a Backlink from Your Local Business Association
If you belong to your local business association, inquire with them about receiving a backlink from the website. You can help out another member in return for a link on their site; they’ll also be able to promote your company’s product or service for you.
44. Create an Online Course
Online courses are often linked by individuals and content creators alike because of its credibility factor as well as how it might provide more useful information than someone’s blog post could offer.
Participating in these types of links is beneficial for both parties: one gets recognition while the other receives quality exposure through social media sharing opportunities.
45. Provided Updated Content for
Local newspapers are often looking for updated content to publish. If you’re able to provide them a list of local events or happenings, they might link back and promote your company’s website on their site as well.
46. Submit Your Website URL To Business Directories
Business directories have low authority but can be useful in linking other businesses together with yours through an RSS feed service like FeedBlitz (which is free). When the directory updates its own blog posts, it will automatically include links to any latest articles from members who’ve submitted themselves too – which includes you!
47. Take Advantage of Unstructured Local Citation Building
Unstructured local citation building includes mentions of your business that aren’t found on online directories and non-listings. They’re not as popular as they used to be, but if you know about them or how to use them correctly then it can provide an excellent way for people in your industry and local area to link back to your site.
48. Participate in Local Forums
Local forums are a great place to find second tier links because they can be so difficult for competitors to track. It’s best not to post spam messages or posts that have nothing valuable, but if you provide answers and helpful advice then it’s likely people will link back.
49. Provide Your Services as an Expert in Local Blog Posts
If you’re providing and writing quality content on your blog with relevant information about the local industry for other bloggers, there is potential of receiving high-quality backlinks from their articles when they reference your site within them (and vice versa!).
50. Receive a Feature on Local Organization Websites
Local organizations are always looking for contributors to provide their readers with a fresh perspective on the local community.
If you’re able to contribute some quality content about your company’s history or what they offer, it might be possible that they’ll link back and promote your blog post too.
Need Help With Link-Building?
Do you want to learn more about how we can help your business improve its SEO with local link-building? If so, we’re the SEO company can help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Tim holds expertise in building and scaling sales operations, helping companies increase revenue efficiency and drive growth from websites and sales teams.
When he's not working, Tim enjoys playing a few rounds of disc golf, running, and spending time with his wife and family on the beach...preferably in Hawaii.
Over the years he's written for publications like Forbes, Entrepreneur, Marketing Land, Search Engine Journal, ReadWrite and other highly respected online publications. Connect with Tim on Linkedin & Twitter.
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