Local inbound links are clickable text or images on a webpage from your local community that direct people to a page on your website.
Links connect pages on the internet. They are also how people find things and buy things.
Inbound links to your website/location webpage are important because search engines view them as popularity votes.
The profile of inbound links coming to your website/location webpage from other sites is one of the prime factors Google uses in search engine rankings. Those with the most relevant and authoritative inbound links rank the highest in most instances.
For companies servicing a local market area, inbound links from webpages in that same local community are extremely important.
Here’s why…
Google and other search engines know a person searching for a barbershop in Phoenix doesn’t want to see search results showing barbershops in Miami.
So, they look for indicators that help them determine not only the local community a site is in, but also the relevance/importance/popularity of that site in relation to the search query and competition.
Inbound links originating from websites in the local community are key to top rankings on Google.
For those of you really into linking, “no follow” links HAVE VALUE in Google’s local search algorithm.
Bottom line: get local inbound links.
Here’s where:
- 1. Local Directories
A local business directory lists vital information about your business including hours, location, and contact information, along with pictures and other relevant information (e.g., reviews or other links). Consistent listings of your business on local directories create inbound links to your website. They can also boost the number of people who visit your website. Use advanced search tactics on Google to find relevant local directories. You can even use Google’s free Advanced Search tool to make this process easier.
- 2. Vendors
Get a link from the websites of those who sells goods and services to you, especially local suppliers like cleaning companies, security companies, and other services providers.
- 3. Sponsor Local Community Events and Charities
High school athletics, school fundraisers, local activism groups, and local non-profits list events and event sponsors on their websites. Many include links to the sponsor’s website. Most sites will put up your image, so make sure you get a link by sending over a snippet of HTML code instead of just an image for them to upload. An added benefit is that you can give yourself good alt text to describe the image.
- 4. Local College Websites
Colleges look to local businesses to give students “real life experience.” Arrange for students to work at your business or on projects you are involved with to get links from the school’s website. Bonus tip: are you an alumnus? Leverage the power of alumni links.
- 5. Leverage Local Business Relationships
This is the single most effective way to get local links to your website. Leverage your connections in your local business community for links. Review your contact list. The people you interact with at your BNI, or Rotary Club meeting are great sources of local links. Partner with other business owners whose services complement yours. For example, an auto body repair shop may partner with local parts suppliers and insurance agents.
- 6. Get Local Media Mentions
Assemble a list of local media outlets. Reach out to them with a compelling, newsworthy story idea that is relevant to their followers. Their story should naturally contain a link to a page on your website.
- 7. Find Local Sponsorship Opportunities
Finding local sponsorships can be a great way to grow inbound links to your website. The detail an event includes about sponsors often includes a link the sponsor’s website.
- 8. Connect with Local Bloggers and Influencers
Ask local bloggers or influencers to do a feature on your business. You may need to offer your product or service in trade they can spotlight in the feature, which also gives them a perk for their efforts.
- 9. Collaborate with Local Experts
Collaborating with local experts in niches that are closely related to your own is a great way to build community relationships and inbound links. Do an interview, hold an event, launch a joint venture campaign. Your partners will share your content on their website and social media accounts, giving your online visibility a healthy boost.
- 10. Promote Veterans and First Responder Discounts
Reach out to local veterans and first responder organizations with a discount offer. Many will promote the offer to their members on their websites, bringing you new business and inbound links.
- 11. Join Local Business Associations
Business associations allow you to build trustworthy links that build your relevancy and visibility in local search results. Make sure their member database gives you an opportunity to get a listing that includes a link to your site and a citation.
- 12. Build a Local Resources Page on Your Website
Leverage the principle of reciprocity by building local resources guides to the best local businesses in a specific related niche. Chiropractors as an example might build a list of the best local yoga studios, the best local farm to table restaurants, the best local health clubs. We’re programmed to repay favors others have done for us. Reach out to those you’ve listed on your resources page and ask for a link on their site as well.
- 13. Utilize Cause Marketing
Cause marketing is a collaboration between your business and a nonprofit organization. You’ll typically donate a percentage of sales to a worthy nonprofit. The nonprofit in turn will promote your efforts, and link to one of your webpages. You’ll gain an inbound link useful for search visibility. You’ll gain customers. And you’ll display social responsibility. It’s a winner in many ways!
- 14. Invest in Competitive Link Analysis
Find opportunities and gaps in your current inbound link profile. Use backlink analysis tools and professional experts to analyze your current links and those of your competitors for opportunities. It’s like going to the doctor for a checkup. You’ll end up with a list of relevant websites you can approach for links. If you need help, contact us.
- 15. Host Local Meetups
Have some meeting space you can make available to local groups relevant to your niche? Let me meet at your place. They’ll include a link to your business in their meeting promotion and may even send you some customers.
Pick the link building strategies that you can implement and get to work now. Allocate two hours per week to local link building. Stick with it and before you know it, you’ll have search engine visibility your competition will envy.
