Local SEO link building is an effective way to rank a local business in search engines like Google. A higher ranking means more leads, more customers, and more revenue.
I know that everyone is so hooked in getting industry-specific links right now, which is fantastic, but local businesses must focus on local links as well.
Here's proof that building a robust local SEO link building strategy could help a local business tremendously:
Oh yes! YOUR LOCAL CUSTOMERS ARE ONLINE, and they want to do business with you. A local SEO link building strategy needs to be your priority right now.
But what is local SEO? How do you create a local SEO link building strategy? Let's find out.
What Is Local SEO Link Building?
Link building is the process of getting other websites to link back to your website. Link building for local SEO is when you focus specifically on links from businesses in a targeted local region. It’s most often optimized for Google, but Google isn't the only search engine you're keeping in mind.
A local SEO link building strategy must always aim to:
- Get local links back to your website.
- Create content that connects to your local customers.
Like I said earlier, most SEO experts allot a majority of their time and effort to high-quality, industry-specific links from authoritative websites instead of focusing on the following:
- Correcting Name, Address, and Phone Number, aka NAP.
- Building up a list of local citations.
- Creating local content.
- Building local links.
All of these tasks establish a presence within the search engine results pages (SERPs) for local terms in the local pack with GMB (Google My Business), and the organic search results for geotargeted keywords.
Simple Tips On Local SEO Link Building
Now that we understand what local SEO link building is, it’s time to talk about simple tips and tricks that can get you valuable local links to boost your site’s ranking.
Create A Local SEO Landing Page
A local SEO landing page is a page optimized for local search engine operations, meant to rank in Google. Typically they are meant to highlight a city or geographic location for a local business. You’ll want to make sure it has all the adequately optimized keywords, meta information, onsite content, and URLs.
Keep in mind that the goal of having a local SEO landing page is to cover the market within your area.
Here are a few tips on how to create a local SEO landing page:
Add Location
To increase your local SEO ranking, add your location on your landing page. Include the city and state your business is located.
Here’s what you'll see at the bottom of our site’s landing page:
Add Keywords With High Domain Relevancy
When creating a local SEO landing page, always include relevant keywords in your text so local online users can find your site.
There are some handy keyword research tips and tricks you can employ in creating your landing page -- one of which is to use local keywords for local businesses.
Our website, for example, includes keywords that are relevant to our business and the services we offer, such as:
- "Marketing"
- "Free Consultation"
- "SEO"
- "Email Marketing"
- "Business"
Include An Engaging Page Headline
Your page headline is your USP or Unique Selling Point. When local users get redirected to your landing page, they should immediately know precisely why they should do business with you.
Your headline should engage local users the moment they see it on your landing page.
Here’s what you see when you visit rialtomarketing.com:
Don’t Forget To Include Title Tags And Meta Descriptions
Aside from using relevant keywords, your landing page must also have a title tag and meta description.
Your title tag must include the keyword and the city — for example, Best Digital Marketing Service in Denver, Colorado.
Local online searchers are going to read your meta description so you must make it engaging and keyword-relevant - for example:
Add A Call-To-Action
Your landing page must allow local online users to get in touch with you through email, chat, or phone call.
Call-to-actions help generate more leads from your landing page.
Get Local Backlinks
Backlinks are a type of link building strategy that can boost your ranking in local searches.
You’ll want area backlinks to turn up in relevant local searches, and you can do these several ways.
Claim Your Google My Business Listing
It can be helpful to claim your Google My Business page -- this gets you a backlink with Google, the most important entity on the internet.
One of the main benefits of claiming your GMB listing is it will help (not guarantee) potential placement in the “the 3-pack,” which I consider to be the mecca of local SEO link building.
When local online searchers type something on Google such as “New York Gardeners,” they are presented with a 3-pack search result.
It looks exactly like this:
Get Backlinks From The Local Press
67% of people still rely on their local paper for local news, so it only makes sense to use the local press to put a spotlight on your business.
The most straightforward technique to get several valuable backlinks from the local press is to compose a press release about yourself. Add a link to your local SEO landing page or website, and send it to the editors of your local publication.
Get Backlinks From Local Business Directories
Directory listings aren't as much of a ranking factor as they used to be for local businesses, but I still think they are a good idea.
Partner With or Sponsor Local Businesses or Charities
Sponsoring local businesses or charities is another excellent way to get backlinks.
Getting a backlink from local businesses could be as easy as displaying ads on a site, or being mentioned in an “Our Partners” section.
Leverage Your Business Relationships
Your business relationships are your most valuable method to gain backlinks. Your business partners likely need backlinks for their websites as well.
Turning your relationships into local backlinks is easier than it may sound. To start, create a list of business partners and take the time to do outreach.
Get in touch with companies that offer products and services you don't currently offer, or plan to in the future. For example, if you're a digital marketing service provider, you might be able to get links from leadership skills development or customer service training companies.
And that's everything you need to know about local SEO link building!
Although good local link building takes time and effort, it's easy enough to do yourself. You can use the tips I highlighted above to start gaining new local links today!
Check out the recommended resources section below to know more about local SEO link building. You could also SEND US A MESSAGE if you need more help on this topic.
Recommended Local SEO Link Building Resources
Local SEO: A Simple (But Complete) Guide
Expert Local Business Link Building Survey
Local SEO: The Definitive Guide (2020)
So, what do you think? Are you ready to acquire local links to boost your SEO ranking?
Leave a comment and let's discuss.
Also, we'd be honored if you would consider sharing this article. Thanks for your time!
Need more local SEO tips? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Local SEO.
Header image courtesy of Stockunlimited.
