Best Backlinks for Local SEO: What are they and how to build them

Backlinks are essential for SEO, but they’re particularly powerful when it comes to local SEO. For businesses looking to dominate local search results, building the best backlinks for local SEO can be a game-changer. These links don’t just improve rankings—they establish your business as a trusted player in your community.

In this article, we’ll explore why backlinks matter for local SEO, the best types of backlinks to focus on, and actionable strategies to acquire them. Additionally, we’ll provide a detailed table of the best directories to list your business for local SEO success. Let’s dive in!

What Are Backlinks and Why Do They Matter for Local SEO?

What Are Backlinks?

A backlink is a hyperlink from one website to another. They act as endorsements for your site, signaling to search engines that your content is valuable and worth referencing.

Why Do Backlinks Matter in Local SEO?

Backlinks are a major ranking factor in Google’s algorithm. For local SEO specifically, backlinks help:

• Boost Local Relevance: Links from local sources establish your connection to a specific area.
• Improve Local Search Rankings: They increase your chances of appearing in the coveted “local 3-pack.”
• Build Trust and Authority: Quality backlinks show search engines that your business is credible.

For example, a boutique with backlinks from a local fashion blog and the city’s chamber of commerce site is more likely to rank higher for searches like “best boutiques near me.”

Characteristics of High-Quality Backlinks for Local SEO

To make an impact, focus on acquiring backlinks that are:

• Relevant: Links from websites related to your industry or location.
• Authoritative: Links from well-established and credible websites, such as government or news sites.
• Local: Links from local blogs, directories, or organizations.
• Diverse: A mix of backlinks from different sources to create a natural-looking profile.

Top Sources of Local Backlinks

Recommended Directories for Local SEO

Below is a curated table of the best directories to acquire backlinks for local SEO, categorized by type:

Category	Directory	Website Link	Best For
General Directories	Google Business Profile	https://www.google.com/business/	All local businesses. Boosts visibility on Google Maps.
	Bing Places for Business	https://www.bingplaces.com/	Businesses targeting Bing users.
	Yelp	https://www.yelp.com/	Service providers, restaurants, and retail.
	Yellow Pages	https://www.yellowpages.com/	Foundational business directory.
	Facebook Business Pages	https://www.facebook.com/business	Social media visibility for local communities.
	Apple Maps	https://register.apple.com/placesonmaps/	Reaching Apple device users.
	Better Business Bureau (BBB)	https://www.bbb.org/	Building trust and credibility.
Industry-Specific	TripAdvisor	https://www.tripadvisor.com/	Hospitality, travel, and tourism businesses.
	Zillow	https://www.zillow.com/	Real estate agents and property managers.
	Healthgrades	https://www.healthgrades.com/	Medical practitioners and healthcare providers.
	Houzz	https://www.houzz.com/	Home improvement and design professionals.
	Avvo	https://www.avvo.com/	Lawyers and legal professionals.
	Realtor.com	https://www.realtor.com/	Realtors and real estate brokers.
	Cars.com	https://www.cars.com/	Auto dealerships and automotive services.
	WeddingWire	https://www.weddingwire.com/	Wedding vendors like planners and venues.
	OpenTable	https://www.opentable.com/	Restaurants and hospitality businesses.
	Booksy	https://booksy.com/	Beauty salons, spas, and wellness providers.
	Vetstreet	https://www.vetstreet.com/	Veterinary services and pet care providers.
	GoodRx	https://www.goodrx.com/	Pharmacies and healthcare providers.
Niche Local Directories	Angi (formerly Angie’s List)	https://www.angi.com/	Contractors, repair professionals, and home services.
	Alignable	https://www.alignable.com/	Local business networking and referrals.
	Nextdoor	https://nextdoor.com/	Hyper-local neighborhood connections.
	Foursquare	https://foursquare.com/	Retail stores and restaurants.
	Local Chamber of Commerce Websites	Search your city’s Chamber of Commerce	Any business looking for hyper-local exposure.
Regional Directories	Visit State or City Tourism Sites	https://www.visitcalifornia.com/	Tourism-related businesses.
	Local Media Websites	Check local news or TV station websites	Sponsored pages or directory listings.
	Local.com	https://www.local.com/	General local businesses across industries.

With Obenan, you can save countless hours and skip the hassle of manually creating accounts on directory websites. Our platform automatically sends your business information to over 150 reputable online directories, ensuring consistency and accuracy across the web. This streamlined process not only saves you time but also boosts your local SEO by quickly building a strong backlink profile, allowing you to focus on growing your business while we handle the heavy lifting.

How to Build the Best Backlinks for Local SEO

Leverage Local Business Directories

Start by listing your business on reputable local directories, such as those mentioned in the table above. These directories provide foundational backlinks for local SEO. Ensure your profile is complete and accurate, especially your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information. Consistency across directories is vital for search engines to trust your business information.

Partner with Local Businesses

Collaborating with other local businesses is a great way to build backlinks. Exchange links with non-competing businesses in your area or co-host events and promotions. Such partnerships not only enhance your backlink profile but also strengthen your local network and community presence.

Create Localized Content

Publishing localized content can attract valuable backlinks. Write blogs, guides, or videos about local events, news, or topics relevant to your audience. Once your content is published, reach out to local blogs, media outlets, or influencers to share your work. These outreach efforts can result in high-quality backlinks that improve your local search rankings.

Sponsor Local Events or Charities

Sponsoring local events or supporting charities can provide great backlink opportunities. Event organizers often list sponsors on their websites, including a backlink to your business. This strategy not only boosts your SEO but also builds goodwill in the community, which can drive more traffic to your business.

Engage with Local Blogs and Influencers

Collaborate with local bloggers and influencers to promote your business. These individuals often have highly relevant and authoritative platforms, and a feature or mention can provide valuable backlinks. Building relationships with local influencers can also help your business reach a broader audience.

Guest Blog for Local Websites

Writing guest posts for local blogs is another excellent way to earn backlinks. Share valuable insights or tips related to your industry, and include a link back to your website within the article or author bio. Guest blogging not only helps you acquire backlinks but also establishes your expertise in your field.

Mistakes to Avoid When Building Backlinks for Local SEO

Relying on Spammy Links

Avoid using low-quality backlinks from irrelevant or spammy websites. These links can harm your SEO rankings and may result in penalties from search engines. Focus on acquiring links from reputable and relevant sources instead.

Neglecting Local Relevance

Always prioritize backlinks that have local relevance. Links from websites in your community or industry carry more weight in local SEO compared to generic or unrelated sites. A targeted approach will yield better results.

Ignoring Reviews

Online reviews, particularly on platforms like Yelp, indirectly impact your backlink value. Negative reviews or unaddressed customer feedback can harm your online reputation and reduce the effectiveness of directory backlinks. Regularly monitor and respond to reviews to maintain a strong online presence.

With Obenan you can reply to reviews in different directories automatically.

Conclusion

Building the best backlinks for local SEO is essential to improving your local search rankings and establishing credibility. By focusing on local relevance and leveraging reputable directories, you can create a strong backlink profile that drives both traffic and conversions. However, manually managing listings across multiple directories can be time-consuming and tedious. With Obenan, you can skip the hassle. Our platform automatically lists your business in over 150 trusted online directories, ensuring consistency and accuracy across the web. Let Obenan handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business and serving your customers!