If your business isn’t showing up to local searchers, your competitors are probably pocketing your customers. But the secret to dominating neighborhood searches for businesses – multi-location brands especially – is local SEO. And the backbone of local SEO is domain authority, which is determined by how much your business platform or website is being linked back to. 

Backlinks are digital votes of confidence that tell search engines your business is legit and reliable. But not just any backlinks. Reliable, niche-focused local backlinks are the best backlinks for local SEO because they connect your business with your community online. But how do you find these local backlinks?

What Are Local Backlinks and Why Do They Matter?

Simply put, local backlinks are hyperlinks from websites that are geographically relevant to your business. They’re the best backlinks for local SEO because they communicate to search engines that your business is relevant in a specific area. 

For example, if you own a bakery in Atlanta, a backlink from an Atlanta food blog or community event page can boost your website’s local credibility. Because of this, search engines give you greater rankings for queries like "best bakery in Atlanta."

Local Backlinks vs Citations in Local SEO

Let’s clear the fog. Backlinks and citations sound like cousins, but they play very different roles in your Local SEO ranking factors.

A local backlink is a clickable hyperlink from another website that points to yours. Its job is to guide users directly to your website. These links often come from websites that operate within your geographic area or serve the same local audience.

Think of a local blog reviewing your service, a chamber-of-commerce directory listing your business, a neighborhood news site covering your work, or a community partner mentioning you on their website. These sites include a link to your page, giving users an easy path to visit your website and learn more.

More backlinks mean higher authority, traffic, and Google trust for you. They improve rankings in search results, thereby moving your business ahead.

A citation is any online mention of your NAP (Name, Address, Phone), with or without a link. Citations don't have to include a clickable link; just include your NAP information. However, a citation with a link is considered an added bonus. 

Yes, even without a link, citations still matter because they verify your business is legit. They reinforce your geographic relevance and also keep your NAP consistent across the web (Google loves this).

Key Differences:

Importance of Local Backlinks

Local SEO backlinks matter because they connect your business to its community, and search engines love that. Here's why they’re crucial:

They’re a Major Ranking Factor

According to 79.7% of SEO experts, link-building is vital for ranking success. Moz backs this up, noting that backlinks contribute to 19% of Google’s local search ranking factors after on-page optimization and your Google business profile listing. Want to rank on page one? You may not get there without backlinks. 

Google itself has said backlinks are one of the key factors they use to determine a page's prominence. 

This is tied closely to the “A” for Authority in Google’s E-E-A-T signals. 

They Boost Relevance for Local Searches

A gardening blog getting links from local landscaping businesses or nurseries is a clear sign of its relevance in that space. 

The same logic applies to local businesses. A backlink from a local food blogger signals to Google, “This place is relevant for Chicago pizza lovers.” Hence, your visibility increases for searches like “best pizza near me.”

It Works in the Real World

A Reddit user shared how they helped a Mumbai sweet shop build a few local backlinks. In just three months, the shop ranked #2 on Google! It’s proof that even a handful of strong local SEO backlinks can deliver big results.

For multi-location brands, this is even more impactful. Whether it’s a gym chain in California or a florist in Florida, local link building helps establish your business as the go-to choice in every neighborhood you serve.

16 Strategies to Build Local Backlinks

First things first—don’t buy links from manipulative link farms. It might feel like a shortcut, but it’s a one-way ticket to Google’s penalty box. Instead, focus on the following local backlink sources. 

1. Local News Sites and Online Magazines

Local news sites and online magazines are great sources for backlinks. Guest posting is the most popular link-building tactic among SEO experts. Why? It works. Here’s how you can get started:

• Submit a Guest Post: Share your expertise with local publications. For example, if you run a bike shop, pitch an article like “Top 5 Cycling Trails in Austin” to your city’s magazine. This positions you as an authority while earning a strong local backlink.
• Get Interviewed: Journalists and bloggers are always seeking expert insights. If you run a bakery, offer to discuss trends like “The Rise of Artisan Bread.” A mention or link in their content is highly valuable.
• Create Newsworthy Events: Organize charitable activities, celebrate milestones, or host events tied to your business. For instance, “Local Bookstore Hosts Reading Marathon for Kids” or  “New coffee shop donates to local schools” is newsworthy content that journalists love. Use press releases to spread the word.

2. Chambers of Commerce

Joining your local Chamber of Commerce isn’t just about networking over coffee and donuts. Most chambers list their members on their website, often with a link back to your business. 

These links are hyper-local and highly trusted by search engines. They show Google that your business is part of the community. For example, if you’re a multi-location law firm, being listed on Chambers across the cities you serve can create a network of powerful local SEO backlinks.

3. Local Event Sponsorships

Sponsoring a local event isn’t just for good PR—it’s a smart way to build local links. Many event websites feature sponsor pages with backlinks to promote partnerships.

Look for opportunities like:

• Local 5K runs
• School fundraisers
• Chamber of Commerce events

The event’s website may list your business as a sponsor with a direct link. That’s not just a backlink; it’s a signal to Google that your business is actively involved in the community.

If you’re a multi-location brand, align your sponsorships with each store’s community.

For example, a gym chain could sponsor a fitness expo in every city where they operate.

A pet store sponsoring a local dog show or a café partnering with an art fair also hits all the right notes for relevance and exposure.

4. Community Blogs

Community blogs are like the neighborhood bulletin board of the internet. Bloggers focusing on local reviews, events, and businesses are excellent sources for local backlinks.

Start by identifying bloggers in your area who cover your industry. For instance, if you’re running a craft brewery, reach out to a local beer enthusiast blogger. Offer a brewery tour or exclusive tasting. They write about their experience and link back to your website. That’s a win for both your SEO and your community presence.

5. Niche Business Directories

Submitting your business to niche directories and local listings is a no-brainer for backlinking. While many of these links, like Google My Business (GMB), are no-follow, they still carry weight. 

No-follow is traditionally a link attribute added to the hyperlink’s HTML code, specifying that the link should not be used for page ranking calculations. 

But there is an update on the no-follow rule. 

Google is evolving the “nofollow” attribute, potentially giving more value to these links in your backlink profile. In fact, 89.1% of link builders today believe nofollow links impact search rankings. So, don’t ignore these opportunities.

For example, a restaurant joining a local food directory gains more than just a backlink. It also gets targeted traffic from people actively looking for dining options nearby. 

The takeaway: The more authoritative directories your business is listed on, the better your local visibility. You can also use listing management tools like Synup to simplify listing management across multiple directories. 

Done right, these backlinks aren’t just good for SEO—they make your brand a local favorite. That’s why they’re among the best backlinks for local SEO.

6. Create Locally Relevant Content

Let’s start with content. The kind that’s so good that people can’t help but link to it. Write something like:

• Local Culture Guides: “10 Hidden Attractions in Downtown Portland.”
• Tourism Guides: “A Weekend in Milwaukee: Best Spots to Visit.”
• Food Guides: “Top 5 Pizza Places in Atlanta—Rated by Locals.”

These guides attract local bloggers, tourism boards, and media outlets. For instance, a neighborhood guide could earn you a backlink from the city’s tourism site or local newspaper.

Tip: Make sure to include keywords like your city name and industry. This improves relevance for local SEO backlinks.

7. Partner with Local Influencers

Local influencers aren’t just for Instagram. They’re also potential backlink generators. Team up with foodies, travel bloggers, or community leaders. For instance, a coffee shop could invite a local food blogger to host a tasting event. They’ll write about it, share it, and (most importantly) link it to you.

Data from Inc.com shows that influencer collaborations can generate 11x the ROI of other forms of digital media marketing. And in this case, the backlinks are a bonus.

8. Collaborate with Local Businesses

You may also team up with other local businesses for mutual promotion. For example:

• A florist and a wedding planner could co-host a bridal workshop.
• A bike shop and a café could create a “Cycling Trails and Coffee Stops” guide.

When you collaborate, cross-promotion leads to backlinks from both sides. 

9. Get Active in Online Communities

Join forums, Facebook groups, or platforms like Reddit (r/LocalCityName). Be helpful, not spammy. Answer questions and share resources. For example, a local mechanic could join a “DIY Car Maintenance” group and link to their guide on fixing a flat tire.

76% of consumers use online forums or reviews to research local businesses. Be where your audience is hanging out!

10. Ask for Mentions in “Best Of” Lists

Every town has a “Best [Insert Industry] in [City]” list. Reach out to bloggers or editors who create these and pitch your business. For instance, a multi-location bakery could pitch its signature cupcakes for a “Best Desserts in Dallas” list.

Pro Tip: Offer a unique angle. “We use grandma’s secret recipe” or “All ingredients are locally sourced.” Editors love fresh, clickable stories.

11. Leverage Your Team's Personal Connections

Every person in your business has hidden backlink opportunities in their network. Tap into them. 

Your employees, leadership team, board members, and key individuals associated with your business are likely connected to local organizations, schools, or causes. All of these connections present opportunities to earn relevant local backlinks. You can try these:

• Alumni features: Is someone on your staff involved in a university alumni group? Spotlights, newsletters, and alumni success stories are all places where they can feature your business.
• Board memberships: Does someone on your leadership team serve on a nonprofit board or speak at local events? Their bio pages can add links.
• Awards/recognition: Ask publications to link the digital version when any of your team members have been featured in local business journals or earned community awards.
• Professional associations: Professional organizations like engineering bodies, medical boards, and trade groups affiliate many leaders. Find opportunities to get backlinks from your team members affiliated with them.

This strategy is even better for multi-location brands. Every branch has its own local relationships and, hence, provides more opportunities.

12. Speak at Local Events and Conferences

Speaking gives instant credibility. Most events include a speaker bio (with a link), event recap articles, local media coverage, and networking. These are all backlink opportunities.

To find speaking opportunities, scan event calendars. Look for events that fit your area of expertise. Then, pitch organizers with actionable topics, not generic fluff.

13. Offer Local Scholarships

If you can pull them off, scholarships are one of the most effective link-building tactics available. They consistently deliver some of the highest ROI in local backlink strategies.

Why? Scholarship announcements naturally attract attention. Local newspapers love covering them, schools promote them, and community pages link to them. In some cases, even larger publications will pick up the story.

Offer a local scholarship that makes sense for your business and resonates with your industry and values. This keeps the story authentic, avoids gimmicks, and ensures the attention you generate actually strengthens your brand.

14. Become a Local Columnist or Regular Contributor

Local media is always looking for expert voices, which gives you the perfect opening to position yourself as the go-to local expert. Pitch yourself as a columnist for your area’s newspaper, a prominent local blog, or a nearby media outlet.

You’ll typically receive a contributor bio, a backlink to your website, and long-term credibility in your industry. It also puts your name in front of your community. In other words, this strategy builds backlinks and brand authority at the same time.

15. Host Meetups and Community Events at Your Business

Turn your office into a community space. Local clubs, meetups, organizations, and chamber groups are always looking for places to gather. When they host events in your space, they will usually mention your business on their website, social posts, and event pages, which earns you natural local backlinks.

The benefits go beyond SEO. You get foot traffic, community goodwill, and increased visibility. In many cases, the people attending these events end up becoming potential customers.

16. Engage with Community Organizations

Community groups like food banks, local radio stations, nonprofits, churches, community centers, local job boards, and youth programs are often overlooked backlink goldmines.

There are many ways to get involved. Contribute your expertise to a cause, provide useful resources, or write articles that local media can publish. You can also host a fundraiser in your space or sponsor a community initiative.

Support something that genuinely matters, and the backlinks will follow naturally…along with stronger local relationships and positive brand recognition.

What Makes a Quality Local Backlink?

Not all backlinks are good for your business. For local SEO, quality beats quantity every single time. First, they must be from websites that matter to your business and community. But there's more.

High-Quality, Locally Relevant Content

Backlinks should fit naturally with your industry and business location. Search engines will pass on you if the content linking to you doesn't connect with your business or location. For example, if you run a (chain of) restaurant business, write a guest post guide about the top five local restaurants you recommend (and sneak your business in there, too). If you run a pet store, a post on the best dog parks in your city can secure backlinks from local pet blogs or event pages.

Why does this matter? Links from local sources carry more weight for location-specific searches. It’s like Google’s way of saying, “This business knows its town!” That's authority in the hood where your business is based. 

Authority

Quality backlinks don’t just come from any website; they come from top-ranking relevant websites. Domain authority is a number that indicates how highly a website will appear in search engine results. Developed by Moz, it goes from 0 to 100. 

You won't find many websites with 100 domain authority, except maybe Facebook. But the above shows Google.com’s DA score and the number of backlinks and linking websites that gave it that ranking. 

You don't necessarily need nearly 100 DA websites for your backlinking. The ideal website has a domain authority score of 50 or above. But this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Context matters more than rigid metrics.

Let’s say you’re a multi-location coffee shop. You should aim for a backlink from your city’s government tourism board. It shows both authority and local relevance. 

Contextual Placement

When it comes to local backlinks, where they are placed in the linking website matters. Ideally, backlinks should be within the main content— blog posts, guides, or articles—not buried in the footer or hidden in a sidebar.

Why? Google looks at the contextual placement to gauge a link's relevance and authority. Contextual placement of links means embedding links within text where they make logical sense based on the context of the surrounding information. 

Plus, they're viewed as more trustworthy by search engines.

Backlinking Example for a Local Business 

Let's say you run a florist shop in Woodsfield, Ohio. Local and industry-specific links can make all the difference. Here's the breakdown of what your backlinking targets should be like with real examples.

Local and Regional Backlinks

Start close to home. Websites tied to your area help boost local SEO. For instance:

• Monroe County Ohio Government (DA: 29): A powerful local SEO backlink from a government site.
• Monroe County Beacon (DA: 26): Getting featured in a local publication can also boost your community presence.

Think about how often people Google “best florist near me.” Local links like these tell search engines you're the real deal!

Industry-Specific Backlinks

Here’s where niche power comes in. High-authority industry sites like the Society of American Florists (DA: 58) or Florists' Review (DA: 43) provide you with credibility.

Imagine you write a blog post, "How to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh Longer," and an industry article links to it. That’s solid SEO! Backlinks from industry sites can increase organic traffic significantly. They signal to search engines that you're authoritative and relevant within your niche.

National Directories

Directory listings aren’t as glamorous for local SEO because they provide nofollow link attributes. But they work. Platforms like Yelp (DA: 95) and TripAdvisor (DA: 93) rank high on Google. They’re also where customers turn for reviews. 

Pro tip: Complete your profiles with high-quality images of your stunning bouquet and shop, including customer testimonials. 

Relevant Online Communities

Engaging in niche forums or groups like Reddit’s r/florists (DA: 95) or Flower Shop Network (DA: 81) can drive traffic and build authority. Be helpful. Answer questions. Share tips. People trust businesses that show they care.

Education and Research Backlinks

A clever strategy is to collaborate with educational or horticultural institutions. For example, partner with Ohio State University Extension (DA: 90) for a local gardening workshop. If they link back to your site, that's a double win: backlinks and community buzz.

How to Identify Good Backlinks

How do you know which backlinks are worth chasing? Follow this step-by-step guide to identify backlinks that can actually move the needle.

1. Analyze Traffic Potential

Start with tools like Moz, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to check the linking site’s traffic. A site with more traffic increases your chances of getting noticed.

Example: A local tourism blog with 10,000 monthly visitors linking to your bed-and-breakfast is far better than a niche site with 200 monthly visitors. 

2. Check Content Relevance

Ask yourself: Does this site speak to my audience? If you own a dog grooming business, getting a backlink from a pet blog makes sense. A link from a tech forum? Not so much.

For multi-location businesses, focus on sites with regional appeal. For example, a Seattle-based restaurant chain benefits from local food blogs or regional newspapers. 

3. Look for Organic Reach

Sites with high organic reach—those that rank well on Google—pack a punch. Use Ahrefs or SEMrush organic traffic metrics to see how much search traffic a site gets.

A link from a site with high organic reach is like being featured in a popular magazine. It amplifies your visibility, attracting both Google and actual humans.

4. Assess Content Quality

Would you trust a site with low-quality articles? Google won’t either. Before pursuing a backlink, skim the site’s content. Look for well-written, informative articles backed by credible sources.

A city tourism board with blogs highlighting local businesses is a jackpot. Try to skip outdated sites with last posts made in 2022.

5. Check Indexation Rate

If a page isn’t indexed by Google, the backlink won’t matter. Use Google to check by searching:

site:[page URL]

If it comes up in search results, it’s indexed. Ensure the linking page ranks for at least one keyword. Backlinks from high-ranking pages send more referral traffic.

6. Check Domain Authority

Finally, evaluate the linking site’s authority using metrics like Website Authority (Ahrefs) or Domain Authority (Moz). A site with a DA of 50+ is generally solid.

A backlink from TripAdvisor (DA: 93) is far more powerful than one from a local hobby blog (DA: 10). However, don’t dismiss low-DA sites entirely—local backlinks from niche sites often drive targeted traffic. Just make sure the linking site’s DA is not lower than yours. 

7. Conduct Competitor Backlink Research

Conduct a competitor backlink audit to identify how local competitors acquire backlinks. You can review their backlink profiles using tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs. It’s easier than it might seem; you just need to see who is already ranking and understand the reasons behind it. This process can help you discover directories, sponsorship opportunities, or local media mentions that you may have overlooked.

To do this, first identify your true competitors. Search your top keywords and see who shows up. Those are your real SEO competitors. And the sites you need to review and learn from. Next, extract their backlink profiles using tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz, and then export the lists of backlinks.

You’ll then need to spot the gaps. Look for directories they’re on that you’re not, events they’re sponsoring, local blogs that feature them, and community pages linking to them. If they have backlinks you lack, that points to both a gap and an opportunity.

When you identify those gaps, replicate what works and then outperform them. Do not copy. Instead, out-execute with stronger content, a better pitch, better resources, and a more compelling story angle. Closing even small backlink gaps can lead to significant ranking gains.

8. Identify Broken Backlinks and Reclaim Lost Link Value

Broken backlinks are some of the lowest-hanging fruit in local SEO. They already exist, they once pointed to your site, and fixing them can instantly restore lost authority. Use tools like Ahrefs to identify domains and specific URLs that link to your content, then check whether those links lead to a 404, a redirect error, or any other issue.

There are two approaches to consider. 

• The first step is fixing your own broken backlinks. Start here because it delivers the highest ROI. Most sites have dozens or even hundreds of valuable links pointing to dead pages without realizing it. Audit your backlink profile in Ahrefs or SEMrush and export all broken links, including 404s, canonical issues, and redirect loops. Then fix the underlying problem or set up clean 301 redirects to the closest relevant page. A single redirect can restore years of lost link equity.
• The second approach is finding broken links on other local sites. This is classic broken-link building, but applied at the local level where trust signals carry even more weight. Look for broken outbound links on local blogs, chambers of commerce, associations, directories, schools, and nonprofits. Then create a piece of content that fits naturally as a replacement. After that, reach out and suggest your resource as a relevant fix.

9. Find and Convert Unlinked Brand Mentions

Your business is mentioned online far more often than you realise, but many of those mentions are not linked back to your website. That is authority you are leaving on the table.

Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Alerts to track mentions by searching your business name in quotes, for example: “Your Business Name”. Identify the mentions that do not include a link, then reach out and ask the site to add one. Provide the exact URL you want them to use so the update is quick and effortless. 

Do Local Backlinks Affect SEO?

Absolutely. In fact, dramatically so. Most SEO experts say link building is critical for ranking success, with backlinks contributing to approximately 19% of all local ranking factors. 

Top-ranking local businesses often have dozens of local referring domains, even small shops. SEO expert Joy Hawkins even ran a test showing that even a single high-quality local backlink can noticeably lift a business with no existing SEO. Google’s John Mueller has also repeatedly confirmed that backlinks are an essential ranking factor.

Local backlinks strengthen local search in several ways:

1. Authority Transfer: Links from trusted local businesses, associations, and directories boost your site’s credibility.
2. Geographic Relevance: Google places heavy weight on local references. Local sites that point to you indicate that you matter in that geography.
3. Trust Signals: Backlinks help establish legitimacy, which is important for service businesses, as trust significantly influences conversions.
4. Competitive Advantage: Links are the differentiator in competitive markets, especially when everyone else has similar on-page SEO.
5. Qualified Local Traffic: Local links send actual buyers, not random global visitors.

The Dos and Don’ts of Local Link Building

For sustainable, penalty-proof local link building, keep the following best practices (and common pitfalls) in mind:

The Dos

1. Focus on Geographic and Topical Relevance

Links should come from sites aligned with your location or industry. Relevance can even trump domain authority.

If the site isn’t tied to your industry or your local area, the link is basically useless.

Local news? Yes. Local nonprofits? Yes.

Random crypto blog linking to your bakery? Not really.

Give value, earn relevance, and then earn links. It’s simple.

2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

One common mistake is focusing too much on quantity rather than quality. A handful of reputable local links can provide a significant ranking boost.

Google is not counting, it’s judging. A strong link profile includes varied anchor text, varied DA, and a tight topical fit.

3. Maintain NAP Consistency

Your Name, Address, and Phone Number must match everywhere. Consistent details strengthen trust and local signals. Make sure your business information is accurate across all platforms, and fix any inconsistencies as soon as you find them.

4. Build Authentic Community Relationships

Earning local backlinks is also about authentic community engagement. Show up for your community. Sponsor events, support causes, collaborate with local organizations, and create resources that genuinely help people. When you do that, your backlinks will grow naturally and sustainably. This is, in fact, how you build both brand and backlinks without begging.

5. Create Valuable, Linkable Content

If your content is boring or offers no real value, no one will link to it. Create resources that make people say, “Oh, this is actually useful.” Share original insights instead of recycled SEO filler. High-quality content attracts links on its own and reduces (or even eliminates) the need to chase webmasters for them.

The Don’ts

6. Buy Links from Spammy Sources

Google strongly discourages it. These links are risky, and they can vanish overnight if a webmaster decides to remove them. They can also lead to penalties. Earned links, on the other hand, are far more stable and consistently higher in value.

7. Engage in Illogical Link Exchanges

Avoid engaging in link exchanges that don’t make sense. Trading links with another site when there’s no logical connection between your businesses doesn’t sit well with search engines. 

8. Neglect Local Relevance

National or global sites are valuable, but for local SEO, a link from your neighborhood newspaper often carries far more weight. Prioritize local sources that reinforce your geographic relevance.

9. Treat Link Building Like a Side Dish

Too many local SEOs treat links as a side dish when their main courses should include link building. If you’re in a competitive market, links are the main course. They are still one of the major ranking factors.

10. Ignore Low Authority Links Entirely

There’s a common misconception that Google ignores nofollow links or links from low-authority sites. In local SEO, all relevant links matter. Relevance outweighs raw authority every time.

Also Read: Local Listing Management Guide to Improve Your Ranking

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Summing Up

Building local SEO backlinks takes effort. But the payoff is worth it. Thankfully, finding the best backlinks doesn’t require a PhD in Google algorithms. Start local. Build authentic relationships. Think about what your customers and community need—and link your way to the top of the search results. Want to even do it better? Try Synup to manage and enhance your local SEO strategy. 

Also Read: Top 8 White Label Local Listing Management Software

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FAQs

1. How to generate backlinks for free?

You can generate local backlinks for free by forming relationships with journalists, influencers, local bloggers, and local businesses. Start by writing guest posts for local blogs or collaborating with other businesses. You could also participate in local events and ask for a mention.

2. How much do backlinks cost?

While you can build local SEO backlinks for free, some high-quality links might cost between $50 and $1,000 each if you are working with an agency. It depends on the niche, linking website authority, and backlink type: website backlinks, blogger outreach, guest posts, or niche edits. Paying for a sponsorship that includes a link from a local organization can also be worth the investment. Be cautious with cheap offers, though. Links that are spammy or of poor quality can lower your rankings.

3. Can I rank my website without backlinks?

Technically, yes—but chances of ranking are low. Backlinks are one of Google’s top ranking factors. Without them, your site relies solely on content and on-page SEO, which is harder to scale. For competitive local markets, local backlinks act as trust signals for search engines. 

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