-
By Ruchi Pardal
-
13 Oct, 2023
-
~ 7 minutes to read
13 Oct, 2023
~ 7 minutes to read
Local links are a critical piece of local SEO. Reason? They signal to search engines that your website is relevant to local searches. Bonus? These links work for both ‘service area businesses’ and ‘brick-and-mortar businesses.’
When you have a lot of local links, your website is more likely to rank higher in search results for local keywords.
Agreed, this process is time-consuming but worth it in the long run. If implemented well in local SEO services strategies, you can improve your website’s visibility in local search results and attract more customers.
In SEO, local links refer to two different things: local link building and link-local address.
Local links come in four primary categories:
Citations and data aggregators are beneficial for local SEO and online business listings.
There is no need to spend hours submitting and updating online directories; data aggregators can automate most of the process.
Data Axle, Neustar, and Foursquare are three names that offer a “bulk submission” service. They can place your business citations across a specific network of online directories.
Image: Search engine land
Citations and data aggregators are important because Google’s Knowledge Graph uses directory data to validate and confirm business information and accurately share it with users.
Community engagement links are links that you earn by participating in your local community, such as:
You can earn community engagement links by sponsoring local events or partnering with local businesses.
This strategy involves engaging with your target audience and other relevant stakeholders authentically.
Let’s share a real-time example from the fashion industry.
The fashion brand actively engages with its target audience in various online communities:
They share expertise, answer questions, and contribute to discussions related to sustainable fashion.
This community engagement fosters their brand credibility and awareness, boosting SEO growth and quality backlinks.
The return on investment can be significant.
If your business has won national or local awards, list them on your website and promote them on social media. This can help you earn links from local news websites, blogs, and other websites that cover local news and events.
The first step to gaining local recognition involves researching the local awards available. Search engines consider awards a measure of an organization’s expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness.
Search Engine Land
Creating and sharing relevant local content helps you earn links from other websites in your area. The content can be Blog posts, infographics, Videos, etc. You can also earn links by creating and sharing local campaigns, tools, reports, and studies.
Example,
Let’s say your business operates within the fashion industry. In that case, the below strategies can help you create local content.
| Local Fashion Spotlights | Create videos or write articles highlighting local fashion designers, fashion influencers, and boutiques. |
| Event Coverage | Cover local fashion events, like fashion shows and pop-up shops. Share reviews of the latest trends and collections presented at events. |
| City-Specific Fashion Guides | Create fashion guides, including where to shop for local fashion, the best boutiques, and thrift stores. |
| Fashion Event Calendars | Compile a calendar of local fashion-related events, like sample sales, fashion shows, and trunk shows. |
| Local Brand Features | Spotlight local fashion brands and provide in-depth coverage of their products, history, and unique selling points. |
| Highlight the craftsmanship | Write about local craftsmanship and design and tell the stories. |
The impact of local content on SEO services varies depending on the subject matter and audience. However, backlinks and brand mentions are always a bonus because of the following reasons:
Refer to the image below, which illustrates examples of each type of local link:
You can increase the visibility of your website in local search results and draw in more visitors by constructing a variety of local link types.
Related: How to Create Local Content for SEO to Build Trust and Boost Sales
There are several ways to earn local links. Some of the most effective methods include:
Many online and offline directories offer complimentary listings for your business. Select them and list your business. Some popular local directories are:
Contact local bloggers and see if they would be interested in publishing your guest post.
Get involved in your community and earn some positive publicity for your business. Get a link to your website from the event and social media pages.
Partner with local businesses to cross-promote each other’s businesses and earn links to your websites.
For example, offer a discount to customers of your partner business, or you could co-host an event together.
Related: 5 Secrets To Get More Customer Feedback for Your Local Business
Get involved in your local community to earn links from local websites and social media pages.
Earning local links can take time and effort, but it is worth it in the long run. By building local links, you can improve your website’s visibility in local search results and attract more customers.
Ready to boost your local search rankings? Consider partnering with SEO service experts at ResultFirst today!
Also Read:
Our Pay for performance SEO programe helps companies
achieve impressive results
