How to build more links from local sources for your new business website

In one of our posts last week, we looked at local SEO and recapped exactly how and why it’s so important to many a new business website. In that post, we noted that links from local sites are an important part of any local SEO strategy – and of course, they’re also a very targeted and effective way of driving local traffic to your new website. One of the things that we didn’t touch on was exactly how to go about accruing those valuable links. Link building can be tough at the best of times so if you’re struggling, read on for a few ways to get some local links pointing back to your new look site…

1. Target local news sites One of the most obvious targets for your local link building efforts is your local media. Local newspapers, radio stations and TV stations are constantly on the hunt for local news stories – pieces about local people and local businesses. Approaching relevant local reporters with worthwhile pieces of news about your business is a great way to begin this link building process. When writing a PR or pitching a reporter, ensure that you focus on what makes your news a piece of news rather than a sales pitch. Read up on what the media site routinely covers to get a feel for the types of stories that make the grade before submitting your own news. 2. Seek local citations Looking for local directories or other local resource or community sites also offers a means to build a local link. Local directories by their very nature want to list local businesses so focusing on citations in your local area can also deliver a respectable number of relevant links for your efforts. If you aren’t sure what local citations are, read our introductory post here. 3. Partner with local community sites and local initiatives Chances are that as a local business, you’re active (or some of your staff are active) in your local community. If not, look at ways you can get involved. From volunteering, to speaking at the local school, taking in work placements, sponsoring the local football team or arranging a charity event, there are lots of ways you can participate in local initiatives and lead a few yourself. Over and above doing good for your staff, town and potential customers, this is also a good way to get links back to your site.