Building Backlinks: Tap Into Your Network and Get Creative

What Are Backlinks? How Does Link Building Work for SEO?

Backlinks are links from other websites that point to your own site, acting like digital referrals that tell search engines your business is trustworthy and relevant. They are a key factor in SEO, especially local SEO, where backlinks from local businesses, news sites, and community organizations can help you rank higher in searches near your location.

Sometimes these backlinks can come from directory listing or citations. If you want to learn more about citations—the mentions of your business information online and how they differ from backlinks—check out our post on citations.

For now, let’s dive into how to build powerful backlinks beyond just business directories.

Backlinks Beyond Directories: Tap Your Network and Get Creative

If you want to take your local SEO to the next level, don’t just stop at business directories and listing sites. The best backlinks often come from real connections in your local community and professional network—these are harder for competitors to copy and trusted by Google.

Network-Based Backlink Ideas

Ask for Mentions from Partners and Referrals:

Reach out to vendors you work with, neighboring businesses, local charities, or networking groups you’re active in. A quick “Would you be able to link to my site from your partners/resources page?” goes a long way—and most will say yes if you’ve built a relationship.

Collaborate on Content:

Co-author a local business roundup, a tips article, or sponsor a resource guide. Both parties can host it and link to each other, boosting SEO and benefiting both businesses.

Guest Appearances:

Say yes to being a guest on local podcasts, webinars, or community YouTube shows. Host your own workshop or Q&A and ask organizers if you’ll get a website mention and link.

Provide Testimonials:

Write testimonials for local vendors, service providers, or products you use. Many businesses publish these on their sites with a backlink in your business credit line.

The Power of Local Influence

Pitch Your Story to Local Bloggers or Journalists:

Share an interesting business story, community involvement, or customer success. Local news sites and bloggers love human-interest angles—and their coverage almost always includes a link to your website.

Sponsor or Host Events:

Partner with local charities, schools, or sports leagues. Your business often gets featured on their event pages, sponsor lists, and press releases—all strong, locally-relevant backlinks.

Create Linkable Assets:

Unique resources, local guides, or infographics about your industry trends in the area encourage other local sites to link to you as a credible source. Ask people to share them!

Remember, building backlinks from your network is about nurturing real-world relationships and making your business an active part of the local community. These “earned links” boost your trustworthiness and can create steady referral traffic, not just search rankings.