Local business and neighborhood associations

 

Are you a member of your local chamber of commerce, business association, or neighborhood association? Most groups like these operate a member directory, and you want to ensure that the directory is online, visible to the public, and Google’s spiders. If the websites of these groups are not showing up in your backlink profile, bring up the issue with the director or marketing manager of these associations and ask them to create a webpage that links to each member.

Regional/national certification boards and industry organizations

Depending on your industry, you may also be licensed by, or participate in, a regional or national organization. Don’t just display your certification on your website. Link to your business’s online profile on the websites of these certifying boards and industry organizations. This increases your business’s credibility with potential customers and helps Google’s spiders discover and crawl your profile on these highly-trusted sites.

Distributors (directories or announcements)

For retailers, think about the products that you sell in-store. Are you unique or one of the few stores in your local market that carries a particular product? If so, consider asking the manufacturer or distributor of that product for a link from their website, preferably from a “where to buy” directory. At the very least, these companies should partner with you on a press release – containing a link to your website. For example, to announce to their customers — and Google — where people can buy their product in your area.

Vendors (testimonials)

Are there particular vendors from whom you purchase many goods or services? Ask them if you can contribute a testimonial to their website, and if they really appreciate your business, that testimonial will contain a link back to your site.

Interviews and guest columns

Getting featured in a trade publication is a great driver of business – especially referral business – and can provide a vital link to your website. These links are a little more challenging to acquire as they require building a relationship with authors or influencers in your industry.

Locally-relevant links

Charities or schools to which you’ve donated money, goods, or volunteered.

Many of you are likely involved in local charities on non-profit organizations. These links are highly valued by Google, as charities tend to be trusted institutions offline and online. You want to make sure your involvement is acknowledged online. They’ll give you a link from their website if they want to thank you for your involvement.

Groups for whom you host events at your physical location

Hosting events for outside groups is one of the lowest-cost, lowest-work link-building initiatives you can undertake. Chances are good that the business or group hosting the event at your company will link to your website’s contact/directions page when they post their invitation online. Someone else is building your link for you – and who knows – some of the attendees may even turn into customers!