In addition to great content and a sound site structure, backlinks are one of the most important foundational aspects of great search engine optimization.

You may have read our previous blog “How to Get Your First Ten Backlinks for SEO” that details the basics on getting backlinks. This is a great start for small business owners like you to build links to your website.

But, are you ready to take your backlinks to the next step? Read more for our suggestions on helping your small business website gain more backlinks.

8 Ideas to Improve Your Backlinks

 

1. Get Listed in (Relevant) Directories

Whatever industry your business serves, there is likely a niche directory that you can list your business in. Service industry experts can use directories like Angi, medical professionals can use Zocdoc, and the travel industry can use Tripadvisor. You know your industry best and which directories would make the best impact on your business in addition to giving you an authoritative backlink.

Be careful with this backlink tactic, however. Don’t go overboard and decide to list your website on hundreds or thousands of online directories, as this can earn you a penalization from Google. Only list your business on relevant directories for industry.

2. Join Professional Organizations

If your business is not already a part of any professional organizations, you should consider joining one (or a few!).

These organizations typically list members on their website, which is the perfect opportunity for you to grab some high quality backlinks. Not only is this a win in the backlink arena, but you will also build relationships with other business owners which can help your business expand its reach!

Professional organizations include things like your local Chamber of Commerce, industry specific associations, local charity boards, etc.

3. Sponsor a Local Event or Charity

Another great way to earn a backlink is by sponsoring a local event or a charity. These events most often add their sponsors to their website so you’ll gain a backlink.

If the media picks up the story about the event, there is also another opportunity to gain a backlink from your local news station.

Event ideas could be local 5K races, high school or college sporting events, charity fundraisers, conferences in the area, etc.

Don’t just sponsor an event or charity for the backlink and publicity, though! Be sure to choose a cause that aligns with your company’s mission and values.

4. Write a Guest Post on a Blog

You’re an expert in your field, so share your knowledge with others!

If you personally know someone who blogs or you follow some respected bloggers in your field, reach out to them and see if they have any opportunities for guest posting.

You can also Google terms such as “guest post” + your industry and find sites that are searching for industry voices like yours.

When you write a guest blog post, you’ll gain a backlink from that blog’s site and you may also gain a new following of people interested in what you have to say. Bloggers typically like having guest posts because it can expand their blog’s reach as well. Win-win!

5. Get Covered by Local News

Pitching a story to your local news station can be another great way to earn an authoritative backlink.

You could give them a story about something “hot” in your industry that would be worth covering, such as forecasts of mortgage rates for 2023 if you’re in the financial industry.

You can also share newsworthy pieces of content about your business, such as new product offerings, a new location opening, etc.

Again, not only will this idea help you to earn a new backlink, but you’ll raise more awareness about your business in your local community!

6. Utilize HARO (UPM)

HARO stands for “Help a Reporter Out” and is a website that “connects journalists seeking expertise to include in their content with sources who have that expertise.”

This free website helps you connect with journalists all over the country who are looking for credible sources for their industry stories.

When you sign up for HARO, you’ll get emails with relevant topics that you can speak into. You get to choose the ones that interest you most and send a detailed reply to the request.

This can help you earn backlinks from a variety of different relevant sources.

7. Be a Guest on a Podcast

Our world is currently obsessed with podcasts. You can find a podcast for just about any topic you can think of! This is a great, relevant channel to reach your target audiences.

Find a podcast in your industry and contact the hosts to discuss being a guest on their show and the ways that you can uniquely contribute to their conversation.

Podcasters do a great job at introducing guests and telling more about their business and why they’re an expert in the field. They’ll also link to your business from their site so members can find you!

8. Create an Infographic

Infographics are a great way to visually share information without a ton of reading. You can distill a complex problem into a few graphics that will help a reader quickly understand the information presented.

Creating an infographic can be a unique way to earn new backlinks. If your graphic is engaging AND informative, bloggers will be likely to use it on their site when they’re writing about your topic.

When you create an infographic specifically to help create backlinks, be sure to include your site’s embed code so that you get the credit and the backlink for the graphic. Use an easy embed code generator to do this! Make sure to also title your infographic from an SEO perspective so that it will show up in Google image results.

You can then reach out to bloggers in the industry and offer them the infographic in exchange for a link to your site. You may also want to consider uploading the image to sites like Pinterest as well.

Need graphic design help for your infographic? We have you covered! Reach out to us and we can help you create the perfect graphic that will stand out.

 

As you can see from these tips, building backlinks to your website is very similar to public relations. These strategies will not only help you earn more backlinks, but can help expand your brand’s reach and connect you to others in your field in new ways.
 

Try these ideas and let us know how they work for your small business

Having trouble ranking using DIY SEO? Check out our SEO Services!