Local link opportunities checklist

1) What counts as a local link

A local link is a link from a website based in or serving your area.

Good local links come from:

• Local business associations
• Local news sites
• Local event calendars
• Local blogs or community sites
• Supplier or partner directories

Bad local links come from spammy directories or link farms.

2) Safe local link opportunities (start here)

These are real, trusted, and safe for SEO:

• Local Chamber of Commerce: Most Chambers list members with a link. Worth it if you network locally.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Accreditation includes a profile and link. Costs money but builds trust.
• Local supplier directories: If you work with local suppliers, ask if they list partners on their site.
• Event sponsor pages: Many local events list sponsors with links on their website.
• Local charity or nonprofit pages: If you sponsor or donate, ask if they list supporters.
• Neighborhood association sites: Some list local businesses that serve the area.

3) Local news and blog links (harder but valuable)

Links from local news sites or community blogs can help SEO and visibility.

How to get them:

• Sponsor a local event and send a press release.
• Offer to comment on local stories (as a trade expert).
• Pitch a local story (like a major project or charity work).
• Partner with a local blogger who covers home improvement.

Do not pay for these links. Earn them by being helpful or newsworthy.

4) Local event and community calendars

Many local sites and news outlets have event calendars. If you sponsor or host an event, submit it:

• Local newspaper event calendars
• City or town event pages
• Community center calendars
• Local radio station event listings

These links are usually free and help visibility.

5) How to get listed (simple steps)

For directories and associations:

• Visit their website and look for "Join" or "Get Listed."
• Fill out the profile completely (business name, address, phone, website, description).
• Upload a logo if they ask.
• Keep your NAP (name, address, phone) consistent with your GBP.

Citation guide: citation consistency basics →

6) Which links help SEO (and which do not)

Links that help local SEO:

• Chamber of Commerce
• BBB profile
• Local news mentions
• Nonprofit or charity sponsor pages
• Local event sponsor pages

Links that help visibility but not SEO:

• Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram)
• Nextdoor business page
• Yelp or Angi profiles

Links to avoid (can hurt SEO):

• Spammy directories you have never heard of
• Paid link schemes
• Link farms or auto-generated directories

7) How to ask for a link (template)

When you sponsor or partner with a local group, use this script:

"Thanks for the sponsorship opportunity. One thing that would be helpful is if you could list us as a sponsor on your website with a link back to our site. Is that part of the package?"

Most organizers will say yes if you ask politely.

8) How to track your local links

Keep a simple list of where you are listed:

• Site name
• Link URL
• Date added
• Type (directory, news, event, etc.)

Check the list every six months to make sure the links still work.

9) Priority order (where to start)

If you have limited time, do these first:

• 1. Google Business Profile: This is your most important local listing (not a link, but critical).
• 2. Local Chamber of Commerce: If you network locally, this is worth it.
• 3. BBB: If you want trust signals and can afford the fee.
• 4. Local event sponsor pages: Pick one or two events per year and ask for a link.
• 5. Supplier or partner directories: Free and easy if you already work with local suppliers.

10) Common mistakes

• Paying for spammy directory links
• Inconsistent NAP across listings
• Not asking sponsors or partners for links
• Ignoring local news opportunities
• Expecting links to fix bad website content

Links help, but they do not replace good service or a clear website.

11) Example link plan for a local trade business

Here is a realistic 90-day plan:

• Week 1–2: Claim and optimize GBP.
• Week 3–4: Join local Chamber (if networking makes sense).
• Week 5–6: Apply for BBB accreditation (if budget allows).
• Week 7–8: Sponsor one local event and ask for a link.
• Week 9–10: Get listed in supplier directories (free).
• Week 11–12: Pitch one local news story or event calendar listing.

This gives you 4–6 safe local links in three months.

Want local SEO and link building done right?

We can help you build safe local links, manage citations, and track what actually drives leads in Edmond.