How come you’re still not ranking? After all, you’ve paid an agency hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars to optimize your small business website… Well, you might have a backlink problem! Keep reading to learn what backlinks are and discover a surefire way to get powerful ones.
What Are Backlinks and Why Do You Need Them?
In simple words, backlinks are links from other websites to yours. They matter because they essentially act like votes of confidence, clear signals that Google understands.
The more votes you get, the better. Well… kind of. Because to make a positive difference these votes also need to come from reputable sources.
The three main benefits of high-quality backlinks are:
- Higher search rankings: More backlinks can help improve your position on Google.
- Increased traffic: Links from popular sites can bring more visitors to your website.
- Credibility and trust: Quality backlinks tell Google that your business is reliable.
Whether you own a nationwide or a local business, link building, which is the process of acquiring backlinks, should always be a part of your SEO strategy.
Why You Should Understand How to Get Backlinks for Your Small Business Website
If you ask them, serious marketing agencies will tell you they know how to get backlinks for your small business website.
For example, they can list your site on directories like Facebook, Super Pages or Better Business Bureau. They can also try to get you media placements. Or use a wide range of branded strategies and techniques. Sometimes, they even pay for links…
All these methods can prove valuable because they provide a foundation of reliable links that improve your website’s credibility and visibility. At least, if the links you get are more than just spam.
These methods have one thing in common though: they usually fall short when it comes to helping your local website rank in the geographical areas it should.
Why? Because most of the backlinks you’ll get that way will be highly generic. And as such, they won’t carry as much weight as personalized, community-based links.
What You Can Do That an Agency Can’t
When wondering how to get backlinks for your small business website, you need to understand that the best of them often come from personal connections and community involvement. Something that agencies simply can’t do as effectively as you can. And for good reason.
How could they replicate the unique relationships and local connections that you, a small business owner, have within your community (and if they say they can for the low price of $29.99/month, here’s a piece of advice: Run—now!)? After all, you’re the one building relationships with other local businesses. Every. Single. Day. They aren’t.
Oh, and there’s a reason why most agencies simply won’t tell you how to get quality backlinks that truly move the needle… That’s because to get these backlinks your personal involvement becomes crucial! And if you know that, they can’t keep the myth that “SEO is a black box” alive.
OK. Now you know. But how should you go about it?
How to Get Quality Backlinks #1: the PR Method
Some of the best backlinks you can dream of are those that come from reputable sources like local media or trade associations. Why is that? Because Google usually views their sites as trustworthy and authoritative. And if they link to yours… it signals to Google that your site is probably reliable too!
These backlinks are also often more permanent and stable than the generic ones an agency could get you. Here are three ways to get them:
How to Get Quality Backlinks #2: the “Rolodex Method”
Ever heard of the “Rolodex method”? It’s a very efficient way to build quality backlinks, whose name local search marketing expert Darren Shaw recently came up with.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Look through your phone or address book for business owners with websites.
- Think about why they might accept to link to your website—mutual benefit, relevant content, etc.
- Send a friendly proposal email detailing where you’d like your link placed and the text to turn into a hyperlink.
- Follow up with a call or an in-person visit if needed. Adding this personal touch can really go a long way.
Do you know why this method works so well? That’s because it leverages your existing relationships. The fact that you know these business owners personally makes all the difference in the world. And explains why your success rate will be on average very high.
Cherry on the cake: by reaching out to people who already know your business, the backlinks you’ll receive are likely to be both high-quality and relevant.
That’s it. Now you know how to get quality backlinks!
Grab Your Free Proposal Template
Not enough time or brainpower to write a proposal on your own? We got you!
Feel free to copy and paste the text below or download it as a text file.
Hi [Name],
I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am the owner of [Your Business Name], a local business dedicated to [briefly describe your business].
I am reaching out because I have always admired the work that [Recipient’s Business Name] does in our community. Your commitment to [specific quality or value of their business] truly stands out, and I believe we share the same ideals and values in how we conduct our businesses.
I am writing to propose a mutually beneficial opportunity. I would love to feature a link to your website on our [website/blog/resource page], and I am hopeful you might consider doing the same for us. Here are a few reasons why I believe this would be a great collaboration:
- Shared values: Both of our businesses prioritize [specific value], ensuring our customers receive the best possible service.
- Community-focused: We both understand the importance of supporting local businesses and strengthening our community.
- Reputation: Your business is known for its [specific positive trait], and we strive to maintain a similar level of excellence.
- Customer trust: By linking to each other, we can offer our customers trusted resources, enhancing their overall experience.
This is not a request I make lightly. I am selectively reaching out to businesses that I genuinely respect and believe align with our own principles. If you are open to this idea, I would be delighted to discuss the details further and work out how we can best support each other.
Thank you for considering this proposal. I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you and strengthening our community ties.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name][Your Position]
[Your Business Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Website URL]
Of course, other methods can get you these juicy links. However, these two are by far the most effective and our favorites at Olly Olly!
Found this article useful? Need help making your website more visible and trustworthy? Learn more about our local SEO services.
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