Looking for some link bait ideas for local businesses?

[RonMedlin]

I own an agency and have several local clients.  Particularly clients in the service areas - Window replacement company, Roofing company, Foreign Car repair company, and an Asphalt paving company.  I really want to run some link bait campaigns, and would love any input you guys might have.  Thanks in advance for your ideas:)

[Mcarle]

Get to now your:

Local news outlets.

Local community groups.

Local business associations.

Nearly all cities these days have dozens of hyperlocal blogs, get to know all of them.

As for the bait its self...

Get the companies to hold events, open houses, join communitie fairs...

[RonMedlin]

Thanks Mcarle.  Great info!!

[Mr.Rangen]

The ROI just isn't there. Not unless you stumble into a Chuck Testa video. I don't envy you, don't take this as criticism, but rather a rambling from someone who has been there. In fact, I'm interested to hear what you come up with .

I tried:

1. Linkbait

2. Consistent content (mainly educational resources targeting 'local + kw' strings)

3. PPC

4. All local directories

5. Videos

Rankings, sure. No problem. However, the traffic just wasn't there to make it FUN. You know? Whatever you do, don't forget to promote your own brand and work towards non-regional clients.

You're best bet is to think about offline resources and find ones you can leverage online. Most of it, it's going through competitor contacts/network, vendors, partners, distributors and lean on those contacts for content & links. Don't spend too much time on viral/linkbait, because it's expensive to create & I'm guessing these companies won't pay you for your time.. or appreciate it.

The other thing we did that worked well, harvested all local blogs. From there, we identified non-direct competitor blogs and leveraged guest posting that way. It cut down on the cost of new content and earned us a few links. Not to mention, got me a couple of free lunches.