Tips for local link building?

[RiseSEO]

Hello Mozzers,

Working on a site that has locations around the country and is targeting words like "city name+long tail keyword". They're fairly well optimized on-site, so we're working on recommending localized content but could use some advice for link building. Beyond Google places, what have you guys seen that works?

[NakulGoyal]

I would recommend trying to get citations and / or links from all kinds of local directories based on your niche. For local rankings, citations are pretty useful as well. It really depends what your niche is to think of other ideas, but local business, schools, libraries etc are all good opportunities worth pursuing depending what kind of business we are talking about.

Also think about local events, sponsorships and donations possibly. I would also recommend the following articles:

http://searchengineland.com/10-unorthodox-ideas-for-local-citations-links-77468

http://www.seomoz.org/blog/google-places-citations-5-tactics-to-earn-links-for-your-local-business

[MikeGracia]

I would recommend a multi-pronged approach.

First, though, I just want to check something.

"...has locations around the country" They are not simply adding a page per city, with lots of duplicate content, are they? (I am sure they are not, but I had to ask!).

Anyway, on to answer your question with my thoughts (for what they are worth!)...

I like Nakul's suggestions, below, about sponsorship. I would add to this, getting in touch with the local press to let them know about your sponsorships.

Next, consider joining your local chamber of commerce etc, and network with people. Get the news out about their services.

Be sure to submit to local directories (not low quality international directories, but quality, local directories).

Be SURE to use consistent data for each local directory, post cade, phone no. etc... this can help aggregators like Google Local Business Centre to pick up on citations, and attribute them to your listing.

Make sure you have filled out your Google local business profile in full, with images etc, and do the same for Bing/Yahoo.

See if there are any schools or organisations locally that will allow you to give a talk or demonstration - quite often this will include a link on their website to let people know about you before the event - if you can get local schools to do this, you could get a decent link or two from .ac.uk or .edu links, etc.

It is hard without knowing your niche, but also you could try giving a talk to a local government department (if it fits... for example if you are in the data security business, offer a free workshop to a council department, but say you want them to publish the event on their site, to ensure you get a good turnout).

If your business runs self defense classes, offer a one day free workshop to a large organisations staff, teaching womens self defense tactics... but again, you want it published on the companies website/PR section. Follow this up with a Press Release about the day to the local press & online, and use that publicity to do a similar thing for other companies.

Some of the things I have mentioned are perhaps a little more time consuming that standard 'local seo' practises, but then, the links they can gain you could give you 'the edge' on your competitors.

I must admit though, if the company doesn't actually have staff in all these cities, it makes this a little harder!

[Mcarle]

If you want local links then search local opportunities...

It makes a bit of sense with your city to be looking for networking in your city.

Local neighborhood associations

http://jingletown.org/

Local Art Associations

http://www.proartsgallery.org/

Local small business affiliats

http://www.oaklandgrown.org/

Local Chaimber of Commerce

http://www.oaklandchamber.com/

Local news outlets

http://oaklandlocal.com/

Look in your area for these type of organisations to join up, they get you links, service, community enrichment & maybe even a few clients. Not all of these will fit every solution but they do range in value as well as price from 25.00/year to 200+/year.

[MiriamEllis]

Excellent suggestion from all 3 members here. I've give you each a thumbs up, guys. Jonathon - you've been given some really good advice to start with. I'll only add that in researching citations, I believe you are going to find Whitespark's citation finder to be a big help, if you're not already using it. Here's the link:

http://www.whitespark.ca/local-citation-finder/

Hope that will help, too.