I'm interested in knowing link building strategies for regional businesses.

[medtouch]

I'm not just interested in sites to target, but also how to manage anchor text when you are targeting phrases that include a keyword + a geo modifier. Thanks!

[dignan99]

The strategy I feel works best is to make sure the anchor text is variable, and targets not only the homepage but deep linking which will bring value to other pages in the site. I am of the opinion that repeated anchor text to the same page could actually be harmful if misused, and that the variances of anchortext with appropriate geo modifier will be just as if not more beneficial in the long run.  Google is quite dynamic and its ability to connect the dots in the future will only increase.

Keyword research is also important when deciding which keywords and keyword phrases to target.

[medtouch]

thanks. so how would you handle an instance where an organization provides services to multiple geographies, such as "IT services" for Boston MA, Portland ME and Burlington VT. Would you create a really large link encompassing the entire phrases? Or just link "IT services"?

[dignan99]

I would most likely focus attempt to utilize the geo modifier as often as possible, but may not do so EVERY time.  There are enough variations as well so they don't become redundant.

IT services in Boston, MA

Boston IT Services

Information technology services Boston

Just a few examples of how they can change, and they should be built with each targeted area.  You may consider doing IT services occasionally, but you have to figure out if you have the means of defeating the large budgets of IT Service companies you may be competing with.  Their size and budget towards SEO may be insurmountable.

Analyze your competition too, and try to dissect what they have done, and try to catch up.  Follow that up with solid networking, SEO, and back links from reputable sources.

Sounds like a big job, and one that is hopefully lucrative and successful for you.

[BedeFahey]

I agree with Dignan99's initial thoughts about the ability of SE's to connect the dots.

I've also found the on-page targeting of the geographic terms to be crucial. I've found a lot of value in getting a link for, say, "IT Services" and pointing it deeper into the site to a page that targets "IT Services Boston".

In terms of actual places to get links, I've always felt that getting links that are not only topically relevant, but also geographically relevant is important in that sort of campaign. I tend to go for good quality regional or local sites.