Backlinks (noun): Links on other websites that point to yours. Also called inbound links.
What they are
When your local chamber of commerce, a supplier or a news site links to your website, that link is a backlink. Google treats each one like a vote of confidence from another site.
Why they matter
Backlinks are still one of the strongest signals Google uses to decide who ranks. Quality beats quantity by a mile. One link from a respected local site is worth more than a pile of links from spammy directories nobody has visited since 2009.
Good backlinks for local businesses
- Chamber of commerce and trade association member listings
- Local news coverage of a project, milestone or community event
- Suppliers and manufacturers that list approved installers or dealers
- Sponsorships of local teams, charities and events
- Guest articles on industry or community websites
What to avoid
Buying links or joining link schemes breaks Google’s spam policies and can tank your rankings. If someone emails you offering “500 high-quality backlinks for $49,” that email belongs in the trash.
The words used in a link matter too. See anchor text.
Related terms
Anchor Text | Brand Awareness | Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)