Top 10 Backlink Sources Every Business Should Chase
Not all backlinks are created equal. Some build trust and visibility, while others just weigh you down like digital junk mail. If you want links that last, you need to earn them where it counts — in places real people actually use. This guide breaks down ten backlink sources that businesses of any size can pursue, plus how to approach each one without burning bridges or wasting time.
Why backlinks matter in local and organic SEO
Search engines don’t hand out trust like candy. They look for signals that other trusted websites vouch for you. That’s what a backlink is: a nod of credibility. But there’s a catch. Too many businesses chase low-quality links, often from shady directories, paid guest posts, or private blog networks that leave a footprint. The result? Rankings tank, or worse, manual penalties.
The safer and smarter play is to build backlinks from authoritative, relevant sources that match your brand and geography. Done right, links like these won’t just improve your search position — they’ll drive direct referral traffic and reinforce your reputation.
Local Spotlight: Why Local Backlinks Hit Harder
Big-name sites are great, but for local businesses, a backlink from a city news outlet can sometimes be worth more than a random link from a global directory. Search engines consider proximity and relevance. If your plumbing company gets mentioned by the “Springfield Times,” that link screams local authority.
Community boards, neighborhood blogs, and city guides may not look fancy, but they’re magnets for nearby searchers. When combined with solid site content, these local backlinks push you into the map pack faster than generic link-building schemes ever could.
1. Local Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations
Membership directories are the unsung heroes of backlink building. A chamber of commerce or professional association often lists every member with a link.
Why it works:
- Trusted, long-established domains.
- Local SEO power from city-level authority.
- Referral traffic from members and community visitors.
How to get it:
Join. Pay the fee. Provide accurate business info. Bonus points if you also attend events or sponsor programs.
2. Local News Outlets and Media Coverage
A story in your local paper is more than bragging rights — it’s a backlink magnet. News sites have high domain authority, and search engines know they’re trustworthy.
Ways to earn links:
- Sponsor or host a community event.
- Pitch a newsworthy angle (expansion, jobs created, unique story).
- Send press releases with real substance, not fluff.
Don’t fake it. Journalists can smell hype from a mile away.
3. Educational Institutions (.edu domains)
Links from .edu sites carry weight because universities rarely link to just anyone. The trick is to earn a spot naturally.
Options that work:
- Offer a scholarship program.
- Partner for research or workshops.
- Give guest lectures or career talks.
- Donate resources to campus initiatives.
These often land you on student resource pages or program partners lists.
4. Nonprofit and Charity Sponsorships
Support a cause, get visibility, and earn backlinks all in one shot. Nonprofits usually thank sponsors with a website mention.
Examples:
- Charity runs or walks.
- School fundraisers.
- Community theater programs.
Pick causes that align with your brand values. It’s goodwill plus SEO juice.
5. Supplier and Vendor Pages
If you’re an authorized dealer, installer, or service provider, your suppliers often keep directories of trusted businesses.
Steps:
- List out all your suppliers or partners.
- Check if they have “Where to Buy” or “Authorized Dealer” pages.
- Request inclusion with correct NAP (name, address, phone) and a link.
It’s a natural and credible backlink, especially for B2B companies.
6. Industry Associations and Trade Groups
Professional associations exist in nearly every field — from construction to healthcare. Their directories often rank high for niche searches.
Why they’re valuable:
- Relevant by industry.
- Sometimes national reach.
- Usually vetted, so low spam risk.
The fee is often worth it for both networking and visibility.
7. Niche Blogs and Community Sites
Forget the spammy guest-post-for-hire networks. Find real bloggers who cover your niche or city.
Approaches that work:
- Offer to write a guest post that solves a problem.
- Share insider knowledge from your industry.
- Collaborate on a guide or roundup article.
Make sure the site has a real audience, not just bots and ad clutter.
8. Local Event Calendars and Directories
Many city websites, newspapers, and event platforms let you post upcoming events. If you host or sponsor one, you can usually add a link.
Examples:
- Farmers markets.
- Business networking nights.
- Local festivals.
These links don’t just boost SEO — they drive real foot traffic.
9. Resource Lists and “Best Of” Guides
People love lists, and so do search engines. Local “Best Restaurants” or “Top Dentists” pages often get heavy traffic.
How to land a spot:
- Reach out to the publisher if you qualify.
- Submit your info to open directories.
- Encourage loyal customers to suggest you.
But avoid sketchy “pay-to-play” lists. They’re obvious to both readers and algorithms.
10. Testimonials and Case Studies
Businesses you’ve worked with want happy clients to sing their praises. Write a testimonial, and they’ll often post it with a backlink.
Tactics:
- Give genuine feedback to software or service providers.
- Offer to be featured in a case study.
- Share before-and-after success stories.
It’s low effort, high trust, and builds real partnerships.
Related Terms
- white hat link building
- local SEO authority
- unstructured citations
- digital PR outreach
- referral traffic
Common Questions About Building Backlinks
What’s the safest type of backlink?
Backlinks from trusted, relevant sites like chambers, schools, nonprofits, and industry associations. They won’t get you penalized and usually last for years.
How many backlinks do I need to rank?
It depends on your competition. Some local businesses climb with 20 high-quality backlinks, while others need hundreds. Quality beats quantity.
Should I pay for backlinks?
Buying backlinks violates search guidelines and risks penalties. Instead, invest in memberships, sponsorships, or collaborations that naturally provide links.
Do nofollow links help SEO?
Yes. Even without direct ranking weight, they bring referral traffic, diversify your profile, and sometimes lead to followed links later.
How do I check if a backlink is good?
Look for relevance, authority, and real traffic. If the site ranks for its own keywords and isn’t a spam farm, the link is likely safe.
Additional Resources
- Google Search Central on link schemes: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/essentials/spam-policies/link-spam
- Wikipedia: Backlink basics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backlink
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Local marketing strategies: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/marketing-sales
Expand Your Knowledge
- Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to Link Building: https://moz.com/beginners-guide-to-link-building
- Schema.org Organization markup: https://schema.org/Organization
- Wikipedia: Search engine optimization overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine_optimization
My name is Michael Chrest , I am the owner of MRC SEO Consulting , I have been working with websites since 2005 and started with a technical background in IT. Having worked with hundred of websites , doing design , technical work and search engine optimization I know what is required to get your website ranking. I spend a lot of time learning new SEO practices to keep up with the constant change Google put in place. Give me a call and let me show you what I can do for you.