How Local Backlinks Can Boost Your Google Maps Ranking

When people think about local SEO, they often picture their Google Business Profile, and that’s a great place to start. But if you want to climb higher on Google Maps, having a profile alone isn’t enough. Google also looks for signs that other trusted websites in your area recognize your business. That’s where local backlinks come in.

As a local SEO agency, we’ve seen time and again that these links show that other respected websites in your area recognize your business as part of the local landscape.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what local backlinks are, how they support your map visibility, and simple ways to earn them, without needing to be an SEO pro.

What Are Local Backlinks and Why They Matter for Google Maps

A backlink is a hyperlink from one website to another, like when someone else’s site links directly to yours. These links help search engines understand which websites are being talked about or recommended across the web.

Additionally, a backlink can include community blogs, regional news outlets, nearby schools, event pages, or your local chamber of commerce. The key is that the source of the link has local relevance.

It matters since Google relies on these links to verify that your business is actively engaged in your geographic area. It’s like getting a thumbs-up from the neighborhood, something that carries more weight than a random link from a site with no connection to your location. These geographically relevant links signal that your business belongs in local search results.

How Local Backlinks Influence Your Google Maps Visibility

Backlinks don’t just help your website; they also play a key role in how your business ranks on Google Maps. When other local websites link to you, it sends Google signals that your business is trusted and active in your community. 

These signals help Google decide whether to show your business in local search results, especially in the map pack.

1. They Act as Local Trust Signals that Google Can Verify

Local backlinks help Google confirm that your business is legitimate, active, and embedded in the local area.

• A link from a community-based website acts as a public confirmation of your business’s presence: It shows Google that someone else in your region vouches for your business online. That’s especially important for distinguishing real businesses from inactive or fake listings.
• Google’s local algorithm looks for signs of trust from sources within your geographic area: If a chamber of commerce, local school, or city blog links to you, it helps verify that you’re genuinely part of that community. They’re especially useful when Google needs to choose between similar businesses in the same area.
• These links can give you an edge when competing businesses offer similar services in the same area: If two firms are in the same category and location, the one with stronger trust signals will likely rank higher. This is where backlinks quietly do their work behind the scenes.

2. They Build Location-Based Relevance and Authority

Google needs to know that your business isn’t just operating, but operating in the right place. An experienced SEO company can help you earn local backlinks that build that clarity and strengthen your location-based authority.

• A local backlink ties your business to a specific location with digital proof: For example, if a downtown event site links to your business, it shows Google that you’re involved in that particular area. This creates a more concrete connection between your company and the neighborhood you serve.
• Location relevance helps your business appear in search results for people searching nearby: Even if your website doesn’t mention the city often, local backlinks fill in that geographic context for search engines. They provide local context that helps validate your geographic relevance to search engines.
• Search engines use this authority to decide if your listing belongs in the local map pack: A steady stream of local links tells Google your business plays an ongoing role in the community. It signals relevance not just once, but over time, helping your listing stay visible, not just get there.

3. They Carry More Ranking Power Than Citations

Citations (like name listings in directories) still matter, but as any skilled digital marketing agency knows, backlinks provide much stronger signals of authority and trust.

• A backlink is an intentional referral, while citations simply list your information: A citation might include your name and address, but a backlink means another site is intentionally directing its readers to you. That added intent makes backlinks more influential.
• Google treats backlinks as a higher-quality signal than static citations: Since backlinks are created manually, they’re seen as more deliberate and credible. This effort is interpreted as a more decisive vote of confidence.

4. They Reinforce Location Trust When Business Info Is Included

Links that include your business name, location, or description give Google even more reasons to trust your listing.

• When your business details are mentioned alongside the link, it strengthens the connection to your local area: For example, a local article linking to “ABC Café, located in Pasadena” confirms both your name and your geography. This helps confirm that your business profile matches its real-world counterpart.
• These mentions help Google match your business to its real-world presence: If the info lines up with what’s already on your Google Business Profile, it builds consistency. This matching info strengthens your business’s legitimacy in Google’s system and can influence placement in map results.
• Backlinks that mirror your actual business details support both trust and accuracy: They tell Google your digital footprint is aligned across the web. That alignment plays a direct role in local search visibility.

Easy Ways to Earn Local Backlinks Without SEO Jargon

You don’t need to be an SEO specialist to build local backlinks that work. The truth is, many opportunities are already within reach if you know where to look, and effective SEO services can help you uncover them. Below are practical ways to build local links, no technical background needed.

1. Join Local Directories and Industry Groups

Local business associations and niche directories often allow members to link to their websites.

• Start by joining your local chamber of commerce or neighborhood business network: These organizations usually have member listings that include a link to your website. Since they’re trusted locally, those links help confirm your presence in the area.
• Explore industry-specific groups that operate within your region: For example, if you’re a local florist, check if there’s a regional florist association or vendor directory. These platforms often include a member spotlight or listing page where you can add your details and a link.
• Use your profile to add location details alongside your link: If the platform allows a short description or tagline, include your neighborhood or service area in it. This provides your backlink with local context, making it more valuable in Google’s eyes.

2. Collaborate with Nearby Businesses

Working with other local businesses can lead to backlinks that occur naturally and benefit both parties.

• Try co-hosting a local event, workshop, or limited-time offer: When each business shares it on their website or blog, you both gain exposure and earn relevant backlinks. This builds a network of signals pointing to your shared location and activity.
• Offer to write a simple feature or guest post for a local partner’s website: This could be a quick “5 Questions With…” interview or a short spotlight article. They’ll link back to your site when they publish it, giving you a backlink that’s both local and organic.
• Consider building a “Local Partners” page on your own website: List other trusted businesses you work with, and let them know you’ve done it. Many will return the favor by linking back to your site on their own.

3. Pitch Local Media and Community Sites

Local publications and event pages are often open to submissions; they just need to hear from you.

• Reach out to your city’s online newspaper or regional magazine with a quick story angle. It doesn’t have to be dramatic; even new hires, anniversaries, or seasonal specials can be enough for a short write-up. These sites usually include a link to your website in the article or business bio.
• Submit your events to local calendars and digital bulletin boards. Sites that list public events often include a link for more details, which can lead directly to your homepage or event page. These backlinks are location-specific and easy to earn with a simple submission.
• Don’t overlook hyperlocal bloggers or neighborhood guides. Many communities have independent writers who feature local shops, dining spots, or services. If they link to you in a roundup or article, it’s another high-quality backlink with built-in local trust.

4. Sponsor Local Events or Charities

Sponsorships are a win-win; you support your community and often receive a backlink in return.

• Look for events, fundraisers, or nonprofits that align with your values. Whether it’s a local race, school play, or animal rescue, many organizers list their sponsors online. These listings usually include your name, logo, and a link to your site.
• Confirm that the website is active and includes sponsor info in a visible place. Not every event page is updated regularly, so be sure to check that your logo and link appear online. A quick scan of their past events will show how they typically display sponsors.
• Be selective and strategic about who you support: Choose events that align with your brand, target audience, or service area. When the sponsorship link lives on a site that’s also tied to your local community, it sends a stronger signal to Google.

Let The Ad Firm Help You Build Real Local Authority

The value of local backlinks lies in their local specificity, credibility, and ability to influence map rankings.

As a full-service SEO company, The Ad Firm helps businesses earn credible backlinks, clean up citations, and strengthen their presence in the local pack. 

Our strategies are tailored for long-term visibility, not quick fixes. If you’re ready to build absolute authority in your area and show up where it counts, get in touch with The Ad Firm today. We’ll help your business earn the links that matter.