Local link building: how to use local news websites?

Local link building is a powerful way to strengthen your website within a specific region. Local news websites play a crucial role in this, as they not only attract relevant visitors, but also contribute to your authority within a particular market. I’ll explain how to effectively use local news platforms for link building.

Why local news websites are important for link building

Local news websites often enjoy a great deal of trust from both readers and search engines. By obtaining listings here, you benefit from increased local visibility. In addition, you benefit from backlinks from trusted and authoritative domains. This will give you a greater reach within your target audience.

How do you get on local news websites?

To get a backlink on a local news website, you need a strategic approach. Here are the most effective methods:

1. Create newsworthy content

Journalists and editors are constantly looking for interesting stories. Make sure your content is relevant to the local community. For example, write a press release about a milestone, product launch or business growth. You can also write about a local event you are hosting or sponsoring. Otherwise, hold an interview, sharing your expertise on a current topic.

2. Build relationships with local journalists

Networking is essential. Building relationships with journalists and editors increases your chances of getting published. You can do this by following journalists and editors and responding to their articles. Also, proactively offer them valuable information. Further, build a press list so you can send them regular updates.

3. Capitalize on local current events

Respond to topics that are currently relevant within your region. Respond to local trends and developments with an expert perspective. Share statistics or surveys that are of local interest. You can also start initiatives that have social impact and are newsworthy.

Alternative ways to obtain links through local news websites

In addition to direct publications, get backlinks through local news websites in other ways. You can write guest posts. Some news platforms accept columns or blogs from local experts. Sponsor events otherwise. Many local news websites post sponsorships on their sites. Also, work with local organizations. By forming partnerships, you increase your chances of getting mentions.

Measure the impact of local link building

As with any SEO strategy, measuring impact is essential. Keep track of how many backlinks you have obtained from local news websites, whether your local keyword positions are improving and whether your website is receiving more traffic from the region. This way, you’ll know if local link building has worked for you.

Summary

Local news websites are a valuable resource for link building. They can help you become more visible locally. By creating newsworthy content, building relationships with journalists and responding to hot topics, you can strategically use these platforms. Want to spar about how to use this effectively? Contact me and I’ll help you further.

Senior SEO-specialist

Ralf van Veen

Senior SEO-specialist
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I have been working for 12 years as an independent SEO specialist for companies (in the Netherlands and abroad) that want to rank higher in Google in a sustainable manner. During this period I have consulted A-brands, set up large-scale international SEO campaigns and coached global development teams in the field of search engine optimization.

With this broad experience within SEO, I have developed the SEO course and helped hundreds of companies with improved findability in Google in a sustainable and transparent way. For this you can consult my portfolio, references and collaborations.

This article was originally published on 1 February 2025. The last update of this article was on 1 February 2025. The content of this page was written and approved by Ralf van Veen. Learn more about the creation of my articles in my editorial guidelines.