If you run a business in Burnaby, Surrey, or anywhere in BC and want to rank on Google, you need one thing many local companies overlook: local backlinks.
In this guide, we’ll break down what local backlinks are, why they’re so important for local SEO, and 15 ways to get high-quality local links that can boost your visibility and leads.
What Are Local Backlinks?
A local backlink is any link to your website from another local website — such as a business directory, chamber of commerce, local newspaper, or community blog.
These links tell Google:
- You are a legitimate local business
- You’re part of the community
You’re worth ranking for location-based searches like “plumber in Burnaby” or “best yoga studio near me”
Why Local Backlinks Matter
- Google uses backlinks as a top-ranking factor
- Local links build authority and trust within your geographic area
- They improve rankings in the Map Pack and organic results
- They bring referral traffic from relevant local sources
Local Backlink Sources Every BC Business Should Target
Here are the top 15 local link sources for BC businesses, with real examples:
1. Local Business Directories
- BC Marketplace
- LBBN Directory
- [Chamber of Commerce websites (e.g., Burnaby Board of Trade)]
- 411.ca
Pro Tip: Ensure NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone) across all listings.
2. Local News Sites
- Reach out to outlets like Burnaby Now or Daily Hive Vancouver
- Pitch your business story, charity involvement, or expert tips
3. Sponsor Local Events or Teams
- Sponsor youth sports teams, school events, or city festivals
- They often include a link to your website on their “Sponsors” or “Supporters” pages
4. Get Listed on Local “Best of” Lists
- Contact bloggers or local influencers who curate “Top X” lists
- e.g., “Top 10 Coffee Shops in Burnaby” or “Best Lawyers in Metro Vancouver”
5. Partner With Complementary Businesses
- Cross-link with partners (e.g., wedding planners and photographers, realtors and stagers)
- Offer each other backlinks on service pages or blogs
6. Create Shareable Local Content
- Write guides like:
- “Things to Do in Burnaby This Summer”
- “Where to Eat in North Vancouver”
- These attract links from local forums, newsletters, and blogs
- “Things to Do in Burnaby This Summer”
👉 See how blog strategy boosts rankings
7. Contribute to Local Nonprofits
- Donate or volunteer for local organizations
- Most charities list donors or partners with links
8. Join Local Business Associations
- Burnaby Board of Trade
- BC Chamber of Commerce
- Metro Vancouver Women’s Business Network
9. Local Universities & Colleges
- Offer internships or speak at events (they often link to partner businesses)
- Contribute expert articles or sponsor student groups
10. Local Podcasts or YouTube Creators
- Appear as a guest
- Share insights from your industry
- Ask for a link in the show notes or video description
Bonus: Backlink Ideas by Industry
| Industry | Link Ideas |
|---|---|
| Trades | Supplier websites, tool brand partnerships, real estate agent directories |
| Retail | Brand partner sites, lifestyle bloggers, product review platforms |
| Legal | Local bar associations, legal directories, attorney referral networks |
| Health | Local wellness blogs, health-focused directories, clinic partnerships |
| Restaurants | Food bloggers, local event guides, delivery apps/platforms (e.g., DoorDash, Yelp) |
How to Track Your Local Backlink Progress
Use tools like:
- Ahrefs or SEMRush – to monitor new backlinks
- Google Search Console – to see referral domains
- Google Analytics – to track traffic from local sources
Local Link Building Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying backlinks (violates Google guidelines)
- Using only national directories (low local value)
- Ignoring link quality — 1 link from BurnabyNow.ca > 100 spammy links
- Forgetting anchor text — use branded or natural text like “Burnaby dentist” or “visit our website”
Start Building Local SEO Authority
Local backlinks are one of the most powerful — yet underused — SEO tools for Burnaby businesses. They not only help you rank but also connect you to your community.
At Burnaby SEO, we help clients build white-hat local link strategies that improve rankings, trust, and traffic.
Office Location:
Burnaby, BC (Serving clients across Metro Vancouver & the Fraser Valley)
Get In touch
778.820.1444 info@burnabyseo.ca
Business Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM PST Saturday & Sunday: By appointment