You know backlinks are crucial for SEO. But buying links or spamming directories can hurt you. The best backlinks come from real relationships—especially with other local businesses in your California community.
Think about it: your local hardware store, the plumbing supplier you use, the real estate agents who recommend you—these are perfect partners for natural, high-quality backlinks.
In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to build backlinks from local suppliers, hardware stores, and real estate agents. These links are relevant, authoritative, and Google loves them.
Why Local Backlinks Matter
- Relevance: Links from local businesses signal to Google that you're part of the community.
- Authority: A link from a well-known local hardware store carries weight.
- Referral traffic: Their customers might click through to your site.
- Relationships: These partnerships can lead to referrals and joint marketing.
Who to Target in Your Community
We'll focus on the three most fruitful: suppliers, hardware stores, and real estate agents.
Strategy 1: Partner with Local Suppliers
Your suppliers already know you. You buy materials from them. They want you to succeed. Here's how to get a backlink:
- Ask to be featured on their "Preferred Contractors" page. Many suppliers have a list of trusted pros they recommend. If they don't, suggest creating one.
- Write a testimonial for them. In exchange, ask for a link back to your site.
- Co-host a workshop or event. They promote it on their site and link to yours.
Strategy 2: Connect with Local Hardware Stores
Independent hardware stores are community hubs. They often have websites with local resources. Here's how:
- Offer to write a guest blog post for their site about a relevant topic (e.g., "5 Common Plumbing Emergencies and How to Prevent Them"). They get free content; you get a backlink.
- Ask to be listed on their "Local Services" page. Many hardware stores have a page of recommended local pros.
- Sponsor a local event they're involved in. You'll get a mention and link on their event page.
Pro Tip:
Visit the store in person first. Build a relationship with the owner or manager. A face-to-face request is much more likely to succeed.
Strategy 3: Build Relationships with Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents need trusted home service pros to recommend to their clients. In return, they often list them on their website.
- Create a "Preferred Vendors" page on your site and offer to list them if they list you.
- Provide them with content like "Home Inspection Checklist for Sellers" that they can publish with a link back to you.
- Ask to be featured in their local area guide. Many agents have neighborhood guides with local business recommendations.
- Free estimate for their clients
- Referrals to them
- Content for their blog
- Co-marketing opportunities
- Link from their website
- Inclusion in email newsletters
- Social media mentions
- Referrals
The Outreach Process: Step by Step
Identify Targets
Make a list of local suppliers, hardware stores, and real estate agents in your area.
Visit or Call
Build rapport before emailing. A personal connection goes a long way.
Craft Your Pitch
Focus on mutual benefit, not just what you want.
Follow Up
If no response, a polite follow-up after a week is fine.
Deliver Value
If they agree, provide what you promised promptly.
Maintain Relationship
Keep in touch, send referrals, say thanks.
Email Template You Can Use
Where to Place the Links
Once they agree, suggest where the link could go:
- Preferred Vendors / Partners page (best option)
- Blog post or article (if you provide content)
- Resource page (common for real estate sites)
- About Us or Community page
Important:
Make sure the link is a "dofollow" link if possible, but even nofollow links from relevant local sites can drive traffic and build brand awareness.
Tracking Your Success
Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor new backlinks. Also track referral traffic from these sites in Google Analytics.
Quick Checklist
The Bottom Line
Local backlinks are within reach. They don't require complicated SEO tactics—just genuine community relationships. Start with your suppliers, visit the local hardware store, and connect with real estate agents. Each link you earn builds your site's authority and brings in local referral traffic.
Need help identifying local link opportunities?
We'll research your area and provide a list of potential partners plus outreach templates—so you can start building links today.
Get Your Free Local Link Audit