Questions about Link Building for a Local Type Site

[bobncsu325]

[Local] is the toughest industry for me as far as link building... I'm having difficulty finding quality sites to request links for, should I seek sites specific to the geographical area, for example, if the client is trying to rank for los angeles [blue widgets], should I focus solely on LA specific [blue widget] sites, or would be ok to span out to a broader range?

Also on another note, would sites related to LA be good value? like LA tourism, LA vacations, LA history, my link building brain just goes to squat when i'm dealing with [local], lol, but your thoughts and opinions would be great

Should I mention that this client's geographical area is in a high-tourist, high-vacation area?

[edited by: martinibuster at 4:50 am (utc) on Mar. 16, 2008]
[edit reason] Removed specifics. [/edit]

[cnvi]

Think about where the target demographic is visiting to service [local] clients such as:

- home inspectors
- home decorators
- handymen
- moving and storage companies
- etc.. any small biz that targets that market segment

Then contact those sites with very short and brief requests to link exchange. Don't link with other [same niche sites] in other markets. Relevancy is king.

You might also consider joining organizations that list their members with a link back to your site. We have done that with huge success here.

Also its not all about links. Publish unique and original seasonal content about whats going on in that part of the country real estate wise.. doesnt have to be long just a few hundred words every month will be enough to show the search engines your site is thriving and not cobwebbed.

[edited by: martinibuster at 4:50 am (utc) on Mar. 16, 2008]
[edit reason] Removed specifics. [/edit]

[jimbeetle]

If it's a local firm then think local.

First off, is the site URL on the client's business cards, letterhead, plastered on the office window, coffee mugs, brochures, presentation folders, included in advertising, etc.?

Then, you really have to shift some of the work to the client or at least mine some of the client's contacts. What organizations do the client, brokers and agents belong to? C of C, local board, Kiwanis, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, local merchants association, PTA...? Does the client give to any local charities, sponsor a little league team? Do the butcher, baker and candlestick maker located in the same mall have sites?

Many of these can be sources of good local links. The only problem is that it does take some cooperation on the part of the client.

[edited by: martinibuster at 4:51 am (utc) on Mar. 16, 2008]
[edit reason] Removed specifics. [/edit]

[bobncsu325]

Real estate has always given me difficulty, I think I'm struggling more also because this is in a high tourist area, where 2/3s of its small population doesn't even have internet access, :(