SEO myths often persist because outdated advice continues to circulate, misguiding local businesses into ineffective strategies. At Storytellers by Kiss PR, we’ve analyzed top industry studies and recent Google updates to uncover actionable strategies that truly improve local rankings. Here’s what you need to know to separate myth from reality and boost your local SEO.
Many local businesses believe simply having their business listed in directories is enough. While citations (NAP consistency: Name, Address, Phone number) matter, they alone won’t push your rankings higher. Google still heavily values quality backlinks—those that genuinely reflect your local authority.[1]
Prioritize high-quality backlinks from local news sites, business chambers, and industry-specific blogs to complement your citation-building strategy.[1]
Contrary to popular belief, local businesses don’t always need links from high Domain Authority (DA) sites. Google doesn’t even use DA scores. Instead, relevance, local context, and actual traffic to the linking site are far more impactful. Even lower-authority local websites (like small-town blogs, libraries, and community groups) can significantly boost local rankings.[2]
Google doesn’t penalize link building—just manipulative or spammy practices. Genuine, high-quality link building through outreach, content creation, and local community involvement remains crucial. Ethical practices such as guest posting, local sponsorships, and collaborations are safe and effective.[3]
Participate in local sponsorships, events, and organizations. These activities naturally earn backlinks from authoritative local sources like local news websites, chambers of commerce, and city directories.
Example: A local law firm sponsored a community charity event and was featured on the event’s official website and local news, significantly improving its local rankings.
Broaden your concept of relevance. Links don’t have to come strictly from direct competitors or industry-specific sources. Think about related industries or secondary relevance—sites whose audience overlaps with your customers.
Example: A law firm specializing in personal injury benefits from backlinks on medical blogs, local hospitals, or insurance company websites—all relevant audiences seeking legal support.
Recent updates such as Google’s “Vicinity Update” have made locally relevant backlinks even more powerful. Google’s ongoing improvements to detect spam have further reinforced that quality, authenticity, and relevance are the cornerstones of successful local link-building strategies.[5]
Building links strategically, ethically, and contextually is critical. Local businesses need to stop chasing myths and outdated practices, instead focusing on what genuinely works. With high-quality, relevant backlinks, businesses can significantly improve local search visibility, credibility, and customer engagement.
Local SEO isn’t complicated if you focus on genuine value—links earned through authentic community engagement, strategic outreach, and quality content. Link earning using online press is a good start to create your next link earning campaign. Check out our KISS PR brand story. If you are a SEO expert and want to share your subject matter expertise contact [email protected] for more information.
Embrace these truths, and your business will stand out in local search results.
About the Author:
Qamar Zaman, founder of KISS PR and Storytellers Cayman, helps local businesses excel through authentic storytelling and proven SEO strategies.
[1] BrightLocal – Local SEO Expert Survey (2023)
[2] Search Engine Land – 6 Link-Building Myths and Truths
[3] Moz – Link-Building Best Practices (2022)
[4] Whitespark – 2023 Local Search Ranking Factors
[5] Search Engine Journal – Google Vicinity Update Analysis
