How to get links from Canadian websites

Links from other websites remain one of the strongest signals Google uses to decide who ranks. For a Canadian business, links from respected Canadian websites are especially valuable: they show you are trusted by the communities and industries you actually serve.

You do not need to buy links, and you should not. Most businesses already have relationships that could produce them, and a few simple habits will earn more over time.

Why links still matter, and which ones

Google treats a link as a vote of confidence, but not all votes count equally. A link from your city's main news site, your industry association or a supplier you work with carries far more weight than dozens from directories or sites that will link to anyone.

Ask one question about any link: would you want it even if it did nothing for SEO? A link that could send you real customers or partners is almost always a good one.

Start with relationships you already have

Make a list of every organisation your business is connected to. Most businesses find a dozen or more:

• Suppliers and manufacturers: many have dealer, installer or stockist directories, or "where to buy" pages.
• Certifications and programs: manufacturer certifications, trade programs and approved contractor lists.
• Clients: business clients may feature suppliers in case studies, partner pages or news posts.
• Associations: industry associations and professional bodies often list members.
• Chambers of commerce and boards of trade: most include member directories, and many publish member news.
• Business improvement areas: BIAs often promote local businesses online.
• Landlords and business parks: commercial properties sometimes list tenants.

Check which of these already link to you, then contact the rest with a short, friendly request and the exact page you would like linked.

Get involved locally

Sponsoring a local sports team, charity run, school event or community festival usually earns a link from the organiser's website, along with genuine goodwill. Choose causes that matter to you; the link is a bonus, not the reason. Many community organisations are actively looking for local business supporters.

Hosting events, workshops or open houses can also earn mentions from local event listings and community calendars.

Become a source for journalists

Local news sites, trade publications and bloggers regularly need expert comment. Becoming a reliable source is one of the most effective ways to earn high-quality Canadian links.

• Offer comment on topics you know well, especially when they are in the news: a roofer after a hail storm, an accountant before tax season, an immigration lawyer when rules change.
• Respond quickly; journalists work on tight deadlines.
• Be useful, specific and quotable, not promotional.
• Sign up for services that connect journalists with expert sources, and filter for Canadian requests.

Create something worth linking to

A useful resource gives other sites a reason to link to you. Good examples for Canadian businesses include:

• A cost guide for your service in your city or province
• A checklist or template your customers would use anyway
• A simple calculator, such as a mortgage, renovation or savings calculator
• A small survey of your customers or local data from your work, with a clear finding

Resources like these can earn links for years, especially when you tell the people who would find them useful: local media, community groups, related businesses and bloggers.

Recover lost and unlinked mentions

As your business grows, people mention it without linking. Set up alerts for your business name and search for mentions periodically. When you find an article that mentions you without a link, a polite request often adds one.

Also check for links to pages on your site that no longer exist, often after a redesign, and redirect those old URLs to the right current pages.

Use the few directories that still matter

A handful of quality Canadian business directories, plus industry-specific listings, help with local consistency and occasionally send customers. Skip the hundreds of low-quality directories that offer nothing but a link.

Ideas by industry

What to avoid

• Buying links from sites with no real audience
• Link exchange schemes ("I will link to you if you link to me") at scale
• Bulk guest posts on unrelated sites
• Private blog networks
• Any service promising hundreds of links for a low price

These are ignored by Google at best and can harm your rankings at worst. If you have used services like these in the past, it is worth reviewing your existing links.

A simple monthly routine

Link building rewards consistency far more than bursts of activity. A few good links every month add up.

If you would rather have it handled for you, see our Canadian link building service.