How to Build Your Business Backlink Profile

Building a strong backlink profile is crucial for any business looking to improve its SEO and drive more organic traffic. However, business backlink profiles have some unique considerations compared to generalized backlink building. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to build an effective backlink profile specifically optimized for business websites.

How to Build Your Business Backlink Profile

What is a Profile Backlink or Business Backlink Profile

A profile backlink typically refers to a link that is created on a user profile page on a website or platform. In the context of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), backlinks are links from one website to another, and they are important for search engine rankings.

A profile backlink is generated when you create a user profile on a website or forum that allows you to include a link to your website in your profile. These links are often found in the “About Me” or “Profile” section of a user’s account. Profile backlinks are considered one of the various types of backlinks that can contribute to a website’s overall link profile.

How do Business Backlink Profiles differ from Generalized Backlink Profiles?

When it comes to backlinks, business websites have different priorities compared to other sites. As a business, you want backlinks that build local trust and industry authority, not just generalized links.

Think of business backlink building like establishing your reputation in a small community – you want to be recognized by respected local figures and businesses, not random strangers. The most valuable links come from relevant industry hubs, directories, and satisfied customers in your niche.

While standard backlink best practices still apply, businesses need to focus on a few key areas:

Focus: Businesses typically target industry-specific websites and publications, whereas generalized profiles might encompass a broader range of sources.

Authority: For businesses, securing backlinks from high-authority websites relevant to their industry carries more weight than for generalized profiles.

Credibility: Building trust and establishing your business as an expert within your field is paramount, requiring backlinks from respected sources.

Metrics: Businesses often prioritize do follow links (which pass link juice) and contextually relevant backlinks, where the link naturally integrates with the content.

Create a Business Profile

To strengthen your business’s online presence, start by creating a comprehensive business profile. Be sure to include essential information such as:

Also, optimize your business profile with relevant keywords and a strong call to action to drive conversions. Include high-quality photos and videos to showcase your business visually.

Utilize Online Business Directories 

General business directories beyond just local ones are great for improving domain authority and getting relevant backlinks. Make sure to create fully completed profiles on:

Google My Business – This should be the top priority. Fully complete your GMB profile with accurate business name, address, phone number, photos of your business exterior and interior, in-depth business description, all service categories that apply, unique selling propositions, payment options accepted, and any certifications or awards earned. Optimize your business title and description using relevant local keywords.

Apple Maps – Claim and verify your Apple Maps listing to improve visibility in iOS maps and Siri voice search. Fill out all available profile fields and keep NAP information consistent with GMB. Upload engaging photos of your business, logo, products/services, staff, etc.

Bing Places – Microsoft’s business directory complements and mirrors your Google My Business listing. Keep hours, contact details, photos, and other information in sync for local SEO.

Yelp – Actively manage your Yelp business page by responding to reviews, adding detailed photos and descriptions of key products/services, running promotions and deals, and updating business details. Install the free Yelp for Business Owners app for enhanced analytics.

YellowPages – While legacy, YellowPages still drives traffic and provides SEO value. Create a premium listing with all pertinent business info and photos.

Crunchbase – A go-to directory for businesses to showcase their history, leadership team, funding rounds, acquisitions, company statistics, and more. Can add immense credibility.

Manta – One of the largest, most established online business directories with over 64 million companies listed. Worth having a presence.

Hotfrog – A popular directory focusing primarily on local small businesses. Valuable for geo-targeted and localized SEO.

Get Customer Reviews 

Getting more positive customer reviews should be a priority for any local business’s marketing strategy. Customer testimonials provide immense value for driving new sales and referrals thanks to the influence of social proof. When potential customers see rave reviews describing others’ great experiences with your business, it powerfully sways their purchasing decisions.

There are several proven ways to proactively collect more customer reviews. First, focus on personally asking satisfied clients or customers to leave reviews immediately after receiving excellent service or completing a purchase. Give them the links and instructions right then to easily leave reviews on Google and Facebook. Follow up via email after project completion as well, highlighting specific areas where you excel, and kindly requesting they leave an honest review about their experience should they feel so inclined.

Occasionally you can also offer small incentives in exchange for reviews, like discounts on future purchases, free gifts, or contest/sweepstakes entries. Just make sure to frame it carefully to still receive fully honest feedback. Placement of review requests also matters – notifications, instructions, and links on your website, invoices, receipts, packaging, and other touchpoints make it easy for customers to leave reviews anytime

Local Citations for SEO 

Local citations refer to any mentions, profiles, or listings of a business’s name, address, and phone number across the internet, excluding paid ads and the business’s own website. Citations serve as powerful optimization signals for local SEO by associating the business with its location and increasing visibility. The more high-quality citations a local business has on locally relevant, geo-targeted sites, the better for ranking higher in local pack results.

There are many impactful avenues to build local citations. Focus on getting listed and mentioned on popular local business news sites, blogs, and resources closely related to your industry. Also aim for citations in city guides, magazines, newspapers, and “best of” lists highlighting top businesses in your metro region. Trade publications and niche websites connected to your particular business field also offer citation opportunities.

Additional Things You Can Do

Beyond foundational business profiles and citations, there are several other powerful tactics companies can leverage to build their business backlink profile. 

Create High-Quality, Informative, and Engaging Content 

Publishing great content that people naturally want to link to can be a cornerstone of any digital marketing strategy. For businesses specifically, focus on creating content that provides value for others in your niche while also highlighting your expertise.

Guest Blogging 

Reaching out to complementary but non-competing businesses in your industry to contribute guest posts can be an excellent way to secure high authority backlinks. Make sure the content offers unique value for their audience.

Broken Link Building 

Finding broken links on niche sites in your field that are relevant to your business and offering to replace them with one of your pages is a smart win-win outreach tactic for quality links. Check for broken links on industry sites with tools like Ahrefs and Majestic.

Conclusion 

Building a strong domain authority through backlinks remains one of the most important ranking factors for SEO. But businesses have specific needs and goals that call for a targeted link building approach focused on industry relevance, local search visibility, niche authority, and review signals. By diversifying backlinks from quality business directories, review platforms, local citations, and industry publications, companies can craft a business-specific backlink profile optimized to improve local rankings and earn more organic traffic.