The Truth About Backlinks: What Brooklyn Businesses Need to Know
If you’ve been researching SEO or working with a digital marketing agency, chances are you’ve heard the term backlinks tossed around a lot. But what exactly are backlinks—and why do they matter so much for your Brooklyn business?
Whether you're a local dentist in Bushwick or a clothing boutique in Park Slope, backlinks can play a major role in how high your website ranks on Google. In fact, if you're not earning backlinks, you're likely falling behind.
In this article, we’ll break down what backlinks are, how they impact your online visibility, and how Brooklyn business owners can start building a strong backlink profile that helps them reach page one.
What Are Backlinks?
A backlink is simply a link from another website to yours.
Think of them like digital referrals. If another reputable site links to your website, it’s telling Google, “This business is trustworthy and valuable.”
The more quality backlinks you have, the more authority Google assigns to your website. And more authority usually means higher rankings in search results.
Not all backlinks are equal, though. A link from a major news outlet or trusted industry site carries more weight than a link from a random blog or spammy directory.
Why Backlinks Matter for Brooklyn SEO
Google uses backlinks as one of its top ranking factors. Here's why they’re essential:
In a competitive market like Brooklyn, where dozens of businesses are fighting for the same keywords, backlinks can be your edge.
Example:
Let’s say you’re a real estate agent in Williamsburg. If your competitor has 20 quality backlinks from local blogs, news sites, and directories—and you only have 3—Google will likely rank them higher for searches like “Brooklyn realtor” or “homes for sale in Williamsburg.”
Types of Backlinks Explained
There are different kinds of backlinks, and they’re not all created equal. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Editorial Backlinks
These are links naturally placed in content—like when a blog or news site mentions your business in an article.
Example: “Check out the top brunch spots in Brooklyn—[Name of your café] made the list.”
These are the most valuable kind of backlinks.
2. Guest Post Backlinks
You write an article for another website in your industry or local market and include a link back to your site in the author bio or body of the article.
Guest posts build authority and traffic if placed on quality sites.
3. Directory Backlinks
These are links from local directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, Angi, or chamber of commerce websites.
These help establish local relevance, which is important for Brooklyn SEO.
4. Social Backlinks
Links from social media platforms. They don’t carry much SEO weight, but they still send traffic and help with visibility.
5. Spammy or Low-Quality Backlinks
Links from link farms, fake directories, or shady websites. These can actually hurt your rankings and should be disavowed.
How to Get Quality Backlinks for Your Brooklyn Business
Backlink building takes effort, but the results are worth it. Here are proven methods:
1. Create Link-Worthy Content
Write helpful blog posts, guides, or lists relevant to Brooklyn. Examples:
2. Submit to Local Directories
Get listed in trusted local and industry-specific directories:
Brooklyn has a thriving content creator scene. Find influencers or bloggers covering local businesses and pitch your story, product, or service.
Example outreach:
“Hi [Name], I love your coverage of Brooklyn’s food scene. I just opened a farm-to-table cafe in Crown Heights and would love to invite you in to try it. Happy to provide photos, details, or a quote for your next write-up.”
4. Publish Press Releases
If you’re launching a product, hosting an event, or hitting a major milestone—submit a press release to local news outlets or PR distribution networks. These often result in backlinks from authoritative media sources.
5. Use HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
Sign up for HARO and answer relevant queries from journalists. If selected, your business could be featured (with a backlink) on a major news site.
6. Offer to Guest Blog on Local Sites
Brooklyn-based publications and business blogs often need content. Reach out and offer valuable articles tailored to their audience.
Avoid These Backlink Pitfalls
❌ Buying backlinks from sketchy vendors
Google’s algorithm is smarter than ever. Paid spammy backlinks can lead to penalties and drops in rankings.
❌ Over-optimizing anchor text
If every link to your site uses the exact same phrase (e.g., “best plumber Brooklyn”), it can look unnatural. Use variety like your brand name, URLs, or service descriptions.
❌ Ignoring relevance
A backlink from a gardening blog won’t help your law firm’s SEO. Stick to links that are relevant to your industry and location.
Tracking Your Backlink Progress
Use tools like:
Track the number of referring domains, anchor text variety, and growth month over month.
Brooklyn Business Example: A Fitness Studio in Bed-Stuy
Let’s say you run a wellness studio and want to rank higher for “personal trainer Brooklyn.”
You:
In 3 months, your domain authority increases, you move from page 3 to page 1 for several local keywords, and you start receiving organic leads daily.
That’s the power of backlinks.
Final Thoughts
Backlinks are one of the most powerful tools in SEO—but they’re also one of the most misunderstood.
If you want your Brooklyn business to rise in search rankings, attract more traffic, and build lasting authority, backlink building should be part of your strategy.
But don’t just chase any link. Focus on quality, relevance, and consistency.
👉 Schedule your Free Custom Website Demo and we’ll show you how we help Brooklyn businesses build smart backlink profiles that lead to higher rankings and more customers.
Whether you're a local dentist in Bushwick or a clothing boutique in Park Slope, backlinks can play a major role in how high your website ranks on Google. In fact, if you're not earning backlinks, you're likely falling behind.
In this article, we’ll break down what backlinks are, how they impact your online visibility, and how Brooklyn business owners can start building a strong backlink profile that helps them reach page one.
What Are Backlinks?
A backlink is simply a link from another website to yours.
Think of them like digital referrals. If another reputable site links to your website, it’s telling Google, “This business is trustworthy and valuable.”
The more quality backlinks you have, the more authority Google assigns to your website. And more authority usually means higher rankings in search results.
Not all backlinks are equal, though. A link from a major news outlet or trusted industry site carries more weight than a link from a random blog or spammy directory.
Why Backlinks Matter for Brooklyn SEO
Google uses backlinks as one of its top ranking factors. Here's why they’re essential:
- Build trust: Google sees backlinks as votes of confidence.
- Increase visibility: Sites with more authority are shown higher in search results.
- Drive referral traffic: Some backlinks bring visitors directly from other websites.
- Boost domain authority: A strong backlink profile increases your site’s power overall.
In a competitive market like Brooklyn, where dozens of businesses are fighting for the same keywords, backlinks can be your edge.
Example:
Let’s say you’re a real estate agent in Williamsburg. If your competitor has 20 quality backlinks from local blogs, news sites, and directories—and you only have 3—Google will likely rank them higher for searches like “Brooklyn realtor” or “homes for sale in Williamsburg.”
Types of Backlinks Explained
There are different kinds of backlinks, and they’re not all created equal. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Editorial Backlinks
These are links naturally placed in content—like when a blog or news site mentions your business in an article.
Example: “Check out the top brunch spots in Brooklyn—[Name of your café] made the list.”
These are the most valuable kind of backlinks.
2. Guest Post Backlinks
You write an article for another website in your industry or local market and include a link back to your site in the author bio or body of the article.
Guest posts build authority and traffic if placed on quality sites.
3. Directory Backlinks
These are links from local directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, Angi, or chamber of commerce websites.
These help establish local relevance, which is important for Brooklyn SEO.
4. Social Backlinks
Links from social media platforms. They don’t carry much SEO weight, but they still send traffic and help with visibility.
5. Spammy or Low-Quality Backlinks
Links from link farms, fake directories, or shady websites. These can actually hurt your rankings and should be disavowed.
How to Get Quality Backlinks for Your Brooklyn Business
Backlink building takes effort, but the results are worth it. Here are proven methods:
1. Create Link-Worthy Content
Write helpful blog posts, guides, or lists relevant to Brooklyn. Examples:
- “Top 10 Hidden Coffee Shops in Downtown Brooklyn”
- “How to Choose a Roofer in Park Slope”
- “Brooklyn Small Business Tax Checklist for 2025”
2. Submit to Local Directories
Get listed in trusted local and industry-specific directories:
- Yelp
- Google Business Profile
- Better Business Bureau
- Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
- Local blogs and business spotlights
Brooklyn has a thriving content creator scene. Find influencers or bloggers covering local businesses and pitch your story, product, or service.
Example outreach:
“Hi [Name], I love your coverage of Brooklyn’s food scene. I just opened a farm-to-table cafe in Crown Heights and would love to invite you in to try it. Happy to provide photos, details, or a quote for your next write-up.”
4. Publish Press Releases
If you’re launching a product, hosting an event, or hitting a major milestone—submit a press release to local news outlets or PR distribution networks. These often result in backlinks from authoritative media sources.
5. Use HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
Sign up for HARO and answer relevant queries from journalists. If selected, your business could be featured (with a backlink) on a major news site.
6. Offer to Guest Blog on Local Sites
Brooklyn-based publications and business blogs often need content. Reach out and offer valuable articles tailored to their audience.
Avoid These Backlink Pitfalls
❌ Buying backlinks from sketchy vendors
Google’s algorithm is smarter than ever. Paid spammy backlinks can lead to penalties and drops in rankings.
❌ Over-optimizing anchor text
If every link to your site uses the exact same phrase (e.g., “best plumber Brooklyn”), it can look unnatural. Use variety like your brand name, URLs, or service descriptions.
❌ Ignoring relevance
A backlink from a gardening blog won’t help your law firm’s SEO. Stick to links that are relevant to your industry and location.
Tracking Your Backlink Progress
Use tools like:
- Ahrefs or SEMrush (for full backlink profiles)
- Moz Link Explorer (to check domain authority)
- Google Search Console (to monitor who’s linking to you)
Track the number of referring domains, anchor text variety, and growth month over month.
Brooklyn Business Example: A Fitness Studio in Bed-Stuy
Let’s say you run a wellness studio and want to rank higher for “personal trainer Brooklyn.”
You:
- Get featured in a “Best Gyms in Brooklyn” roundup (editorial backlink)
- Write a guest post for a local health blog about “Stretching Tips for Brooklyn Runners”
- Submit to Yelp, MapQuest, and Google Business
- Pitch a story to BK Reader about your upcoming fitness challenge
In 3 months, your domain authority increases, you move from page 3 to page 1 for several local keywords, and you start receiving organic leads daily.
That’s the power of backlinks.
Final Thoughts
Backlinks are one of the most powerful tools in SEO—but they’re also one of the most misunderstood.
If you want your Brooklyn business to rise in search rankings, attract more traffic, and build lasting authority, backlink building should be part of your strategy.
But don’t just chase any link. Focus on quality, relevance, and consistency.
👉 Schedule your Free Custom Website Demo and we’ll show you how we help Brooklyn businesses build smart backlink profiles that lead to higher rankings and more customers.