Why Backlinks Still Matter for Carmel, NY Businesses in 2025
If you're a small business owner in Carmel, NY, you've probably heard that backlinks are important for SEO—but maybe you’re not quite sure what they are or how they work.
Let’s break it down:
A backlink is simply a link from another website to yours. And in Google’s eyes, a backlink is a vote of trust.
In 2025, despite changes in search algorithms and the rise of AI content, backlinks are still one of the top ranking factors. If you want to climb higher in local search results, you need a backlink strategy that works.
Let’s break it down:
A backlink is simply a link from another website to yours. And in Google’s eyes, a backlink is a vote of trust.
In 2025, despite changes in search algorithms and the rise of AI content, backlinks are still one of the top ranking factors. If you want to climb higher in local search results, you need a backlink strategy that works.
What Are Backlinks?
A backlink (also called an “inbound link”) happens when another site links to a page on your website. Think of it like this:
If a trusted Carmel blog writes about “Top 10 Restaurants in Carmel, NY” and includes a link to your restaurant’s website, that’s a backlink—and it boosts your authority in Google’s eyes.
There are two main types:
If a trusted Carmel blog writes about “Top 10 Restaurants in Carmel, NY” and includes a link to your restaurant’s website, that’s a backlink—and it boosts your authority in Google’s eyes.
There are two main types:
- DoFollow Links: These pass SEO value (“link juice”) to your site. You want these.
- NoFollow Links: These don’t directly impact SEO but still have value (like traffic or branding).
Why Do Backlinks Still Matter?
Google Trusts What Others Say About You
Backlinks are like online referrals. If authoritative websites point to you, Google assumes your site must be trustworthy and relevant. They Increase Search Rankings
Businesses with more high-quality backlinks usually rank higher—especially in competitive industries like legal, real estate, or home services. They Drive Referral Traffic
A backlink from a well-placed article or blog can bring you new visitors who are ready to buy or book. They Build Brand Authority
When your business is featured across multiple trusted sources, your reputation grows—both online and in the real world.
Local Link Building Ideas for Carmel Businesses
You don’t need links from giant national sites. In fact, for local SEO, it’s more effective to build backlinks from relevant, local sources.
Here are some link-building strategies that work in Carmel, NY:
✅ Local News Outlets & Blogs
Reach out to local publications like Putnam County Courier or Hudson Valley Style Magazine for feature stories or guest posts.
✅ Business Directories
Submit your business to relevant local directories like:
- Putnam County Chamber of Commerce
- NYS Small Business Directory
- Yelp, YellowPages, Angi, etc.
✅ Sponsor Local Events or Sports Teams
Sponsorships often include a link on the organization’s website (e.g., “Proudly sponsored by XYZ Electric”).
✅ Collaborate with Other Businesses
Do cross-promotions or blog exchanges with complementary businesses (like a plumber partnering with a contractor).
✅ Get Listed on “Best of” Pages
Many lifestyle blogs or influencers create "Top 10" lists—pitch your business to be featured (and linked).
Sponsorships often include a link on the organization’s website (e.g., “Proudly sponsored by XYZ Electric”).
✅ Collaborate with Other Businesses
Do cross-promotions or blog exchanges with complementary businesses (like a plumber partnering with a contractor).
✅ Get Listed on “Best of” Pages
Many lifestyle blogs or influencers create "Top 10" lists—pitch your business to be featured (and linked).
What to Avoid
❌ Buying Links
Google penalizes sites that pay for backlinks. The risk isn’t worth it.
❌ Low-Quality or Spammy Directories
Stick to reputable platforms. Links from spammy sites can do more harm than good.
❌ Generic Blog Comments or Forum Spam
These rarely pass value and can damage your SEO profile.
Google penalizes sites that pay for backlinks. The risk isn’t worth it.
❌ Low-Quality or Spammy Directories
Stick to reputable platforms. Links from spammy sites can do more harm than good.
❌ Generic Blog Comments or Forum Spam
These rarely pass value and can damage your SEO profile.
Tools to Track Your Backlinks
You can monitor your backlink profile using tools like:
- Ahrefs
- Moz Link Explorer
- Google Search Console
Look for:
- Total number of referring domains
- Domain Authority (DA) or Domain Rating (DR)
- Anchor text diversity
- New vs. lost backlinks
Final Thoughts
Backlinks remain a cornerstone of local SEO—especially in competitive towns like Carmel. By earning high-quality links from local sources, you not only boost your visibility but also build trust with Google and your customers.
Need help building a strong backlink strategy? At Orbital Marketing Agency, we help Carmel businesses grow online with ethical, proven SEO strategies.