What are backlinks and why are they important?
A backlink is a link from another website to yours. For Google, backlinks are like recommendations. The more trustworthy websites that link to you, the higher your authority—and the better you’ll rank in search results.
But not all backlinks carry the same weight. What really matters is:
Quality over quantity: A few links from strong, trustworthy websites are far more valuable than dozens from unknown or shady blogs.
Relevance in your industry or region: A backlink from a site related to your business or located in your area has more impact. For example, if you’re running a business in Manhattan, a link from a Local SEO New York City directory or a recognized industry website will help far more than a random blog.
Natural placement within meaningful content: Google recognizes when a link is placed naturally. A mention in a blog article or interview has greater impact than a bare link in a footer or list.
7 ways SMBs can build backlinks themselves
- Ask partners or suppliers for a link
Do you work with suppliers, partners, or business clients who have websites? Ask them to mention your business on a clients page, project page, or in their footer.
- Get listed in local or industry directories
Many sectors have online platforms where businesses can be listed, such as:
- Local business associations
- Trade organizations
- Industry-specific websites (construction, hospitality, healthcare, etc.)
Especially in competitive markets like Online Marketing NYC, being present in the right directories gives you an edge.
- Publish content others want to link to
Guides, checklists, or how-to articles are content types other websites naturally want to reference.
- Write a guest post for a relevant website
Offer your expertise to a blog or news outlet in your industry. Guest blogging is still one of the best strategies for high-quality backlinks.
- Ask for mentions in customer success stories
Customer case studies or testimonials that link back to your business provide both SEO value and credibility.
- Strengthen your presence on Google Business Profile & review sites
An optimized Google Business Profile and active review presence are essential for Local SEO in New York City and beyond. These profiles often generate high-authority backlinks automatically.
- Share press releases or news articles
Hosting an event, moving offices, or launching a new service? Send press releases to local media or industry websites for both visibility and backlinks.

Want faster results? Choose a professional link building package
Building backlinks on your own is smart but time-consuming. That’s where we come in. At Grizzly New Marketing, a trusted SEO Agency in NYC, we offer tailored link building packages that deliver:
- Backlinks from high-quality, relevant websites
- Natural placement within professionally written content
- Transparent reports with insights into your link profile
- Full service—so you can focus on running your business
As one of the Best Link Building Agencies NYC businesses rely on, we make sure your website climbs higher in Google and attracts more customers.
Conclusion: DIY or outsource? A mix works best
As an SMB, you can definitely strengthen your backlink profile yourself. With a few targeted actions, you can make great progress. But for sustainable growth, higher authority, and measurable results, a strategic approach is essential.
That’s why many companies choose to partner with a Digital Marketing Agency experienced in Online Marketing NYC and Local SEO New York City. Want to know where your biggest link building opportunities lie? Book a consultation—we’ll be happy to advise you.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about backlinks
How many backlinks do I need to rank higher?
That depends on your competition and industry. Quality matters more than quantity.
Are all backlinks good for my website?
No. Backlinks from irrelevant or spammy websites can actually hurt your rankings. Always focus on quality.
How fast will I see results from link building?
Typically, you’ll see noticeable improvements in rankings and traffic within 3–6 months—especially when combined with strong content and the support of a professional SEO Agency.