Securing links on local news sites can significantly enhance your online presence and credibility.
Local news websites hold substantial authority in their communities, making them invaluable assets for any business or individual looking to improve their search engine optimisation (SEO) efforts.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to get those coveted links.
Understanding the importance of local news links
When it comes to local link building, local news links offer several benefits.
- SEO Boost: Backlinks from reputable news sites improve your site’s domain authority, making it more likely to rank higher in search results leverage off-page SEO services..
- Increased Traffic: Local news websites often have a dedicated readership, and a feature or mention can bring significant local traffic to your site.
- Brand Credibility: Being featured on a trusted news site enhances your brand’s credibility, as you’ll be seen as a trusted figure.
- Engagement: Local news sites help you connect with your community, building stronger local relationships.
How to secure local news links
Research and identify relevant local news sites
Start by compiling a list of local news sites in your area. Focus on those with strong local followings and high domain authority.
Websites like The Northern Echo, Liverpool Echo, and The Yorkshire Post are good examples.
Tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush can help you assess the domain authority of these sites. Identifying the right targets is crucial for your strategy to be effective.
Develop newsworthy content
To get featured on local news sites, you need to offer content that is not only relevant but also compelling to local news editors.
Participate in local events
Hosting or participating in local events can be an excellent way to attract news coverage, especially if your event has a strong community focus or supports a local cause.
For instance, organising charity events, community clean-ups, or educational workshops can generate significant interest.
Human interest stories
Additionally, human interest stories are highly appealing; sharing personal stories or highlighting local heroes can captivate both editors and readers.
Celebrating local business achievements, such as winning awards, reaching significant milestones, or initiating community projects, also makes for newsworthy content.
Conduct local surveys
Another effective strategy is to conduct surveys or studies on pertinent local issues and share the results. These surveys can provide valuable insights and statistics that are often sought after by journalists looking for credible data to support their stories.
By consistently creating and sharing content that resonates with your local audience and aligns with the interests of local news outlets, you increase your chances of being featured, thereby enhancing your visibility and credibility in the community.
Build relationships with journalists
Building relationships with journalists is crucial.
- In-person: Networking in person can leave a lasting impression. Follow local journalists on social media platforms like Twitter, and engage with their posts by commenting or sharing insights.
- Online: Sending personalised emails to journalists, introducing yourself and your business, is another effective method. Make sure to offer value and not just a sales pitch. Establishing a genuine relationship with journalists can open many doors.
Craft a compelling press release
Creating a compelling press release is essential for capturing the attention of local news editors and securing coverage.
Headline
Start with a strong headline that grabs attention and clearly conveys the significance of your story.
Your headline should be concise yet powerful, enticing the reader to learn more. Follow this with a lead paragraph that succinctly summarises the key points of your news, answering the who, what, where, when, why, and how.
Body content
The body of your press release should provide additional details and context, structured in descending order of importance, so that the most critical information comes first. Incorporate quotes from relevant stakeholders or experts to add credibility and a human element to your story.
Visual elements
Visual elements such as high-quality images or videos can enhance the appeal of your press release and increase the likelihood of it being picked up. Ensure that your press release is well-written, free of jargon, and easy to understand.
Call to action
Conclude with a clear call to action or next steps, and always include your contact information for follow-up inquiries. A compelling, well-crafted press release not only informs but also engages, making it a powerful tool in your effort to gain media coverage and build your brand’s presence in the local community.
You can read more about how to write a press release here.
Pitch your story effectively
When pitching your story, personalising your pitch is key. Address the journalist by name and mention why your story is relevant to their audience. Keep your pitch concise, as journalists are busy and prefer pitches that are short and to the point.
If you don’t hear back, a polite follow-up email can remind the journalist about your story. Effective pitching is an art that requires clarity and relevance.
4 tips for maximising your efforts
📸 Using high-quality images and videos can make your story more appealing to news editors and their audiences. Visual content often has a higher engagement rate. Monitoring local news trends is also important.
💭 Staying informed about what’s happening in your community and tying your story to current events can increase its newsworthiness.
📰 Being consistent in sharing newsworthy updates about your business or initiatives helps build a relationship with local news outlets over time. Offering expert commentary positions you as an authority in your field, which can lead to news features.
📈 Tracking your success using tools like Google Analytics helps you monitor traffic from local news sites and adjust your strategy based on what works best.
Get noticed in your local community
Securing links on local news sites is a powerful way to enhance your online presence and build credibility within your community.
With the right approach, local news links can become a cornerstone of your digital marketing strategy, driving traffic, boosting SEO, and encouraging stronger community connections.
