10 places you can get more backlinks (and why you should)

If you run a business anywhere along the Sea to Sky corridor, backlinks should be part of your marketing strategy.  

They are one of the easiest ways to improve search visibility (AKA your search engine optimization) without spending heavily on ads.  

What Is a Backlink?

A backlink is a link from another website to your own. It’s sometimes called an inbound link or incoming link, and it’s one of the core ranking signals search engines use to measure credibility and relevance.  

Think of each backlink like a vote of confidence from one site to another: the more quality backlinks you have, the more search engines see your business as reputable and trustworthy. 

That’s why having backlinks (especially those coming from other reputable websites) can boost your search ranking, and increase website traffic from those sites.   

1. Google My Business 

Google My Business is one of the most important backlinks you can get as a local business. Plus, it’s free. 

While the link itself is typically nofollow (it doesn’t count as a typicaly backlink), it still plays a major role in local SEO and helps validate your business information. A fully completed profile with accurate contact details, service descriptions, photos, and a website link strengthens your local presence and improves your chances of appearing in map results and local searches. 

2. Bing Places for Business 

Listing your business on Bing Places for Business gets you a backlink and improves visibility on Microsoft’s search engine and maps results. 

Make sure your listing includes your website URL so it passes a backlink. 

3. Your local Chamber of Commerce website  

The Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton Chambers of Commerce all offer some form of business directory listings on their websites.  

If you’re a paying member of one of these Chambers (or more than one), be sure to maximize your directory listing. Fill it with information about your business, and include links to your website and social media wherever possible.  

Not only can this help your SEO efforts, potential customers may be searching those directories as well.  

4. GuidedBy  

Does your business have anything to do with property services? If so, you could join he business directory on GuidedBy.  

This directory brings together trusted professionals who specialize in maintaining and enhancing the critical systems that keep properties running smoothly, ensuring quality service and expert craftsmanship in every job. 

If that’s you, be sure to get your business listed.  

5. Yelp  

Yelp is a widely trusted directory for consumers and search engines alike. Claiming your Yelp listing and ensuring your website link is included provides another backlink and drives referral traffic from users actively searching for services. Yelp pages often rank well in search results, which means your business can benefit from visibility even if your own website is newer. 

6. Yellow Pages 

A backlink on Yellow Pages is relevant for local SEO, particularly for service-based businesses. Having a consistent listing with a website link helps reinforce your business legitimacy across search platforms. Search engines use directories like Yellow Pages as citation sources, so accuracy and consistency from one to the next are critical. 

7. Trip Advisor 

For businesses connected to tourism, hospitality, wellness, activities, or experiences, Trip Advisor can be a valuable backlink source. A properly set up listing with a website link can send qualified traffic to your site while also supporting your authority within the tourism ecosystem of the Sea to Sky region. 

8. Sponsorship Opportunities 

Local sponsorships are an often-overlooked source of high-quality backlinks. When you sponsor community events, sports teams, fundraisers, or local initiatives, your business may be frequently listed on event or organization websites with a link back to your own site. These links are highly relevant, locally focused, and signal strong community involvement to search engines. 

9. Go By Bike  

Is your business bike friendly?  

That is, your amenities may include:  

• Secure bike racks or parking. 

• Access to water refills. 

• Bike repair stations or tools. 

• Discounts or specials for cyclists. 

• E-bike charging. 

• Safe and welcoming spaces for riders. 

If so, you may be able to claim a free business directory listing on the Go By Bike website. This is a great site that helps to support those getting around on two wheels instead of four, and can be a handy extra backlink for businesses that support cyclists.  

10. Get yourself mentioned in the local news 

Is your business doing something newsworthy? Do you have results of an interesting survey that you’ve run that you could share with the local newspapers?  

This avenue can be a great way to generate an extra link or two. You’ll need to put together a brief and send it through to your local editors. Be sure to lead with something newsworthy to help them see the value of sharing it with their audiences.  

Get more help with free business advice from Community Futures Howe Sound 

Backlinks are more than a technical SEO tactic. They’re digital networking that tells search engines and potential customers your business is active, trusted, and locally relevant. By claiming directory listings, getting featured in local guides and news, and participating in community events, Sea to Sky businesses can build a strong backlink profile that boosts visibility and drives traffic. 

For more free marketing advice, especially business advice tailored to your brand, don’t hesitate to book a session with us. There are no strings attached – just expert tips from local professionals.