Summary: Local citations and backlinks are like digital word-of-mouth — they boost trust and authority.
Problem: SMEs underestimate the power of local directories, associations, and collaborations.
Solution: Build backlinks from reputable, locally relevant sources.
Comparison:
No backlinks: weak authority
Spammy links: penalty risks
Quality local backlinks: higher rankings and credibility
Actionable Recommendation: Partner with 2–3 local websites or associations for mutual backlinks.