How to Get Featured in Local News and Directories for Better SEO
Local News & Directories: Your Untapped Goldmine
Want better Google rankings, more traffic, and extra trust from your community?
Forget ads for a minute.
If your business gets featured in local news articles and shows up in trusted directories, you’ll not only gain exposure—you’ll gain authority.
In fact, these features often provide high-quality backlinks, essential for your SEO and Google credibility.
Best part? You don’t need a PR team to make it happen.
Why Local News and Directories Matter for SEO
Every mention of your business in local media or directories is a vote of confidence in Google’s eyes.
These features:
- Drive referral traffic to your site
- Boost domain authority
- Improve local search rankings
- Build brand trust with customers
- Validate your business as established and active
It’s free (or cheap) PR that keeps working long after it’s published.
Where to Get Featured Locally
📰 Local News Outlets
Think:
- Community newspapers (print and online)
- Local lifestyle magazines
- Patch.com local editions
- Radio or TV station websites
- College or university publications
- Chamber of Commerce news feeds
Many of these accept press releases or will cover small business stories.
📂 Local Directories
These are structured databases that list and link to businesses by location or category.
Must-have directories:
- Google Business Profile
- Yelp
- Facebook (as a business page)
- Bing Places
- Apple Maps
- YellowPages
- BBB (Better Business Bureau)
- Chamber of Commerce website
- Local.com
- Hotfrog, Foursquare, MerchantCircle
Also consider niche directories by industry or region (e.g., salon finders, IT partner directories).
How to Get Featured in Local News
1. Write and Send a Press Release
Announce something newsworthy:
- New product or service
- Business expansion
- Community involvement
- Local event or fundraiser
- Industry award or recognition
- Grand opening or anniversary
Your press release should include:
- A compelling headline
- Short, informative paragraphs
- A quote from you (owner or spokesperson)
- A call to action (like “Visit our new location in Cranberry Township”)
- Contact info and website link
Send it to local media with a friendly, personalized email.
2. Build a Media List
Create a spreadsheet of:
- Local reporters or editors
- Email addresses and social profiles
- Topics they usually cover
- Last article they wrote
Pro tip: Reference one of their recent stories when pitching. Show you’ve done your homework.
3. Partner with Local Organizations
Co-sponsor events, donate services, or support causes. Most local organizations will:
- List you as a sponsor on their site
- Mention you in newsletters
- Tag you in social posts
Ask for a backlink to your site in return.
4. Offer to Be a Source
Let local journalists know you’re available to comment on your industry. Use platforms like:
- HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
- Local Facebook groups for journalists
- Direct outreach with your expertise
Example:
“Need insights on how Grove City businesses can protect against cyberattacks? I’m happy to help.”
How to Get Listed in Local Directories
✅ Claim Your Google Business Profile
It’s the most important listing. Verify ownership, add accurate business info, upload photos, and post weekly.
✅ Use a Listing Management Tool
Try:
- BrightLocal
- Moz Local
- Yext
- Whitespark
These tools sync your business info across dozens of directories, saving time and reducing errors.
✅ Keep NAP Info Consistent
NAP = Name, Address, Phone Number
Make sure it’s identical across:
- Your website
- Social media
- Directories
- Emails
Inconsistent NAP data confuses search engines and hurts your rankings.
✅ Encourage Customers to Leave Reviews
Listings with reviews get prioritized.
Ask for reviews on:
- Yelp
- Industry-specific directories
Make it easy—text them a direct link.
Real-World Example: Small Biz Gets Featured, Rankings Jump
A small business in Butler County released a press statement about expanding to a new location and added listings in five regional directories.
What happened:
- A local paper picked up the story
- It got shared on the Chamber of Commerce site
- They earned 4 new backlinks
- Their Google Business Profile views jumped by 60%
- They ranked top 3 for “managed IT Butler PA” within 30 days
Bonus Tip: Create a “Media Mentions” Page
Add a section to your website showing:
- Local articles about your business
- Logos of directories you’re listed on
- Quotes or reviews from trusted sources
This builds trust with customers and reinforces your authority with Google.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
❌ Using outdated business info
❌ Forgetting to follow up after sending a release
❌ Not linking back to your website from features
❌ Relying only on social media for local visibility
❌ Ignoring niche directories for your industry
Ready to Get Featured?
At NextGEN IT Solutions, we help local businesses:
- Craft press releases and local outreach campaigns
- Claim and optimize local directory listings
- Automate NAP consistency across platforms
- Build backlinks from relevant local sources
- Monitor traffic and ranking improvements
📞 724-204-1950
🌐 https://nextgen-itsolutions.com/contact
You don’t need to be a national brand to get attention. You just need the right message, at the right time, in the right places. Let us help you get there.
