Links from other websites are still one of the ways Google judges how trusted and important your site is. But the kind of link building that worked ten years ago, such as buying links in bulk, can now do real damage. Here's how Sri Lankan businesses can earn links safely.
What makes a good link
A valuable link is:
- From a real, relevant website that people actually read
- Editorially given, meaning someone chose to link to you
- In context, inside content related to what you do
- From a site Google trusts, such as news sites, associations, universities and established businesses
One link from a respected Sri Lankan news site or industry body is worth more than hundreds from random directories.
Safe link building tactics that work in Sri Lanka
1. Local media and digital PR
Sri Lankan news sites and business publications regularly cover local companies. Give them something worth writing about:
- A new service, opening or expansion
- Data or a survey about your industry in Sri Lanka
- Expert comment on news in your field
- Community projects or sponsorships
2. Industry associations and chambers
Membership of chambers of commerce, export associations, tourism bodies or professional institutes often comes with a member listing that links to your site.
3. Suppliers, partners and clients
Do you supply a hotel, distribute a brand or partner with another business? Ask to be listed on their "partners" or "where to buy" page.
4. Universities and events
Speaking at a university, sponsoring a hackathon or supporting a student society often earns a link from a highly trusted .ac.lk domain.
5. Useful content people want to reference
Guides, tools and data attract links naturally. For example, a clear guide to visa rules for a tourism business, or a price comparison in your industry. Content that answers real questions in detail gets cited.
6. Quality directories
A handful of relevant, real directories still help, especially for local SEO citations. Think industry directories and well-known business listings, not "submit to 500 directories" packages.
7. Unlinked mentions
Search for your business name. If a site mentions you without linking, a polite email often gets the link added.
Link tactics to avoid
- Buying links from link sellers or "guest post" networks
- Private blog networks (PBNs)
- Link exchanges at scale ("I'll link to you if you link to me")
- Comment and forum spam
- Hundreds of directory submissions in one go
- Sitewide footer links from unrelated sites
Google's spam systems are designed to spot these patterns. At best the links are ignored; at worst you receive a manual action.
How many links do you need?
There's no magic number. Look at the sites ranking for your target keywords: how many different sites link to them, and from where? You need to compete with that, not with an arbitrary target.
For many local businesses, a few dozen good local links, combined with a strong Google Business Profile and good content, is enough to compete.
Links follow good content
The easiest links to earn point to genuinely useful pages. Before chasing links, make sure you have something worth linking to. See blog strategy for small businesses.
Link building and digital PR are included in our Growth plan. Talk to us about what's realistic in your industry.