Local Search Becomes Key Driver To Online Success
Local Search Becomes Key Driver To Online Success
There has been a tremendous shift towards local search (A search that generates local listings such as local businesses and resources) with Google and Bing. Within the last two months, we've observed that businesses' Google Places accounts now appear integrated into a normal SERP (Search Engine Page Ranking), as opposed to the seven listings next to a Google Map that we were used to seeing. Based off of your IP address, Google is able to triangulate your location, meaning Google has a pretty good idea where you are located. The importance of this is that you are no longer even required to put in geographic specific keywords in order to receive local listing results. This is a big change. With this increased focus on local search, it is imperative that you are aware of the factors that can increase your ranking of your local business listing.
1. Google and Bing Place or Local Business Search Engine Page
Your search engine page refers to your business listing on the major search engines. With Google it is your Places page, with Bing it is Bing Local, and with Yahoo it is Yahoo Local. The single most important thing you can do for local is to find this local page for your business, verify it as the owner, and update the listing with correct information. All of the listing's information must be accurate in order for your customers to find you easily. You also have the ability to add pictures and videos, as well as aggregate reviews from different review sites.
2. Local Directory Submissions
It is extremely beneficial to make sure that you have submitted your business to trusted local directory sites. With Google's new algorithm for local, it appears that if your business is listed on these sites it will increase the ranking of your Google Places page. Yahoo Local is a key, as well as Yelp. Other sites include Citysearch, Urbanspoon, TripAdvisor, Judy's Book, and Insider Pages. Another thing to consider is niche directories. The sites listed above cover a wide range of different business, but there are also much more targeted local directories that may apply to you and your business. The best way to find these sites is to research your competitors. Find their places page and see where some of their reviews are being pulled from.
3. Links
Link building is at the core of all SEO and local search is no exception. Google wants to see who is linking to your site, and how relevant that site is to your business. Google sees linking as a sign of popularity, and if someone is vouching for you, it serves as both a trust metric and a relevancy metric. Quality local links will only help increase the rank of your places page.
4. Categories
On your Google Place search engine page you are allowed you to list categories that are relevant for your business. With Google you have the option of citing up to 5 categories. It is important to choose as many categories that apply to your business in order to give the search engines a clear sense of what services or products you offer your customers.
5. Reviews and Reputation Management
Reviews are great way to get click-throughs to your Places page and also to your website. A good amount of quality reviews will speak to the popularity of your business. It is important however to partake in some reputation management and make sure there are no inappropriate reviews that contribute nothing to those seeking more information about you and your business. These irrelevant reviews should be flagged and taken down. That's not saying every review will be positive. Negative reviews can allow for a great dialogue with the customer. You have the ability to respond to these reviews and address the problem directly.
Sales Success Consulting's online marketing experts and SEO Boston team will work with you and your management team to attain high ranking on goggle local search which will generate leads and over-exceed your business goals. For more information, please visit http://www.salessuccessconsulting.com/ or call James Salerno at 800-539-0685.
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