With small brick and mortar businesses starting to see the value in shifting some of their massive yellow page budgets over to online marketing, local search has become a hot topic. Unfortunately, many small businesses find themselves confused in terms of how to target those local visitors when they move their searches online. Ironically, this often leads them right back to the yellow pages...the online yellow pages. While there's something to be said for maintaining a presence there, it's important that these businesses learn how to better target the growing usage of the local search tools on popular search engines.
Jim Parent tackles this topic in an article titled "8 Ways to Improve Your Local Search Results" over at Search Engine Watch that recaps the Local Search Marketing Tactics panel from SES San Jose.
Many of the tips are common sense, but for a business small business owner, they're still "to do" list items that often fall by the wayside.
3. Check out your business listing on the major search engines
Check out your business listings on Google, Yahoo Local, and MSN Live Search. If your business is not found, you should submit a listing at Google, Yahoo, and Superpages (for Microsoft Live Search).
For each business listing, make sure that your information is correct, your business description is complete, and that it uses the same keywords that you are using on your web site. Make sure that your description has all the information that your potential customers will need to contact you, since people often will not click through to your web site from the local business listing. Include the county in addition to the city on your business listing. Finally, check out any photos of your business on the business directories, and provide better photos where appropriate.
I've had quite a few articles lately offering up some step by step advice on improving your local search presence. It's not difficult, it just takes a little bit of time. Making sure you have an updated presence on sites like Yelp, Google Maps, Ask City and Yahoo Local and using things like Google Coupons are all quick and easy ways to make a dent in the local search market.
The good news is, even the companies that are starting to explore online marketing and search engine marketing often still forget to update their info on these sites. Get there first with even the most basic information and you'll launch yourselves ahead of the competition.
(Check out SEO Roundtable for a full recap of the Local Search Marketing Tactics session.)
|
Jennifer Laycock is the Editor of Search Engine Guide, the Social Media Faculty Chair for MarketMotive and offers small business social media strategy & consulting. Jennifer enjoys the challenge of finding unique and creative ways to connect with consumers without spending a fortune in marketing dollars. Though she now prefers to work with small businesses, Jennifer’s clients have included companies like Verizon, American Greetings and Highlights for Children.
Search marketing information for small business owners.
Fetching the best small business news.
A friendly place to share small business ideas and knowledge.
Small business support through education, resources and community
The directory of the best small business sites and tools.
Copyright © 1998 - 2020 Search Engine Guide All Rights Reserved. Privacy
FreeFind Site Search Engine - FreeFind adds a "search this site" feature to your website, making your site easier to use. FreeFind also gives you reports showing what your visitors are searching for, enabling you to improve your site. FreeFind's advanced site search engine and automatic site map technology can be added to your website for free.
Buy UPC Codes
Get your products listed online!