LeadMastersUSA

Many local businesses I speak to simply ignore having their website show up in the search engines. It amazes me because over 90% of all customers use search engines to look for local businesses. I am still surprised at how many well established companies have no budget for improving search engine position locally. The economy is tight and optimizing for local search can be a very cost effective action.

How local search works

Local search is when someone searches for a specific location like “tree arborist Atlanta” “tree service Atlanta” or “remove dead tree Metro Atlanta” Google now also counts generic searches locally so typing in “tree service” or “Tree removal” will trigger local results to appear. So this means that search results differ by location. (based on the IP address of the businesses listed) Having local terminology in your website text can also be helpful here.

The Google 10 pack (much better than a 6 pack)

A simple way to bust your way up to the top ranking is to get into the Google 10 pack. This is a map along with a list of 10 websites. Most of the time this is the #1 local search result on Google although sometimes it may appear lower.  The Google ten pack usually shows up first so getting into it will instantly move your site form being buried on page 3 to the top of page one. Great news for small business on a budget!

Who knew? 500 million local searches a month

Google sees over 500 million local searches a month, which means that YOUR CUSTOMERS are searching online BEFORE they go out and buy. Sometimes even minimal effort can move your website to the front page of Google. For small and mid-sized businesses, This can mean a real boost in sales and profits.

Lower competition and easier rankings

For most small business websites, search engine optimization means your website competes with literally millions of other websites from all over the world, whereas local search means you are competing with a much smaller group of competitors. The real bonus here is that most other businesses are completely oblivious to the fact that local customers are searching Goggle instead of the Yellow pages. Getting a #1 spot on Goggle is much easier when the competition isn’t even trying. (and trust me – most of them are not!)

Good news for Local businesses

The good news is- It takes less time and money than you might think. There are several things any company can do to get the basic visibility on Google and other search engines. Local search can be relatively easy, plus you can do most of it yourself.

List your business in Google’s Business Center

If you don’t already have a Google account, go ahead and create one. Once you have an account, login to Google’s Business Center.Complete the form for your business including important information, like hours, payments types, parking, specialties, etc. Note: If provide a service, such as an massage therapist or lawyer, list specific services you offer in the “Additional Details” section.

Upon completing this form, you will need to confirm this listing. You can choose a phone call or post card. If you choose to use a phone call, use a number you will answer because they call very soon, but you will also receive your PIN much faster than if your choose the postcard method. (which is then mailed to you)

Use your PIN to verify your account and you are good to go.

Now that you have mastered Google, you can move onto Yahoo’s local business center.

Third-party directories – give valuable links and feed Google

Google does value information from 3rd-party data providers, like established website directories in it’s local search results, so it is worth the time a effort to make sure your company is listed with the following:

GO HERE – trust me – you will be glad you did!

The FIRST thing you want to do is go visit: GET LISTED.org This site has a cool listing checker and dashboard along with articles and resources to get more bang for your buck! (or time)

Here is what there mission sataement is:

As our Mission Statement says, our goal is “to help small businesses claim and enhance their listings at major search engines.” GetListed.org currently focuses on businesses based in the United States only, but an international version of the site is in development. We’re advocates for search engine optimization best practices that will lead to sustained, long-term search engine rankings for small businesses. < seriously just go there now!

DMOZ – The Grand daddy of them all site submission is free, However it can take months (ok many months) for your submission to appear since the site is managed only by volunteers.

InfoUSA – To get listed in this important database, submit your business listing to Universal Business Listing. There is a small fee of $30 per year to be listed, and well worth it.

Yahoo Directory – Some insiders believe that Google considers the Yahoo Directory a more trusted resource since a  live human being reviews each listing. Cost is $299 per year.

Localeze – No charge to submit to this directory.

Dmeg -Dmegs is one of the largest, most comprehensive human-edited directory of the Web. It is constructed and maintained by many editors. Our mission is to provide access to information to the global community.

Best of the Web – You have 2 paid options for directory submission: $99.95 a year or $299.95 for a one-time charge.

Gimpsy (Free / Charge – $30.00 one time)
Interesting directory with a slightly different layout. Free listings have a long waiting period.
www.gimpsy.com/gimpsy/searcher/suggest.php

JoeAnt (Charge – $39.99 one time)
This drectory is run by volunteer editors.
www.joeant.com/suggest.html

GoGuides (Charge – $39.99 one time)
Another web site directory run by volunteer editors.
www.goguides.org/info/addurl.htm

Web-Promotion.Net (Free / Charge – $3.00 or $19.00)
Directory indexing both content type and site location. Free and $3.00 options require a return link from your home page.
www.web-promotion.net

Become Famous Locally

Google loves real time exposure, so media mentions in your locals news portals can serve your company very well. Local Press releases, newspaper articles and fundraisers are all good ways to jump to the top of search listings. Send updates to your local newspapers and Free rags. Email and fax updates to specific reporters if possible.

You can up the ante for local exposure both online and off by offering free classes, seminars, or lunch and learn sessions. Use articles and press releases to promote the events, and make sure your keep your local paper in the loop for each new event. Take pictures, papers LOVE to see these things in action.

Don’t be afraid to share your involvement with charity projects you are passionate about. You can spread the word about your cause along with valuable name recognition. People love to know what you care about.

Solicit reviews and testimonials

Request review and testimonials from your customers and clients. Review sites like Google and Yelp are a very popular search result and for good reason, people want to read them. This does double duty, it shows how much your customers love you and it increased your visibility on Google. Show your customers how to bookmark your articles, videos and web pages with social bookmarking tools like Digg ,de li cious and reddit.

No matter how big or small your business is – local search is not something you should ignore.

Is your business dependent on local customers?

Why ignore the fact that over 90% of them are searching online BEFORE they shop? Discover how your local business website can become the destination for customers rather than an afterthought on your business card.

If you have any questions about how to get your business to the top of the search engines, give is a call at LeadMastersUSA 678 318 7515