Local Search - Not just a very interesting feature on Google Search, but the entire concept of local search interests most of us, especially the ones who mainly earn from the local business.
A typical definition of local search from Wikipedia:
Local search is the use of specialized Internet search engines that allow users to submit geographically constrained searches against a structured database of local business listings.
Typical local search queries include not only information about "what" the site visitor is searching for (such as keywords, a business category, or the name of a consumer product) but also "where" information, such as a street address, city name, postal code, or geographic coordinates like latitude and longitude.
In general Local Search is useful for local businesses that range FROM selling furniture, laptops, desktops, mobile phones TO travel packages, weekend getaways TO corporate events, local events, music events TO the best deals in town, movie tickets TO trainings, classes, gyms TO doctors, hospitals, ATM's and a lot more.
There are so many things and so many places where we all need local search results and listings. Local search engine optimization (Local SEO) does not have any shortcuts; it is an on-going business promotion activity, which is done online to gain popularity and reach. It attracts an audience that may interact with you. User interaction signals can give your site a higher prominence score in Google local algorithms. Blogs can develop subscribers and frequent readers, and generally make a site/business appear more friendly and open to humans.
If you want to do Local SEO yourself or engage someone else, as an SEO expert to do it for you than knowing the below points will make it easy for you to judge what is critical and what is not.
Some Local pointers for you:
Get search rankings on normal and local search for your websiteSpread information and details about your businessGet social! Promote your business and yourselfLet your customers promote youTrack local trends
Get some more details on these pointers above:
1. Get Search Rankings on Normal and Local Search for Your Website
Your website plays a big role in getting good rankings on local search and normal search results. There are some key points you always have to remember if you want your website to be listed on search engines results:
1.1. Make the website structure accessible and clear
1.2. Make your website useful - fill it with good and useful content
1.3. Keep it easy for users to contact you through website
2. Spread Information and Details about Your Business
The internet is all about information. If the most important information is your business details like: business name, postal address, phone number, service description, pictures, working hours, etc.
You can make it more useful for the users if you add some of these information as well.
2.1. Get find on local directories and websites
2.2. Fix incorrect data and information about the company, if any
2.3. Be your own representative - Take control of online information
3. Get social! Promote your business and yourself
"Social votes" are becoming more important than the traditional link popularity concept. Although we have these local search results and listings with reviews and ratings, there is still one more thing that encourage our decision of making a selection and that is my friend or connection's reference for the product or service.
Having a strong social presence in your locale will help you earn trust and new customers.
There are few things that you can do to start with Social Media:
3.1. Select the most prominent social sites and register your business there
3.2. Let the website visitors and bloggers talk about your Business online
4. Let your customers promote you
You can ask your customers to leave some reviews and feedback on the services offered. So that whenever there is an inquiry on the related services, the user will be able to find your company and check your ratings and review before contacting you for the services.
In a way it advertise your business or services and build a trust level with a prospect customer, as it is based on an existing customer's feedback and experience while working with you.
5. Track local trends
Track local trends; see what the talk of the town is and how you can use it for your business promotion. This might sound more like an offline traditional way of promoting business. However, this is a very fresh way to get in your customers mind and make them check out your website.
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