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3 SEO Tips For Being Found Locally
January 10, 2007
Many retailers have told me over the years that they don't want to target the rest of the world, they want to target locally. Their website was built for information, not to sell product. Do they still have to play in the search engine world? The answer is yes. The good news is it's also easier.
- 1. You still have to optimize your website. Using Keywords, writing compelling content using keywords,
making sure your headlines make people want to read your information, and ensuring your navigation is easy to use and not a jumbled mess are all important.
- Use local phrases in your keywords
I live in North Carolina, so if I owned a small cafe, I'd include words like sweet tea, unsweet tea, soft drinks, hush puppies, grits, slaw, and eastern-style bbq. I'd spell Winston Salem as two words, and with a hypen [Winston-Salem], plus I'd also include piedmont, piedmont area, and the Triad.
- Manage your business profile data
Ensure your basic information like company name, address, phone number, web address and description are up-to-date. Perform a search for yourself on:
Google Maps
Yahoo Maps
US Local Maps
Ask.com Maps
Local.com
Kelly Search
TrueLocal
CitySearch (search in your region)
yellowpages.com
If you're not found, check with national data providers like infoUSA, Amacai and Acxiom to see if you're listed with them and which websites populate.Also include this your profile information somewhere on ALL your webpages. Bottom, side, and top right corner are popular places people look for it.
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Link to businesses around you that are relevant to you and ask them to link back. Chamber of Commerce, local business organizations, professional organizations, churches (if applicable), etc.
A website that's well-optimized for local search increases visability, builds your credibility, and generates more business. Think of it as a huge billboard in the middle of the busiest section of town. The more people see you (and find you), the more they'll remember you when it's time to shop.
Posted by Suze Bragg on January 10, 2007 | Comments (0)
