This is a guest post by Emily Thompson, Online Marketing Coordinator for Kutenda.
Local search has quickly become one of the most cost-effective opportunities for businesses to connect with local prospects. Not only are you getting found by locals searching for YOUR products or services, but statistics show nearly 82 percent of local searches online result in further action: a phone call, site view, in store visit or immediate purchase.* (Source: TMP/comScore, October 2008)
Wondering how to tackle Local Search for your business?
There are several factors involved including optimizing your webpage content with geographically targeted keywords, and other on-page factors such as updating your title tags and meta data with geographic modifiers. When it comes to the off-page factors, the key element is your local business listing. You’re probably familiar with Google’s local results (deemed the “7-pack”) that often appear at the top of the search engine results page. Those listings are given prime real estate. Simply claiming or creating your business’ listing can bring a plethora of visitors to your website. The real goal, though, is to reach that “7-pack”.
Here’s five important tips you need to reach Google’s “7-pack:”
- Choose the correct categories for your business. Google allows you to choose categories that apply to your company and these tend to be important factors within Google’s ranking process. Targeting these categories as closely as possible to your products and services can provide better results.
- Attempt to get your listing 100% complete. A complete listing tells Google that you are adding more value for the user and Google is all about user experience! Add pictures, video, coupons, etc. to ensure all areas are filled in.
- Keep your data up to date. Making updates to your listing helps Google ascertain that your business is relevant and valuable. It can be as simple as adding a new coupon or changing an image.
- Use your local targeted term (city, metro area, etc.) within your description. This gives users and search engines the most content about you, so use it to your advantage. As with on-page content, make it natural and informative.
- Encourage reviews on your listing. In certain industries, the number of reviews can mean the difference in getting to the top. Reviews provide credibility to the search engines, and the user, so gaining reviews for your listing can greatly benefit you. Try reaching out to happy customers and asking them to review your company today!
There you have it – 5 simple tips to help you achieve success with your business’ local listing. Have any tips from your experience with local listings? We’d love to hear them!
Emily Thompson is the Online Marketing Coordinator for Kutenda Internet Marketing Software. Kutenda offers an all-in-one online marketing toolset for small businesses.