Local Search Engine Marketing: The Basics

Local SEO is a growing field within online marketing. Yahoo indicated in a 2009 blog that nearly 20% of all searches have a local intent (Yahoo 2009). With other reports claiming between 20% to 40%, it is clear that searchers are looking for local results. Because of this, companies like Google, Yahoo, and Bing have focused on delivering local results to their visitors This can be seen in the prominent placement of Map boxes on various search engines.

With changes being made to the search results, it is important to perform some local SEO if your company wants to be displayed within the local results. Through our research, we have found that Google Maps has a completely different algorithm than their natural results. With such drastic differences, we have developed six local SEO tips.

1) Don’t use the company name field to stuff keywords.
2) Use appropriate categories for your company.
3) Use an actual physical address where your business exists.
4) Offer an incentive for customers to do a review.
5) Optimize your website so that it includes the same address that is shown in Google Maps.
6) Create local listings on other sites such as Yahoo, Bing, and Yelp.

For more information, please visit the Google Places Listing Guide.

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3. Basics of Local Search in 7 Days, Day 1: Introduction
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