Local Search

Over the last couple of months we've seen Google really start to make a run at local search. It began in April when Google announced they would re-brand Google Local Business Center to the shorter Google Places. Since then they have added Google Tags, QR codes, the ability to link Paid Search adds to your Google Places page, and integrated Google Places into the actual search results. That's a lot in a matter of months. But for those who just want to know how to get started with Google Places you've come to the right place. Read more »

Do you run a local business? Does it have a strong online presence? Recent research shows that 97% of people conduct research online before buying locally. What information about your business is out there for people to research on? If you are grasping for straws, it may be time for a “boost” from Google. Read more »

Yesterday’s blog post, Local Search Fundamentals - Part 1, covered five fundamentals of local search that refresh your site’s visibility and its SEO capabilities. We walked through what data providers to submit to and how to claim your local listing. Then we ran through a quick refresher on correctly and consistently categorizing your site, complimented by search engine optimized contact information. Finally, we created and uploaded a location map, or KML file that helps search engines physically locate your business.

Local Search Fundamentals - Part 2 picks up where we left off yesterday. These tips will focus on your on-page optimization, and how to make it more local-friendly. Read more »

Today’s commerce is now an online marketplace and the Internet isn’t just a playground for the biggest kids anymore. Local search brings relevance and opportunity to any sized business. The advantage of e-commerce goes to the website with the most usability, optimization, and relevance to the consumer, not the size of the business' physical headquarters. And any business can whip up a great site with a CMS these days. Whether you are new to the SEO scene, or are taking a step back to smooth out your online wrinkles, it’s always good to get a refreshing look at the fundamentals of local search. Read more »

Getting ranked well by Google often times comes down to how trustworthy and authoritative a website appears. This comes through links, content and what others may be saying about a brand. A great way to establish authority and trust, on and off screen, is through event hosting. Hosting an event will not only place you in the center of attention in the realm of reality, but presents prime opportunities to leverage the event online for a high rankings in the SERPs. Read more »

Every time a phonebook shows up on my porch, I almost cry for the tree that was wasted. The ability to search on the Internet for something local has made the poor pile of yellow paper obsolete. According to an SBI+M article, 54 percent of Americans have substituted the Internet and local search for phone books. Ninety percent of online commercial searches result in a local offline purchase and 61 percent of all local searches results in a transaction. If you hadn’t yet completely grasped the paradigm shift the Internet brings to human consumption, please sit down. Read more »