Optimize Local Business Center Listings

Local business listings are Yellow book version on the data that Search Engines have on local businesses. However, it is far more effective and easy to consume for an end consumer. When you see a local listing information, you also see their location on a map, their customer reviews and coupons and special offers. Due to the vastly improved delivery mechanism of local business listings, they have become a critical component of any online marketing. If you own a business that depends on local customers, a well written and optimized local business listing can do wonders for your business.

If you already have a local business listing or you're thinking of creating one, here are few tips that can make it stand out and rank well in local search listings.

First step is to have a list of search engines that support a local business listing. Here is a quick list that you can start with.

Where to Start

• Google Local Business Center
• Yahoo Local Business Listing
• Bing/MSN Local
• CitySearch
• Yellowbook
• Yelp
• SuperPages
• Manta.com
• Merchant Circle
• Insider Pages
• Trip Advisor
• Local.com
• Ask.com
• Zagat's

Some of these websites allow your customers to post reviews about your services and products. Please make sure you take full advantage of this feature and encourage your customers to add online reviews

Once you have decided to add your listing to these Search Engines/directories, you need to optimize what you put in your listing.

Things to Consider

• If you're already listed due to other sources such as Yellow book data supplied to Google, make sure you claim your listing in Google Maps, Yahoo Local or any other search engines.
• Be precise and to the point when listing your product/service in your local listing.
• Include a complete address (including Zip +4) in your local listing.
• Make sure you choose the correct category for your listing.
• Include your local phone numbers (including fax number) in listing and there is no need to include a toll free number even if you have one. Remember, your listing in intended for local customers.
• Include a description that describes your products and services in less than 300 characters. Remember, a local listings are not a substitute for a website.
• Add coupons, pictures, and videos (if available)

Do you need help with your local business listing? Please contact us today and we can create a comprehensive plan that will deliver.