Local Search Marketing

According to Kelsey Group's research, 70% of U.S. households use the internet when shopping locally for products and services.

Local search results are driven by map applications such as Google maps. Online users now have the ability to search a product or services locally based on a map. Google, Yahoo, and Bing have all developed their own local marketing platforms. When online users see a local listing information, they also see business location location on a map, customer reviews and coupons and special offers from the listed businesses. 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 relies 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)

Local search results are geo-based information. Online users can visit the business website, get driving direction, or even read reviews from other users. Google, Yahoo, and Bing display these map references when searches are done in a geo-targeted area. On the backend, as a business owners, you can review local search data related to your listing and produce performance reports.

Today only 44% of small businesses have online presence, and this creates an great opportunity for your local business to get listed early and increase your market share, revenue and profit

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