Local Search Engine Marketing & Optimization

1. Introduction:
Local Search Optimization
By Robert Flournoy

2. Why Google Local is Important?
All Business Rely on Local Presence
– Of Course Except Pure-Play Internet
Regardless of Industry
– Business to Business
– Business to Consumer

3. Why Google Local is Important?
Proliferation of Mobile Devices

4. What Determines Local Listings?
Relevance
– Type of Service
– Proximity to Search
Query
Citation
– Supporting Listings
• Yellow Pages
• Service Directories

5. Local Optimization: Other Factors
1.
Having a Google Profile
2.
Proper Categorization
3.
Proximity to City Center
4.
Keyword in Title & Description
5.
Location in Title & Description
6.
Keyword in Custom Fields
7.
Videos & Photos in Listing
8.
Using a Local Number
9.
Inclusion of Coupons
Source: http://www.davidmihm.com/local-search-ranking-factors.shtml

6. Your Google Business Profile
Example: Minnetonka Dentist

7. Optimization Steps
First Step: Claim/Create Local Profiles
– Create/Claim Your Google Profile
– Complete Every Profile Field
– Submit to UniversalBusinessListing.org
– Submit to InfoUSA, SuperPages, YellowPages, etc
– Submit to Yelp, Judy’s Book, etc

8. Optimization Steps
IMPORTANT
– Submit to Other Sites Using Exact Google Profile Info
• Company Name
• Address
• Local Phone Number
• Description
• Services/Products
• Etc…

9. Optimization Steps
Step 2: Beating Competitors
– Analyze Competitor Citations
• Go Get Similar & More Citations
– Industry Directories
– Web Directories
– Associations
– Analyze Competitor Reviews
• Incent Your Customers to Leave Reviews
Example: Minnetonka Dentist

10. Optimization Steps
Next Step: Getting Indexed
– Ping and/or Bookmark Your Listing Pages
• Pingomatic
• Social Bookmarking
–Reddit
–Digg
–Del.icio.us

11. Optimization Steps
Final Words
– Completely Dominate Page – Regular Results Too
• Traditional SEO
– Leverage Microformats

12. Optimization Steps
For More Detailed Information
• Optimizing for Multiple Business Locations
• RDFs & Microformats
• Complete Google Local Domination
Contact Me: rflournoy@bluecedarmarketing.com