how to get your small business found in local search

How to Get Your Small Business Found

In Local Search

How to Get Your Small Business Found In Local Search•

If you are developing an online

presence for your small business without the help of an expert SEO, understanding a few basic principles of SEO will revolutionize your business’s online potential.

How to Get Your Small Business Found In Local Search•

You may be familiar with SEO,

but local search poses an entirely different set of issues. •

Since small businesses are usually

on tight budgets, these tips focus on SEO strategies that are inexpensive and efficient.

Focus on ConsistencyThe most important element of getting found in local search rankings is consistency. Every time you claim a listing, these components must be correct

and

consistent:

• Name of your business• Your business address• Your business phone number

If one of the search engines detects conflicting information, you may lose ground in the rankings. Plus you’re going to lose potential customers who can’t contact or find you.

Focus on ConsistencyThe point of local search is that it finds businesses in the near vicinity to the searcher. So if an individual is searching for a business in your category, your proximity

will get

you higher rankings.

If you are the type of business that has a general service area, it is crucial for you to detail that area in your listings so that search engines are aware of your relevance throughout the whole area.

Clean Up Your Site•

An attractive, clean web

design

will appeal to customers.

•

If visitors like your site, they will be less likely to bounce back to the search engine, which can hurt your ranking.

•

Keep your site up to date and relevant, so that visitors see an active, engaged business.

Establish AuthorityBuilding your reputation as an authority

will also

influence your place on the SERPs. Jessica Ward suggests that authority is built on a base of technical optimization and strong content that encourages organic link building and social media sharing. Another way to establish authority is to clarify your small business’s association with a regional or national chain.

Establish AuthorityIn order to inform people about your authority, you must identify the proper categories

to describe your

business in listings. Connecting yourself with categories opens up a new way for consumers to discover your

business if they are browsing through a site. Don’t forget to mention all of your different services.

Spread the Word!

As you claim your listings, identify as many relevant local directories

as possible. First, claim your space on big directories such as:

• Google+ Local• The Bing Business Portal

• Yahoo Local• Yelp

Spread the Word!Next, find out what other sites have authority in your area.

•

Your region might rely on Angie’s List, Craigslist, Citysearch, or other niche sites.

•

Take the time to research which ones are popular and then build your presence accordingly.

Spread the Word!•

Reviews and ratings on

these sites are also influential on search rankings since they are a signal of your popularity.

•

Other popularity indicators include your Click Thru Rate,

any likes or check-ins on social media sites, and user-

generated content that indicates customer interaction.

Spread the Word!•

One final tip –

search engines

pay attention to advertiser value.

•Essentially, we all love to save money, so search engines promote sites that run deals or coupons.

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