Most people overlook the power of local marketing and local search optimization. Google has many features designed to give local business the edge in local searches. So many people don’t use them appropriately, or even consider local search optimization.
Why is Local Search Optimization so Important?
A growing number of searches today are now being done from mobile devices. According to a recent study, it is estimated that as much as 25% of search traffic comes from a mobile device. Mobile devices all have location information either via GPS or cell tower. They know where you are and so does the software that drives them. Their web browsers also know your location and serve up ads and content local to your location. If you haven’t taken this into account in your web marketing strategy, you could be missing out on valuable traffic, ready to buy. Imagine someone searching for a plumber on their iphone. Do you think they’re just browsing? Probably not. If they’re not playing Angry Birds then they need something now! That’s what local search optimization does for you. It generates motivated buyers coming to your website.
Tips to Improve Local Search Optimization Relevance:
- NAP – Name Address Phone Number – This is an important key for search engines to map your content geographically. You need to be consistent. Check that your NAP is exactly the same across your website and in all listings on the web.
- Add your location to your page titles. For example if you’re a house painter, you would want page titles like, “Exterior Painting Contractor in Mississauga”.
- Get Listed – There are many local business directories. Most of them are free to register. Get on Foursquare, Yelp, Wikitude, your local chamber of commerce, local BBB, and please, take possession of your Google Places page! Google Places links with Google Maps. You want to make sure you appear on Google’s local map.
- Correct Local Listings – search for yourself and make sure your NAP is correct on all the listings that appear.
- Check your WHOIS information about your website and make sure it is current and tags your location properly.
- Use your footer to anchor your location. Your webpage footer is on every page. Add your NAP here and every page will be anchored to your location.
- Sponsor local groups – One’s that have a website and can give you a link back.
- Local ads on Kijiji – Take out an ad, they’re free. Use your NAP in the right category and location. The more local links you can get the better.
If you’d like a free analysis of your local search optimization marketing efforts, please book a consultation with us.
