Introduction:Local Search Optimization

By Robert Flournoy

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

Why Google Local is Important?

Proliferation of Mobile Devices

What Determines Local Listings?

Relevance– Type of Service – Proximity to Search

Query

Citation– Supporting Listings

• Yellow Pages• Service Directories

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

Source: http://www.davidmihm.com/local-search-ranking-factors.shtml

6. Keyword in Custom Fields

7. Videos & Photos in Listing

8. Using a Local Number

9. Inclusion of Coupons

Your Google Business Profile

Example: Minnetonka Dentist

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

Optimization Steps

IMPORTANT

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

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

Optimization Steps

Next Step: Getting Indexed

– Ping and/or Bookmark Your Listing Pages• Pingomatic• Social Bookmarking–Reddit–Digg–Del.icio.us

Optimization Steps

Final Words

– Completely Dominate Page – Regular Results Too• Traditional SEO

– Leverage Microformats

Optimization Steps

For More Detailed Information• Optimizing for Multiple Business Locations• RDFs & Microformats• Complete Google Local Domination

Contact Me: rflournoy@bluecedarmarketing.com