Local search engine optimization has been gaining momentum. This bears
out with the statistic that currently, around 20% of all search is
localized search. As more small businesses are going online, they are
realizing that their goal is not to reach the world but their next-door
neighbors.
One of the better tools for local SEO is Google Places. Formerly known
as Local Business Center, Google opened up this platform upon
recognizing that "97% of consumers search for local businesses online."
It doesn't cost anything to be included in Google Places, but you do
need to register by adding a profile of your business.
Making some common mistakes when filling out your profile form can have
unfavorable consequences on your local SEO campaign, so take time to do
it correctly. Here are a few tips.
In the Category field, be specific as to what your business is. If it's
a restaurant, put down "restaurant" instead of "hospitality." Do not
stuff keywords into the Category field, using, for example "restaurant
Barbados." Your geographical location will be evident in your address
and putting it in the category field may be regarded by Google as a form
of keyword stuffing. Although you are allowed up to five categories per
listing, it's advisable to just use one category. Placing too many
categories in one listing may have Google eyeing you for spamming
infractions. Your business may have other categories (for example, your
restaurant might have a gift shop) – in which case you could add that
category as well. Just make sure that all the categories you add in are
real and not an effort to stuff keywords.
Use a geographically marked phone number instead of a 0800 phone number
and avoid using PO boxes as your address. A good feature is that you can
hide your address from users if it's not necessary for them to know
specifics, but it is still available to Google. Regarding your business
name, address, phone number and website, make these consistent
throughout every placement you have on the web. Google collects data
from other directories, so consistency in the information you give out
increases your chances of being deemed trustworthy.
Try to fill out as many of the form fields as possible. There may be
information that Google asks for – such as email address, menu, optional
attributes/additional details – that doesn't actually show publicly, but
the information you provide helps Google's system get a better
understanding of your business to rank it appropriately when a related
search occurs.
Google Places allows you to add or remove photos and videos of your
business. Make sure that the photos that appear in your Place Page are
complimentary to you. You can also post live updates to your page.
Inform people of special sales and promotions or offer coupons. Take
advantage of this feature to keep clients coming back to you.
One thing you should remember to do is to get reviewing from as many
clients as you can. Do this promptly as people are more apt to give
feedback right after they've experienced your services. If you don't get
a review immediately after, send them a follow-up email request with a
link to where to submit their review. These reviews show up on your
Place Page and add trustworthiness to your business.
--
my motto is "Keep it simple" and "don't leave anything for tomorrow that can be done today."
If you have any questions or comments please contact me.
Regards Gerald
Website: http://www.webcraft.ws
E-mail: gerald@webcraft.ws
Twitter: WebcraftGuru
Facebook: Webcraft Guru
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