Local Search Engine Optimization Strategies
Local Search Engine Optimization Strategies
Local search engine optimization, or SEO, is important for small businesses because it can have a significant impact on their bottom line. Small business owners and entrepreneurs may not be aware of the importance of local search engine optimization. The fact is, local search engine optimization can significantly improve a business’s standing in major search engines, such as Google and Yahoo, which can have a great impact on a company’s bottom line. But there are still many small business owners who are unfamiliar with the process of local SEO, and what it can do for their business. Let us take a look at the basics of local SEO.
First of all, what is local search engine optimization? Local search engine optimization means improving businesses visibility in the search results of major search engines like Google and Yahoo. Local search is very different from traditional SEO and refers to strategies adopted by businesses that are designed to improve the visibility and rankings of a certain website or webpage on the results page of search engines like Google, MSN, and Bing. Local search is a form of internet marketing used by businesses to improve their businesses in the eyes of their potential customers. This form of marketing is done mostly via organic or natural methods, which give businesses more control over how their websites will appear to searchers, and how successful those sites will be in delivering targeted visitors and clients.
The main tactic used in local SEO is building link popularity. Link popularity is achieved by having one’s website listed on popular web directories or by creating quality content related to the business theme, and distributing it to various web 2.0 sites. Another tactic used for local SEO is creating text links within the text portion of a web page. These links allow searchers to read more about the specific product or service a local business offers, without having to click on an ad or promotional link. Other local search engine optimization tactics include building in-bound links from other websites, and submitting the site to all major search engines.
One other tactic for achieving local SEO results is the placement of ads on websites that are related to the products or services provided by the business. Google has rules that state websites may only contain one ad per keywords. So if a searcher types “motor parts” into the search bar, then the first ten ads displayed will be relevant to the searcher’s query. Local use can have a dramatic effect on the SERPs of websites that implement these techniques.
In the past, offline businesses had almost no chance of being found when people were searching for products or services locally. But thanks to the power of online marketing, it is now possible for small businesses to be seen, and have their pages listed with the top search engines. Local Search Engine Optimization tactics can result in visitors to businesses increasing, and the resulting increase in business revenue resulting in an increase in profits.
For example, consider this example. Let’s say that Bob wants to order a pizza, because he noticed a particularly attractive pizzeria during a previous trip to that particular establishment. He goes online to find other information about that place and comes across an interesting local search results page. It lists all of Bob’s nearby pizza joints, along with pictures and even reviews from those in business. Now Bob knows which pizzeria to visit – and thanks to the relevant keywords in his search, he gets found!
This example illustrates the power of Local Search Engine Optimization. By using specific words related to what Bob is looking for, he is more likely to find the answers he is seeking. His search results page gives him valuable information that he can use to make a decision – perhaps right there on the spot! With the relevant keywords in place, he eliminates the need for scouring the pages of search engines and click-throughs on advertisements.
So remember, Local SEO is not just about building organic searches. It’s about creating meaningful links that lead potential customers to your website and then presenting those customers with the most attractive and useful content they can find. That’s Local SEO in its purest form. To get the best results, build links organically, not through pay-per-click marketing strategy or search engines. Then present your visitors with the most useful content that you can – and your marketing strategy will succeed.