Today we talk about 5 Factors for Search Engine Optimization
Local Search Engine Optimization is the theory and practice of using online platforms and techniques to improve the search engine rankings within local results. As a whole, Search Engine Optimization is traditionally used for a broader reach within search engine results but this approach can be focused to help business rank well within their local area. This article will share the five most important factors for local Search Engine Optimization and getting ranked within your immediate area.
Factor #1: Local Long-Tail Keywords on Website
Discover the long-tail keywords you will be using for your business through the Google Keyword Tool. Search for relevant terms for your business and add your “city”, “state”, “zip code” and nearby locations to improve your long-tail phrases. Use your keywords on your web pages, body copy, links and more. Diversify your keyword usage but always aim to rank well for the main term that will bring you the greatest traffic based on the results shared by the Google Keyword Tool.
Factor #2: Contact Information on Website
Use every chance to share your contact information on your business website. Use the website sidebar to include contact information such as your phone number, business address and other forms of communication. Utilize your footer to list your business address as well. Include a contact page with integrated Google Maps for people to easily find and contact your business. Often when i look for a restaurant in a city, all i want is the phone number to make a reservation, but sometimes you really have to click through several pages to find it. So make it easy for someone to find your contact info.
Factor #3: Listing your Business in Local Directories
List your business in local directory websites and services. Get started by listing your business in Google Places and then make your way through other services such as Yahoo Local, Yelp and Bing. Entry into these local directories takes no more than a few minutes each; you can be done within an little more than an hour but having a listing in the major directories will greatly help your overall search engine standings in Google, Yahoo and Bing.
Bonus tip: Encourage your customers to rank your business in local directories; this improves your placement in search results.
Factor #4: Inbound Links to your Website
Build backlinks to your website using local keywords such as [city] + [business industry]. Build links from relevant sources such as local forums, relevant industry blogs, high Page Rank websites, news sources and more. Diversify your link building strategy by using different keywords for your links; this helps your website rank well for many terms instead of over optimizing for just one.
Factor #5: Geo Tagging within Local Area
The categorization of your website is a smaller but vital factor of local search engine optimization. List your business within its correct industry to ensure your website is represented by what people would generally find you under. Open your business website up to allow people to check-in and geo tag you using online services such as Gowalla or Foursquare.
Search Engine Optimization Conclusion
Compared to the broader approach to search engine optimization, getting ranked in the local listings are much easier to achieve because of the long-tail keywords, exact location of your business and lack of overall competition in your area. Consider each of the following factors for your website so it does the best it can in local search results; don’t skip out on the factors that matter especially when there are only a few that you need to do for maximum results.
To your success
Dennis Koray
Skype: denniskoray
email: info@denniskoray.com
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