Local Search Tips
One question I get quite often has to do with local search. As a website designer in Modesto, CA I have focused a lot of my attention on achieving results in that area not only for my clients but for myself. Local Search is much harder to control then the organic results that the search engines have been feeding us for years. Local Search is Map integrated and controlled based on your geographic location. This is why you see different results when you are in different locations. You may do a search at work and yield a different result when you do the same search at home.
Notice in the above screenshot of a local search for “Modesto Fitness Center” the top three listings. Brenda Athletic Clubs and Modesto Courtroom are both my clients. Both of my clients only have one location in Modesto where InShape has multiple. For my clients I was able to achieve great results that puts them on the same level as a company that has dozens of locations. Gold’s Gym, a national competitor is at the bottom of the list.
When it comes to local search sometimes smaller is better. I say this because when you are small you have more control and more time. Concentrait on this while you have the time.
Tip #1: Get Reviews
Encourage your patrons to go online and write reviews for your business. Make sure they are legitimate reviews, don’t ask your friends to review because people will notice.
Tip #2: Claim your listing
Google and the other search engines allow you to claim your listing and complete it. Make sure it is current and up to date.
Tip #3: Link to your listing on your website
Add links on your website to your listings. I have no proof that this will help raise your listings result to the top but it can’t hurt. Plus if somebody on your website needs directions to your location then this link will help them.
There are other suggestions that I could give but they are a bit more tricky to pull off. Most businesses that I meet with have not claimed their listing in the local search sections of the search engines, simply doing that will get you one step ahead.
Notice for my Photography Listing I have 29 reviews. The next listing with the most reviews has 4. If you were looking for a Photographer who’s listing would you click on? I suggest you focus some attention on getting your happy customers to post reviews in Local Search.
