Advantages of Local Search
Local search engine marketing optimizes a site or page in the search results pages of a search engine, frequently referred to as the "paid results" or "free results". Below is a breakdown of the differences between local and global search marketing and the core components of a local SEO strategy.
How does local search differ from global SEO?
Global search engine marketing is what most companies and individuals think of when they hear the term SEO. When a searcher types in a phrase such as "my local business", the program searches the web to find relevant websites. If the searcher is directed to one or more local businesses, the searcher is said to have searched for that local business in the results. For example, if someone searching for "my local business in Tampa" is directed to a Tampa business website, that searcher is said to have searched Tampa for that specific term. Local SEO is favored by businesses because it targets a smaller group of searchers than global SEO does.
Because the majority of internet users do not use the particular terms associated with a company’s product or service, a business needs to target a larger audience. That requires researching how best to rank for local keywords in Google and other search engines, a task that can be handled with an online keyword research tool.
What are local map pack rankings?
Local map pack rankings are the standing of a site on the search results pages of Google, Yahoo, and MSN when an individual types in a local search query. For example, searching for a Tampa-based physician would make it beneficial to rank on the first page of Google because that physician would likely be a potential client. Most experts consider map pack rankings one of the most important aspects of local SEO.
Why are local listings important?
To achieve the greatest amount of traffic for any given web presence, a business must have a presence in its local area. Local listings are another way to gain exposure on the internet for a local business and give local businesses the greatest amount of leverage when attempting to achieve a good ranking among the major search engines.
How does mobile search fit in?
Mobile search is an increasingly important element of the overall local SEO strategy for local businesses. Mobile users are increasing exponentially and an off-site optimization strategy for mobile search will be in constant need of attention for local businesses. A good understanding of mobile search and its importance to both small and large businesses is essential to success.
What on-site and off-site factors matter?
Many local SEO services will list their client’s website on Google Maps. Google uses this tool to provide searchers with local information, and a business with its own Google map tends to have higher rankings than those without one. Local SEO strategies take more time to focus on building Google Map rankings, but the payoff comes in the long run.
What does Google offer for local SEO?
Google offers a range of tools to support a local SEO strategy, including on-site analysis, link building, and paid advertising. Local SEO can be complex, so businesses experiencing difficulties with Google Local SEO often hire a professional SEO company to handle the work. Many SEO companies offer services that can help a business optimize its search results and move up in the ranks of Google, Yahoo, Bing and MSN. While local search is a crucial part of any internet marketing campaign, Google Local SEO can bring a business to the top of the search results page and help increase company revenue.
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