You’re probably asking, “Mark how can I ever compete with Wal-Mart and big box businesses?” While your specific geographic location can be seen as a limitation, a good seo package should turn the local nature of your business into an asset. It only makes sense for you to focus targeted marketing on those individuals in your local area. This gives your business, a local flower shop for example, the ability to compete with big chains like 800-Flowers and other big floral competitors!
I’ve been working with Philadelphia area businesses for a relatively short time. But every time a business owner mentions competition, the opportunity of Google Local search always surfaces!
Here are 5.5 tips for on-page and off-page optimization for Google Local:
1. Keyword Research
(on-page optimization)
Geo targeted research tools like Google Insights and Adwords should help identify productive keywords in your region. Use these tools, but don’t over-analyze keyword possibilities. For help with this preliminary work, contact a reliable firm like Farotech that offers professional seo services.
2. Create Rich Metadata
(on-page optimization)
Get an edge over your local competition by including metadata that describes your pages in greater detail. Simply create and submit a GeoSitemap to Google Webmaster tools. Also check out Schemda.org.
3. Maximize Use of Geo Targeted Terms
(on-page optimization)
The use of geo targeted terms in content, file names, text and alt tags can elevate your business quickly. Think about including your NAP (name, address, phone) throughout your site for local citations and GooglePlaces.
4. Local Link Building
(off-page optimization)
There’s no getting away from building links to your site. However, these should be from local sources and ideally use anchor text for your targeted location. If you are unsure about how to go about this, consider contacting a firm for professional SEO services.
5. Participate in Social Media
(off-page optimization)
I know what you’re thinking! It breaks my heart everytime I hear clients “poo poo” this strategy. If you don’t want your business to grow, then don’t buy into this. But for those of you who are ready to take advantage of new ways to communicate with potential customers, participate in conversations about your business on Facebook, Twitter and Google+, which can all launch your business into higher ranking!
5.5 Encourage Reviews
(off-page optimization)
The more reviews the better. Furthermore, it may be worthwhile to offer a premium to each customer that posts a review. Pursue reviews from your customers because you eat what you hunt!
