Let’s face it. The Yellow Pages are dead. In the web-based world we live in, the only good use for those bulky and outdated publications are to perform feats of strength by ripping them down the middle. For many service-based industries who cater specifically to local clientele, this might seem to be the end of local marketing. Fortunately, this is far from true as search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing are becoming increasingly concerned with local searches for keywords and queries based around geographical locations. To take advantage of what is called local SEO service oriented businesses simply need to follow a few basic principles to be found by folks in their community.

Check Out These Tips for Utilizing Available Local SEO Service:

1. Be Specific

When people search for things locally, they want to find goods and services close to where they live and work. When thinking about targeting local keywords, be as specific as you can. For example, let’s say a plumber in Manhattan wants to generate new business through local searches. It would be best if he targets keywords like “plumber Manhattan” or “Manhattan plumber” instead of “plumber New York.” “Plumber New York” has too many other locations that can be listed instead of Manhattan. In order to generate good traffic from local searches, target keywords for your specific service area.

2. Get a Google Places Account

The first step for a local business to be found on Google is through a Google Places listing. When you setup your account, be sure to include photos, videos, and other current media that clients and customers would be interested to see. Be sure to regularly tend to your places listing adding photos and content for events and promotions as they occur. Google likes to see a vibrant Google Places account in order to let searchers know that you are an active business in the community.

3. Be Active on Social Media

This might sound exactly like tip 2, but social media can make or break a local business. Be sure to have active accounts on Google Plus, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Keep these profiles active by adding interesting content and videos that your friends and followers want to see. Again, Google likes to see an active online business so that it can support you with a ranking. Additionally, social media is a great way to reach potential and current clients without having to launch an elaborate marketing campaign. Reach out and be natural, telling people exactly what you are doing to serve those in the community.

While it might seem daunting, local SEO for service -based industries can be an effective way of reaching out to local markets and drawing in new clients and customers. People love to rep their hood, so be sure that you allow them to do so online by choosing your business through local SEO.