Local Business Search for SEO

I've always been a big fan of Google's Local Business Listings. They're free, easy to set up, can connect you with people who want to do business locally and can give you a hand up the search engine results.

So how do they work? Well, very briefly, if someone searches for a business or service with a geographic location, Google will return relevant local business results above the regular natural or organic listings. This is a quick win in terms of optimisation for a local market as it can take weeks to reach the first page of Google naturally.

This image shows local business results for internet marketing near Belfast.

Viewers have the option of clicking through to the company's website or reading their complete profile.

Perhaps the most valuable feature of local search is the customer reviews. Research has shown that consumers appreciate this information being presented as they are searching for a product or supplier. If the reviews are positive it could make them contact you instead of a competitor (Don't nip off and add a fake review now - I'll tell you why in the next post).

We recommend that businesses create a company profile that will include a search engine friendly description, company logo, opening hours photos, company videos etc, anything that will differentiate you from your competitors and make you stand out.

Watch this video to learn how to add your business listing.