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.

Free Online Marketing Mentoring!

Would you like some free online marketing mentoring in June? I'm working towards Chartered Marketer status and part of the Chartered Institute of Marketing continuing professional development (CPD) programme allows us spend time mentoring a business.

I will look at your whole online presence, make recommendations for improving it and work with you to implement the changes needed. The only thing I need from you will be a letter as evidence of the work done.

If you have a website and are interested in Search Engine Optimisation, Email Marketing, Social Networking or any other aspect of online marketing, please email info@engagemc.com with your contact details and website address and I'll get in touch. I'll choose the business I think will benefit the most.

Sorry but web design / development companies are excluded from this offer.