Five Ways to Improve Local Search
Remember when the standard phone book held all the answers to local business searches? If you were looking for a plumber, you’d simply open to the P’s and find the one nearest you.
Nowadays, things are quite a bit different. People want descriptions, testimonials and insight on the businesses they're searching for. That’s why local searches on sites like Google, Yahoo! and Bing have become the standard for finding goods and services.
Having a local search presence is one of the most important aspects of marketing your business online. The following are five tips that will help keep your business up to date and highly viewed on the web:
1. Optimize your information
The first and foremost thing to remember when creating your local business listing online is to have all of your information correct. Location, hours of operation and services offered should all be correctly displayed, down to the smallest details. Services like Google’s Local Business Center can help you with this task by giving you a template of what to include. Remember, think of your listing from an outsider’s point of view—what would you want to know if
you were looking for the products or services you provide?
If your business is among a handful of others just like it in the area, what's going to stop people from going elsewhere? If you’ve got a niche, bargain or feature, don’t be afraid to share it.
2. Get in on SEO
Keywords are the essence of every web page. They allow your website to rise above your competitors in search engine results. Place keywords and phrases strategically in your business profile to direct more searches to your listing, boosting your company’s appearance in search listings.
3. Include visual media
A listing without media is like a magazine without pictures. People want to see what they’re reading about and, as we all know, a picture can be worth a thousand words! Be sure to include photos that represent your business, or even a video about what it is you do. People will appreciate the thoroughness!
4. Highlight your top features
If your business is among a handful of others just like it in the area, what's going to stop people from going elsewhere? If you’ve got a niche, bargain or feature, don’t be afraid to share it. It could be the decision point that drives people through your doors and keeps them out of your competitors'.
5. Get testimonials
When people click on your listing to learn more about your business, nothing stands out like testimonials. If you’ve got a page full of happy customers sharing their feedback, it can speak volumes to your potential clients. Don’t be afraid to ask satisfied customers to provide feedback—it can really pay off.
Local search has opened up a whole new world of possibilities, even for the smallest of businesses.
According to Google, 20 percent of all searches are related to location. If you’re not turning up in that search, your business is missing out on opportunities to drive new awareness, leads and online sales to your business. Make sure you take full advantage, and if you have any questions, contact
AlphaGraphics today!