Ho-Hum – Would you like your business to be found on the search engines?Point – Use Local Search Optimization!
Local search dominating first page especially if location used in search.
Go over agenda
Agenda 2
Before you can optimize your local web presence, indentify the keywords you want and should be focusing on.What keywords your prospects are using to find you. Several tools, Google Keyword Tool, we use gShift Lags – Web Presence Optimizer enables search volume both global and local.
Primary and local identifiers Focus on keywords actually producing results – you may be surprised terms people are using to find you.
Optimize your site for Organic Search with local-oriented keywords At the front of title tags and heading tags, body content and internal links within your website.
C to A – increase conversions
Not weighted heavily in SEO terms, play an important role in conversions – incorporated in search results Solid call to action like a phone # also great for mobile search. Can track this phone # in Google analytics
You will need a Google account (gmail) and a personal Google+ pageLocal Business or Place: A great option for hotels, restaurants, places, stores and any other local service businesses where locality is important. If you select this category, you will be prompted for your business’ country and primary phone number. Google will match this information against Google Places listings and use the listing details to help build your profile.
Point website address to your primary website. Select relevant categories (up to 5)Description -
Fill top – push this section down page
Google is increasingly using Social Signals, like online customer reviews to determine relevance and position.
Solicit – search results less about what you say about yourself and more about what your customers have to say. (real world)
Be proactive in soliciting reviews & monitor as to respond. A quick and positive review as positive as a good review. Asking for reviews result in more positive reviews. TIP: Consider setting up a specific landing page with a link directing customers to your Google+ Local page or to another appropriate review site for your business (eg Yelp).Display the address of this landing page prominently in your store, restaurant (perhaps a QR code to be read by mobile devices) or on a customer invoice so it can be easily accessed and used to generate your review. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Paid only if on page one for your keywords High-Value, relevant backlinks can be a tedious process but will pay off in the long run.
Many small businesses shy away – although influence in our daily livesVery least secure page in your business name in top social media sites
For new comers Listening – search using your keywords & company’s name on SM sites (B2C or B2B) Following – see what competitors are doing on social media in your communityEngaging- once comfortable, start sharing (tips, stories, events etc.) start building your own following.
Practical Local Social Media practices Add SM Icons to website header, email signature and offline materialsLike, tweet etc to each page.
Create and distribute new, key-word rich content that links to other content you maintain.Example – create a blog post that links to a product page on your website for more details info. Tag the location of photos and videos you upload to Facebook or YouTubeCreate nad post detailed events in Facebook and Google+
When you become a little more comfortable:
1 in 4 Google Searches are Local
Over 15 % of these are mobile. Small business must be aware of traffic is through mobile.
Responsive web design Incorporate phone numbers into meta description of you most visited pagesGoogle+ page is up to date and accurate – Google MapsEstablish accounts and leverage mobile-specific networlslike Foursquare and Yelp – opportunity to check-in and comment on your business.
