February 23, 2009
Just today, I came across a Search Engine Land article entitled: “Has the iPhone™ Made Mobile SEO Obsolete?” This article is a pretty good read. It states that “iPhone and other smartphone users have the ability to access full HTML web pages, and search engines on mobile devices will often show these to mobile users, so there’s no mobile specific content to index and rank. Hence, optimizing for mobile users specifically (which historically involves WAP pages and a dotMobi domain) is a waste of time.”
To read more of this article, go to: http://searchengineland.com/has-the-iphone-made-mobile-seo-obsolete-16655
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Internet Yellow Pages, Local Search, Mobile | Tagged: iphone, mobile seo, search engine land | 
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Posted by thinklocal
February 11, 2009
Which movie should we see? Where is a good place to meet for lunch? Which merlot is better? Should I read this book? Decisions like these need to be made every day. Now, thanks to Goodrec.com, the decision-making process is easier than ever. Just access the site via the Internet or your mobile phone, and you’ll be able to find recommendations for local restaurants, local bars, books, movies, and wine. Since Goodrec is easily browsed by mobile phones that can access the Internet, you don’t have to worry about having “Why didn’t I research this before I left the house?” moments in the future-all the recommendations you need will be right at your fingertips, even while on-the-go.
The emergence of sites like Goodrec and ThinkLocal® is further proof that local search is changing the way consumers make their money-spending decisions. If you haven’t done so yet, get involved! Local search can help you, both as a consumer and a business owner. Visit ThinkLocal.com to sign up for your free business listing, rate your favorite establishments, and discover events taking place in your area.
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General, Local Search, Mobile, Social Media | Tagged: Local Search, mobile internet, thinklocal | 
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Posted by thinklocal
February 11, 2009
An online business listing is a visibility enhancer all on its own. However, it doesn’t hurt to support your online business listing with a business Web site that is optimized for local search traffic.
Optimizing your site for local search is ideal if your business has a physical location. It will increase the chances that your site will get noticed when a relevant search is made online.
Below are some tips for optimizing your site for local search:
- Include both your target keyword phrases and your location (city, region, state, country, ZIP, etc.) in your page titles whenever possible.
- Mention your location on most, if not all, of your Web pages. You can usually do this by including the location in your body copy or in your footer text.
- Have incoming links that use your business name as the anchor text.
- Have links from local business directories, like ThinkLocal™ and Insider Pages™.
- Have links from direction pages.
Leave a Comment » | General, Internet Yellow Pages, Local Search, Small Business | Tagged: insider pages, local business directories, Local Search, local search traffic, online business listing, thinklocal | Permalink
Posted by thinklocal
February 10, 2009
It is more important than ever for you to be frugal. That’s why now is the time to start realizing the value of using local search.
Local search Web sites offer free business listings, and they enable your business to be visible at just the right moment – when the consumer is making his or her purchase decision. You should always make sure you are listed in several local search Web sites, particularly because each member of your target audience will have his or her preferred source. By having a listing in more than one directory, you will increase your chances of being found.
Good local search engines include: ThinkLocal®, Yelp, Merchant Circle and Insider Pages™.
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General, Internet Yellow Pages, Local Search, Small Business | Tagged: business, business listings, free business listings, insider pages, Local Search, local search engine, merchant circle, thinklocal, yelp | 
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Posted by thinklocal
February 4, 2009
We live in a world that values convenience. Over at ThinkLocal®, we understand this. Once you enter your zip code or city and state, our home page will show you all of the information you need to see what’s going on in your area. Check out your local weather forecast, and use the interactive map to find your way around town. If you’re looking for something to do, ThinkLocal® can provide you with a list of local events in your area. And with our restaurant ratings and reviews, choosing a place to dine has never been easier.
If you’re interested in being on top of the goings-on in your area, make ThinkLocal® your home page. All the information you need is just one click away.
Leave a Comment » | Local Search | Tagged: business listings, Local Search, online business directory, thinklocal | Permalink
Posted by thinklocal
February 3, 2009
If you own and/or operate a local search directory, you probably use the Google® Maps API or a tool much like it. Well, according to an article by Mark Whittington, Google now makes it possible for everyone to view maps of the planet Mars, as well as the maps of the bottom of the ocean. While these features aren’t necessarily relevant to your site (at least, not in the near future), they are quite fun to view. Check them out for yourself:
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Posted by thinklocal
