How to Optimize Your Site for Local Search

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.

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Online Business Listings Are More Important than You Think

January 16, 2009

If you think that it is not important to have an online business listing, you should think again. Just look at the statistics we found on GetFoundLocal.com:

  • 43% of people look online for something to buy locally.
  • 54% of Internet users have discarded their phone books.

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Solicit Reviews for Your Online Business Listing

January 13, 2009

So you’ve created your online business listing. The next step is to promote your listing. This doesn’t mean you have to spend hundreds of dollars advertising it. You simply have to start talking.

Spreading the word is easy. We all have done it for years and years. Simply start telling people about your listing. Encourage your customers, your friends and your family to go online and write reviews for your business. For a quicker response time, you can email your listing to the people you want to review your business.

Many consumers greatly rely on business reviews, especially when they are undecided. Reviews enable them to envision the type of service they will receive. They also help them predetermine whether a business is capable of fulfilling their needs. Positive reviews are just as, if not more, effective than most advertising efforts.

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Isn’t It About Time You Got Online?

January 7, 2009

It’s a new year. It’s time to make some changes. Whether or not you believe in New Year resolutions, you should set some goals for 2009. It’s time to realize that if you want to improve your business, you’ll have to embrace the Internet’s ability to help.

Start By Creating a Free Online Business Listing
No matter what kind of business you have, it is good to have some form of Web presence. So what are some things you can do to develop a Web presence?

The first step you can take is to create an online business listing on one or more local search sites. Popular local search sites include ThinkLocal®, Yahoo!® Local or Yellowpages.com™. Whether you own a fruit stand at the local farmer’s market or a chain of shoe stores, these business listings can help increase your visibility and bring customers to your door.

…Then Build a Website
You’ve probably heard it time and time again, but it’s true; a business Web site can help drive sales, particularly if you promote it. You may have gotten this far without having a Web site, but you will need to create one if you want your business to remain strong in the years to come.

Today, numerous consumers rely on business Web sites when making their purchase decisions. They use the information provided on the sites to determine the businesses’ abilities to satisfy their needs. They even evaluate the visual aspects of the sites to signify the level of quality or professionalism each business can offer.

Business Web sites are influential marketing tools. On your site, you can provide persuasive content that will convince consumers to choose your business over the competitor. In addition, you can announce limited-time specials to stimulate purchases and solicit feedback to ensure that customer needs are met. Lastly, you can use your site to establish your brand.

Retailers can also use their Web sites to increase their market share. By integrating a secure e-commerce platform, these businesses can make their products available nationwide, or even worldwide if they choose. The 2008 holiday shopping season should be proof that the Internet is more powerful than ever. As a result of the poor economy, almost every retail store suffered a decline in sales, but overall, online sales remained fairly stable.

Establishing a Web presence is among the best things you can do for your business. Remember, you have the power to help your business grow. It’s time to take action.

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Online Business Directories — A Cost-Effective Way to Advertise

August 22, 2008

Consumers aren’t the only ones becoming more conservative with their spending as of late. Companies are also attempting to cut their expenses. As always, marketing costs are among the first expenses to be trimmed. For this reason, it is more important than ever to acknowledge low-cost marketing alternatives like online business listings.

Standard online business listings are free, and they reach a well-segmented audience – those who are seeking a specific offering. Each online business directory is different. Some only display a business’ address and telephone number, while others, like ThinkLocal®, display a business’ contact information, as well as directions to the business location, a map and business reviews. The more informative a listing is, the more likely it will sway an undecided customer.

Business of all sizes should consider creating online business listings to supplement their paid advertising efforts. If you choose to advertise your business on an online directory that receives a lot of traffic, then most likely, you will gain new customers. With no costs involve, you have nothing lose.

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Posted by thinklocal