Local Search Engine Optimization

While the internet is abuzz with secret tips and strategies on local search engine optimization; the information rarely manages to excite local business owners who feel that internet marketing is simply not right for a local business such as a pizzeria, salon or bookstore that exclusively caters to local clients.

This is where search engine marketing can make a tremendous difference. The internet has caused a marked shift in the way people shop and look for information..

While the Yellow Pages may not be officially dead, it might as well be because most people simply find it more convenient to look for local businesses online. So, if your establishment is not part of their search results, you will obviously be losing out on several potential customers.

Here is a look at what local search engine marketing is all about, how it can help you to get the cash registers ringing and some simple tips that you can incorporate to ensure that your business gets the online visibility that it deserves.

What is local business marketing and how does it compare to worldwide search engine marketing?

 

Unlike worldwide search engine marketing efforts that are used to prep a website to reach potential clients across the world through a plethora of techniques, with local search engine marketing

the aim is to target audiences in the vicinity of the business, who would actually be interested in the products or services offered by the establishment.

Local SEO helps businesses to cash in on a new trend in the search engine industry; that of matching clients with local businesses. The core principle of local business marketing is not very different from that of regular SEO; however the efforts are localized.

So, when a client enter a phrase such as "Miami Italian Restaurants", a business that uses local SEO techniques will find its name in the list of the top Italian restaurants in the area, displayed on the first page of the search engine results.

How local search engine marketing increases your sales?

A whopping 90% people stated in a recent survey that they use search engines to find local businesses as opposed to a measly 42% who still rummage through the Yellow Pages.

However, the efficacy of local search engine optimization when compared to other forms of marketing can truly be gauged by the percentage of people who actually call the business after getting their contact information.

In case of local business marketing, an astounding 84% people said that they do contact the business after an online search. These statistics alone should be enough to shoot down any argument that a brick and mortar business owner has about the viability of local search engine optimization for his/her business.

Add to this the immense brand awareness that can be created through the use of local search engine optimization techniques such as local submissions and the use of local keywords and it's easy to understand why a business absolutely must use local business marketing to gain an edge over their next door competition.

Apart from the consumer trust garnered by high ranking businesses; local SEO is also known to significantly augment ROI and get higher conversion rates.

Also, local business marketing is a cost effective marketing solution when compared to some of the other advertising options in the market.

Social marketing for local business

 

The regular SEO practices: The basic techniques for local business marketing are no different than those used for worldwide search optimization. For instance, you will still need to submit your site to local directories; use keyword rich content and ensure that you offer unique and informative content on a page that is easily crawlable.

Local directory listings: Listing in local directories and portals is one of the cheapest marketing strategies yet it can be incredibly potent; particularly if the pages are ranked well on Google search results. You may also want to submit your site to the local Better Business Bureau to enhance the credibility of the establishment.

Local Domain name registration and IP: The domain name registration and IP of your site will also make a huge difference in local search engine optimization. For instance buying a website name with a local domain and getting links from other business sites that are deemed local can go a long way in enhancing the brand value of a business. Similarly, your IP and the geographical location that it points to can give you a significant boost in the results.

Leveraging Well Trusted Local Hubs

 

Leveraging local hubs that are already well trusted can prove mighty useful for a business that is just trying to wiggle its way into a niche sector.

For instance, while Google may take some time to trust a new site, making a mini version of your website on an already well established site can get you positive ROI faster.

Local search engine optimization holds several benefits for small businesses that are trying to increase their customer base and accentuate sales. If you feel that you do not have the expertise required to undertake local business marketing on your own, there are several professionals who can assist you with the task and help you to meet your local SEO goals.