Local Business Search Listings
Traditional forms of local business marketing such as expensive print ads and Yellow Pages listings are quickly becoming obsolete and less effective. Why? It's because the primary way people find local products and services is via the web using their computers and mobile phones. The good news is that the big search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo have finally realized this and have fundamentally changed how their search engines list local businesses.
Google Changes the Game
In 2010 Google introduced their local business initiative called Google Places. Now when you type in a product or service local listings appear on the first page. This is revolutionary because previously Google would only list the top ranked web pages on that all important first page. These coveted first page rankings would be very hard to achieve and cost thousands of dollars to obtain through a technique called SEO or Search Engine Optimization.
Rankings are Valuable!
As a business owner you may be asking: why are first page rankings so important? The truth is that when people search on the web, they usually click on one of the first 3 search results starting from the top to the bottom.
A recent study on data leaked from AOL's search query logs reveals:
- First ranking position in the search results receives 42.25% of all click-through traffic
- Second position receives 11.94%
- Third 8.47%
- Fourth 6.05%
- All other rankings are under 5%
- Displays on Mobile maps (e.g. iPhone)
- Listings will show up in search results
Local Search is Where It's At
If you're like most of the business owners you've noticed that your phone book directory advertising dollars are just not going as far as they used to. You can blame that on the internet. More people turn to search engines these days before ever bothering to pick up a yellow colored phone book.
Targeting Local Internet Users - Finding New Customers!
Internet users are seeking local websites. Their search behaviors are becoming more sophisticated in order to find what they are looking for. A search optimization strategy that focuses on those local searchers will drive visitors to your site who are seeking specifically what you offer. This is the best type of traffic your site could possibly attract.
Targeting these searchers first requires your understanding of their online behaviors. Knowing how they are trying to find you will allow you to structure your online presence in a way that will allow your site to be found. Localized search optimization allows you to reach out to these potential customers. They are looking for you, now let them be able to find you.
Common Obstacles For Local Websites
If you are like most locally based businesses that have ventured onto the web to gain more exposure, you've purchased a basic website from a local web design firm or have tackled web design yourself. Many local business owners expect their snappy new website to automatically bring hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors and customers. They are sorely disappointed when it does not.
The primary reason the site receives little traffic is search engines barely know it exists, if they know at all. Many local websites are designed for good looks that impress the business owner. They are often not designed with search in mind as many web design companies are solely focused on design and know little about incorporating search optimization.
We find that most business owners are focused on running the day-to-day operation of their business, not running a website. Promoting a website online requires a different skill set many do not understand or have the time to learn. The Internet is a rapidly evolving, highly technological medium, and many people are unaware of how it operates. For this reason they don't know where to start, or even ask the right questions, in order to get people to view their site.
Local Business Listings (LBL)
As the Internet evolves and web users become more sophisticated, people are turning more and more to the Internet to find local services and products. This is true for businesses that sell directly online, and for those that use the Internet to promote their brick-and-mortar business.
The problem for a locally based business is the shear size of the Internet. A locally based website often gets buried deep in search engines, if they are even there at all. Larger national and international sites dominate the best broad search terms. Localized search marketing requires a different approach.
Brings Local Visitors to Your Site! Applying LBL strategies to your website will place your site right in front of the local web surfers seeking your goods and services. Attracting search engine traffic is the most beneficial activity you could apply to your website. Search traffic will bring the most qualified type of visitor to your site - a visitor who is SEARCHING FOR YOU. They are motivated to buy, making search traffic easy to convert into customers.
Our LBL Services
Submission of Local Business Listings to :
- Google Places
- Yahoo! Local Business
- Bing Business Portal
- Yelp! review announcing new site