How to show up first on Local Listings

Local Search Engine Optimization (Local SEO) is the process of optimizing your website so that you can rank higher on local search rankings. Optimizing your local listings on search engines is crucial for your small business website to be found.  

Here are a few steps to help your small business website rank locally in the search engines.

It is important that you fully complete each profile using accurate and consistent information across all of your local listings. Katelyn Rhoades specializes in Local SEO. If you would like more information on Local Listings services contact me today!

Other Local Listings to check for: Merchant Circle, White Pages, SuperPages, YellowBot, CitySearch, Mapquest, Local.com, Dexknows, Angies List

Learn more about Google Rankings: How to rank higher on Google7-ways-to-rank-higher-on-google.html

Step 1: Claim your business online

The first step into optimizing your local search listings is to Google your business name & “claim your business.” This not only helps you to see what local listings you are already on, but also if the information is accurate.

Take for example, Tj’s Mobile Home Service, a recent client of mine. After researching what websites TJ’s was ranking on, I realized that the phone number listed was incorrect on several local listings. Can you imagine how many sales Tj’s might have lost due to customers not being able to contact the business? Don’t let that be you.

Google your business and confirm your information. You will want to claim your local listings on the three big daddy’s including Google+, Yahoo Local and Bing Local. Don't miss out on YP.com, Yelp, Manta, Foursquare, and other industry specific sites as well.

​After completing your profile you will have to verify that you are the owner of the business listing. Each sites verification process differs as some will let you verify through phone or mail.

Step 2: Choose the correct category for your business

One of the most important factors when it comes to your local listing is that you have categorized your business with the correct category. If you’re unsure of what category your small business falls into, put yourself in the customer’s shoes. What are some key phrases they would search for to find your services? Make sure to categorize your business in a way that will gain you more visibility.

Step 3: Ask your customers to leave reviews

Positive online reviews will not only build trust, but also credibility. This doesn’t go to say that you should tell every customer to go and write you a positive review, we simply suggest that if someone was exceptionally happy with your service, ask them for a review in return.

Send them an email and tell them you would love to hear their feedback and that future customers could benefit from hearing about their experience.

Step 4: Optimize your social profiles

Although Google+ is a top social media platform to be seen on, you must take advantage of all the other social media channels as well. Verify that each social media platform you use lists your physical location, web address, and phone number. Remember, all of your information needs to be consistent so search engines can trust your information.

Step 5: Take advantage of a FREE web address from Facebook

The last step for increasing your Local Listing SEO is to use Facebook. Facebook offers free business pages which is a great way to showcase your product/service and to get social. 

Facebook also has the ability to assign you your own personal URL address. Keep in mind that you must have at least 25 fans for this feature to be possible. 

Local Listings are an easy platform to advertise your business for FREE. Take advantage of each local listing website and optimize your business by providing as much information as possible.

Remember; keep your information consistent and up to date. Don’t have time to search every local listing OR stumped on how to use these free local listing websites? Contact me today and we can create and/or update all of your information with accurate, up to date information.

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