subject: Local Marketing With Search Engine Optimization - How To [print this page] Local Marketing With Search Engine Optimization - How To
Marketing to locals can be a difficult task, especially when attempting to attract customers from online channels. Potential customers jump onto search engines in search of local businesses and are inundated with results; most of which are not local, which is unfortunate.
To attract local business, companies must utilize SEO in a strategic manner. By doing so, qualified customers will find your site via search engines and this will, ultimately, convert to sales (if done properly). By not jumping on the SEO bandwagon your company will be doomed for failure.
First of all, Google local business listings are an excellent marketing tool. They retrieve results based on your location as well as keywords entered. For example, if you search for "Beverly Hills marketing company" the map listing will show marketing companies based in Beverly Hills. The same applies to restaurants, law firms, clothing stores, etc. The best part is, Google local listings are absolutely free. Though, if you so choose, you can upgrade the listing to showcase a link to your website.
Secondly, your on-site meta information should reflect the region(s) you are targeting. If you own an Italian restaurant in Los Angeles, your meta title on the home page should read something along the lines of "XYZ Company - Los Angeles Italian Restaurant" or something along those lines. The goal is to target the location in your title so as to attract locals from search engines.
Thirdly, if I can say one thing it's to interact with locals. Have an open house at your business, meet customers at an event; do anything you can to communicate on a personal level and do not push sales on them.
I hope this article has been helpful and good luck marketing your company.
