subject: The Local Search Challenge [print this page] The Local Search Challenge The Local Search Challenge
I m going to say something controversial here, but think back to the days before the internet so there was no website, no Google and no SEO. Frightening I know, but stay with me on this one. How would you have advertised your business? Yellow pages? Local press? Industry publications? See, here's the thing, local SEO is founded on the same principles, just online. Back then you would have used local sources or categories in regional directories to ensure that those people who were looking for your product or service could find you. You need the same localised focus in your SEO.
To achieve local SEO success you will need to integrate localised keywords/phrases into your copy, build links from localised directories, blogs and other sources as well as using geo-locational sources. You are effectively creating a network of regional contacts online. This is done so that when the search engines come across your site they can see where it fits in a geo-locational sense.
The Local Search Challenge
Local search engine optimisation brings with it unique challenges like where are you going to find enough relevant links to make a difference? Well, here are just a few suggestions:
* Google Places
* Yahoo Local
* Yell.com
* Yelp
* BrownBook
* Chambers of Commerce
* Council Pages
* Supplier Sites
* Business Directories
* Local Classifieds
When you put your mind to it, there are a plethora of local linking sources and we haven't even started on the blogosphere where there will be localised topics being hotly debated. Another source of good, relevant links will be industry specific links; just as you once sought out local trade publications you can find similar exposure online through online publications, newsletters, forums and blogs.
All of the above are more tactical considerations, but the underlying strategy you will need to adopt is to ignore the expanse that is the internet and once again focus on your local area. For the majority of small businesses this is where most of their customers are anyway, so what's the point of advertising yourself to someone in Scotland if you're in Lands End? Maintain a local focus, optimise your site for our local keywords, ensure you use a local telephone number and address and you'll be on your way to local SEO success.
Many local businesses have little time to dedicate to relearning how the internet can be used to generate new business in your local area
