Local Search – How to optimize it
Most local companies depend on local search results and advertising in local directories in order to keep, or gain, their client base. Beyond the fact that your local results should have always contain the companies basic, continually updated information there are many other factors to be taken advantage of when working up your business profile.
Sure, there are some who just want a phone number that works, or the address that is right; however, there are many others who do their research on a company prior to calling them. They want to know, who you are, where you are, how long you have been there, fax numbers, secondary contact numbers, amongst many other items.
We will go over a few of the items that businesses should take in consideration prior to setting up their local profile to come up in search results.
1. Keywords- If you are listed as a plumber, well just plumber is not going to do much good. You need to incorporate your location into it, and other keywords that are fitting. For instance, San Diego Plumber, San Diego Plumbing, San Diego Plumbers etc.. Then you could use terms like San Diego leak repairers, of San Diego pipe repairs. I think you get where we are going with this. The more natural words you utilize, adding your location to it, the more hits and traffic you will get. Further, if you are a Web Designer you could use San Diego Web Design
2. Website Address- Your website address is not just an extension to your business in these days; it is your online presence, just as your store front is your offline presence. You want to make sure your WWW is easy to read, and not a jumbled mess. For instance sandiegoplumber.com, or joesplumbingservices.com. If you see a website address for a plumber jmkt123plumbers.com, a person first reaction is “what?” Make it user friendly. Your Web Design is your first impression on the web, and you know what they say about first impressions.
3. Contacting you- You always want as much information about contacting you as possible. Primary numbers, secondary numbers, fax numbers, and email addresses. Everyone is different, you may have one guy who needs a plumbing consultation but doesn’t want to talk to anyone just yet so he emails all his questions, and then you have another guy who wants to talk to a human, so he calls. Well if he calls and can’t get through; guess what he is on to the next plumber on the list. Your contact information should be short and complete.
4. Location- Local search is just that, local. So you should specify which locations you serve. The easiest way is to say “serving South Counties of San Diego” etc. That way if a client in La Jolla finds you, they know what areas you serve right off the bat and you don’t get stuck with awkward phone calls.
5. Services-Products- You should describe your business in a very short and sweet way. You don’t want to get long winded, but you want to make sure that if someone calls your plumbing service you are able to offer them the assistance they need. Just like if someone searches for Web Design services or assistance they would search for San Diego Web Design
6. Logo’s- These are eye candy to the perspective client, and actually do matter. When utilizing a Logo, make sure you use a high quality photo that is going to attract clients.
7. Year Founded-Certifications- Always say “In business for…” and list what certifies you to be able to perform the job duties you are advertising.
Now that we have covered some of the basics here is an example of a good directory listing, that should help bring you to the top of local search engines.
LOGO
Joe’s Plumbing Service – business name.
Serving All of San Diego County since 1979 – service areas and years established all in one line
Joe’s San Diego Plumbing Service provides quality work in all facets of plumbing needs etc. etc. – services
Contact us:
You can visit our website here – www. joesplumbingservice.com
Primary phone 555-555-5555
Fax Phone- 555-555-5555
Email- info@ joesplumbingservice.com
Plumber’s lic #