Make sure you optimise your business for local search with Google
How your business is listed in local search is critical to your business getting website traffic.
Optimisation of your listing to improve the “find ability ” of your website is equally important.
I find it amazing that just over ten percent of small – medium size business’s have actually claimed their business listing online.
The ranking you get from Google local search is decided by location,correct information about your business and corroboration and the input you put into listing your business correctly.
Understanding and implementing these variables is the most critical part of marketing your local business on the world wide web.
1. Location
Google knows the location of your business from your IP address and the closer you are to the centre of your town or city you are the better it is for your ranking.
When claiming your listing make sure your address postcode / zip code are correct.Use the local phone number for your listing not an 0800 number.
2. Information
The more information you can add about your business the better. Remember to make this information keyword rich.
Adding a video about your business will also help you with your listing.
3. Corroboration
Make sure you get some consumer input. Contact your best customers and email them a link to your local listing so they can review your business.
4. Negative Ranking Factors
As I mentioned before do not use an 0800 number always use the local code number. Also avoid using a p.o. box number as an address and lastly do not over do the amount of keywords you use in your description.