local seo: keep austin searchable
DESCRIPTION
A Presentation by Tony Emerson. 1. Basics of local SEO - introductory local search information such as simple definitions and recent data that shows it is becoming more important than ever. 2. Creating a Listing - what’s different about Google, Yahoo, and Bing? Yahoo actually charges you to add photos, whereas Google has the new tags feature. Also, how to create a KML file and geositemap using geositemapgenerator.com. 3. Local Search Rankings Factors - what aspects of your listing, your website, and everywhere else are affecting rankings? Much of this data is from David Mihm’s 2009 study, but our findings for clients of Apogee Results are included. 4. What’s new in Google Places - a list of some of the more pertinent new features of Google Places, releases last week.TRANSCRIPT
l o c a l s e o
keep austinsearchable
a p r e s e n t a t i o nb y t o n y e m e r s o no f a p o g e e r e s u l t s
section
b a s i c s o f l o c a l s e o
one
what islocal search?
a function of Google, Yahoo, Bing (as well as other search engines and sites) that help users findthings nearby.
what islocal seo?
Local SEO is the application of SEO principals to local search. The purpose is to improve your position in searches with local intent.
here
not here
why islocal seo important?
1) Local search is increasingly popular
2) Local searchers aremore likely to purchase
3) There’s not enough room in the SERPs for all of us
section
c r e a t i n g a l i s t i n g
two
googlecreating a listing
http://google.com/places (need Google account)
has the most fields
five category fields
custom categories
custom “additional details” fields
validate via mail or phone
yahoocreating a listing
http://listings.local.yahoo.com (need Yahoo account)
custom fields for brand names carried, products/services offered, professional associations, specials
primary/secondary, master/subcategory selection
allows for separate toll-free number
upgrade to enhanced: tagline, photos, business desc. ($9.95/mo.)
bingcreatinga listing
http://ssl.bing.com/listings/ListingCenter.aspx(need Windows Live ID)
allows for separate toll-free number
URL not required
allows six deep links
fields for tagline, business description, brands carried, specialties, and affiliations
six pre-determined categories (prioritized list)
geo sitemapcreating a
geositemapgenerator.com
fill in location and site details
download .kml and .xml files to post to web server
submit geo sitemap to google webmaster tools
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l o c a l r a n k i n g s f a c t o r s
three
listingon your
be close
fill out everything
reviews matter (ratings don’t?)
keywords in title & categories
description
unique phone number + local area code
websiteon your
full address(es) and maps
unique page for each location
local area code
geo in title tag
geo and/or keyword in url
traditional factors (pagerank)
kml, hCard
webon the
citations (non-link references)
local links
local authority sites
off-listing reviews
sign up everywhere
find citations from the winners
Citysearch.comSuperpages.comInsiderpages.comMerchantcircle.com
Yelp.comYellowpages.comBrownbook.comLocal.botw.org
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t h e n e w g o o g l e p l a c e s
four
favorite places
awarded to the most popular local businesses based on clicks, driving directions, and other actions
get additional traffic from google, encourage review
austin is one of the test markets
to apply: http://www.google.com/help/maps/favoriteplaces/business/index.html
service areas
only for delivery, home service, etc.
may be possible to game this system, but it’s recommended only for businesses that serve customers at their homes or offices
can now omit business address
can set service area by distance from a center point or on a zip-by-zip or city-by-city basis
tags
a new way to pay google ($15/mo.)
seems to have an effect on local search, at least with reviving merged listings
choose to highlight directions, your Google Places coupon, photos, videos, or your website
website link: followed but redirected
in summationwith mobile explosion, local seo is morepopular – and driving more sales – than ever
keep rankings factors in mind when creating listings, but don’t go so far as to be spammy
sign up everywhere and fill out everything: get listed in google, yahoo, bing, and every local site/blog/directory imaginable
watch competition for citations opportunities
rankings factors and paid programs are still changing