101 | Terry Richards

Mar
30

Exploiting Local Search

Posted by admin || Posted in 101, Localized SEO || No Comments >

So you plan to optimize for local search traffic? Follow these steps to have a highly optimized local listing: Local Business Center

Go to and create or use your existing Google account at https://www.google.com/accounts/ManageAccount
The G will give you a list of it’s services (see image on left) click on Local Business Center
For the company/organization field enter a highly optimized title, something like:
“* Pet Store Supplies | Pets | Fairfax | Arlington | VA DC MD” (notice the “*”)

This title is highly optimized for Google Local “Find Businesses” feature:
what:“pet store” where: “VA”,”DC”,”MD”
what:“pet supplies” where: “VA”,”DC”,”MD”
what:“pets” where: “Fairfax” “Fairfax, VA”
Follow the step by step instructions and pay specific attention to “category” and make sure you maximize all 5 categories out. Carefully plan your categories, if you are a used car dealership you should enter “used cars” “used car dealership” “used vehicles” “cars for sale” or a specialty category such as “Toyota dealer”.
Enter all the info you can on the following page… (business hours, payment types accepted, etc.) click next.
It’s imperative that you select your image wisely, if your company is targeting “document scanning” you should pick a emotional stock photo showing someone frustrated & unorganized with documents scattered everywhere. Also if you have any video here’s where you add it.
Next you’ll have the option for custom fields, this would be a good place for “additional services” and make sure you work in your keywords… I haven’t confirmed that this will improve your listing but who cares, give it a try.
After you submit, confirm by telephone & then take advantage of the coupon feature on the listing activation page.