Internet Marketing Made Easy

Mastering Google Local Part 1

Written by dave on September 2, 2009

There are many different ways to use Google, and some really effective ways to get new customers.  In this series we will start with the basics and then move an to advanced methods of mastering local search.

Being found in Google Local is important for any business but especially if your customers are local.  In these series I will show

you how to master Local Search so you get clients and customers

clicking your website and calling you on the phone.

The Basics

If you do a search for a type of business that has a local customer

base such as “carpet cleaner” or “bakery”  you will see Google local

listings show up ABOVE the regular search rankings.

These listings get the most clicks because they appear first or

“above the fold”.

Google and the other search engines all have different algorithms/ways that they choose the top business map listings, but there are DEFINETLY legitimate ways to improve your chances of showing up on that first page of “local map results”. Essentially your goal is to be in the first “A through J” section that appears when a potential customer or client searches for your specific type of business. It is important to note that registering your business in these search engine local listings is completely free of charge, so at the very least you should register your business on them.

Now if you want go the extra mile and really increase your local listing exposure, the following is a clear-cut guide that should improve your local map listings over a relatively short period of time. It should be mentioned that as stated above, the search engines use their own algorithms that no one has control over; so nothing in relation to the position of your local listing is guaranteed should you choose to complete these steps. However, most of these listings are 100% FREE and getting more local exposure in your community certainly can’t hurt your business!

The Main Internet Search Engines (Local Business Directory/Map Listing)

First off, you should make sure your business is listed in the top 3 search engines (Google, Yahoo, MSN).

You can register your business using the website addresses below (the sign up process is very easy to complete):

Be sure to include a valid link to your website address!

Another good idea for videos is customer/client testimonials as well. The pictures can be anything you’d like as well, such as logos, staff pictures, menu pictures, building pictures, etc. You can also list any extra information about your business in addition to your hours, category/description of services, accepted payment methods, coupons etc. I would recommend being as thorough as possible and including as much as you can about your business in these search engine local business listings.

Google Local Business Center:

http://www.google.com/local/add/lookup?hl=en-US&gl=US

Yahoo

http://listings.local.yahoo.com/signup/create_1.php

MSN

https://ssl.search.live.com/listings/ServiceAgreement.aspx

Enter your business details with the search engines and then you will be ready for some of the advanced methods for using local search to

get new customers which we will cover in a later section.

Next in Google Local Part 2

Expand your reach with the list of directories.