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How to Optimize for Google Local
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Posted On :
Apr-03-2013
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Article Word Count :
604
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If you own a local business and you’re looking to use the Internet to acquire customers, it’s important that you learn how to optimize for Google local search. The first thing you need to learn about is Google+ Local.
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If you own a local business and you’re looking to use the Internet to acquire customers, it’s important that you learn how to optimize for Google local search. The first thing you need to learn about is Google+ Local. It is a platform that allows businesses to list all their information for customers. It also displays your business information in Google’s search engine results whenever a user searches for keyword phrases related to your business.
Initial Setup for Google Local
To begin, you need to set up a Google+ Local page. If you’ve started a completely new business, you can set up a page in Google+ business, which is a separate space for businesses in the Google+ network. There is a chance that your business is already listed in Google’s listings. To check, all you have to do is search your business name. If it comes up, you have to click “manage this page” button on the right side. You’ll then be given instructions on validating your listing.
Promoting Your Business Online
Google’s platform means great things for local business owners. You can go into the profile and make sure that all the information is correct. You can also upload photos, view the reviews, and provide other information such as directions to your business location. If you’ve gotten a few bad reviews, you can even respond to them to help your reputation. It basically gives you control over how your listing is displayed and gives customers the information they need to engage with your business.
Ranking for Local Traffic
In order to actually start getting traffic from Google, you need to learn how to optimize for Google local. Your obvious goal is to rank as high as possible since higher positions attract more traffic. There are many Google local optimization factors that contribute to your ranking in the search listings.
On-Page Optimization
You want to start out by making sure your page has proper on-page optimization. Make sure your title and description contains keywords relevant to your business. You must make sure you avoid keyword stuffing and write as you would to the reader. You should also double check your business information so that it is consistent with all the other mentions of your business on other websites, such as business directories.
Reviews and updates contribute to your rankings while also attracting more traffic. You should try to ask for reviews from customers. However, avoid using paid review services or similar incentives as Google looks down on these kinds of tactics. Posting regularly through your Google+ business account also affects your rankings. Just make sure you share content that is relevant and valuable to your followers.
Off-Page Optimization
For off-page factors, you will want to build citations and incoming links. Citations are basically mentions of your business in the NAP format (name, address, phone number). You can start building citations by submitting it to local directories. Links are also important to your local rankings just as it is for regular search rankings. You want to focus on acquiring locally relevant links as well as quality links that are related to your business in order to boost your rankings.
These are the main Google local optimization strategies that can help you obtain high rankings in Google’s local results. Google+ Local presents a big opportunity for local business owners because Google is displaying more local results and providing more features for local businesses to get found. It would be a mistake to not take advantage of this channel to grow your business.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_How to Optimize for Google Local_259045.aspx
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Author Resource :
The author has an immense knowledge on Google local optimization. Know more about how to optimize for Google local related info in his website.
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Keywords :
how to optimize for Google local, Google local optimization,
Category :
Internet Business
:
SEO
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