How can small business like restaurants, Carpet Cleaners or Boutique Clothing Retailers get more out of their website and appearing on google.com and on Google Maps?
Here are a few ideas to help you make the most out of this relatively free opportunity to increase exposure and awareness of your business online.
1. Google’s Local Business Centre (LBC)
Local search requires structured data to be effective. Google needs to be able to match the business to a location. By submitting a business listing, you’re giving Google the data confirmation it needs to make the association between your business and your precise location on the map. Business can also register with Yahoo Local Listings
2. Local Business Directories
You might find that your business has already been listed by a business databases like Sensis.com or Truelocal.com. In most cases Google and other local search listings will assign more trust to a business and its location if it is listed by a trusted business directed like Sensis or Truelocal.
3. Vertical Directories – Make them work for you.
Other than being really useful, vertical directories like; Trip Advisor, Menulog.com.au, Travelocity, restaurants.com.au, HotelGuide.net can really help your local search listings. Google Maps often show content borrowed from vertical directories in their local listings. Most content is user generated in the form of reviews but can also incorporate some secondary business information including; accepted methods of payment, directions, price guides, checkout times and opening hours.
4. Where Can I Find You?
Properly optimising your site will include making contact information easily accessible. If possible it is considered best practice to have your business address, telephone number and email address on each page of your site.
*Make sure your address and contact information is consistent: on your website, in external listings and directories
5. Create Localised Content
Some ideas for creating local content include: customer testimonials, reviews / blogs / ratings, pictures with captions, local resources & information pages. But do not use form pages (search engines will catch this). Always think local when writing your content! For something extra, companies may also consider embedding a Google maps module to their site. Why? Users can easily find your business without leaving your site and it could also give you an edge in the local search rankings.
With the growing number of local search engines, introduction of Google Universal Search and ability for Google Maps to appear on Google.com, local search optimization is becoming a necessity for any local business. Stay ahead of your competitors and reap the benefits of increased visibility across local search engines and directories.
