10 Winning Ways to Optimize Local Search

Summary: This article lists 10 ways to help consumers find your local business when searching online. Detailed explanations, pragmatic approach with concrete examples. Interesting to both local store owners and retail chains.

Source: iMediaConnection

First paragraphs:

Don't get left out of local search results. The SVP of TMP Directional Marketing shows you how.

Local search is a subcategory of overall search that can give a big boost to your business whether you are a big brand national services advertiser in local markets or a local business looking to expand. Some analysts expect local search revenue to double this year and become even more critical when emerging mobile phone technology allows people to stand on the street corner and ask about a local pizza shop, FedEx or Kinko's.

Currently, many businesses don't know how to maximize local search listings because available information is too confusing or doesn't spell out how to use local search listings for full advantage. Think of it as optimizing local search practices and you will reap the rewards.

For instance, did you know that many top data providers and local search sites allow businesses to list for free? A list is offered on the next page, not only of the well-recognized search engines like Google Maps, Google Local Business, but also the local data providers such as Amacai/Localeze and top internet Yellow Pages site, DexOnline.

Also, pay attention to your creative, your ad messaging and your landing page. Major search engines and some top local search sites have started to use "quality scores" coupled with your keyword/category bid price to determine where and how often your ad will be displayed.

And simple things such as getting a link on another key website like the Chamber of Commerce can extend your reach with little effort.

See below for 10 ways, with examples, on how to improve your business through local search.

1. Get listed for free
The top data providers and local search sites allow businesses to add/update basic local business listings for free. Visit these sites to find your local business listings and verify/update as needed.

Top local search sites
Google Maps  
Yahoo Local  
MSN Live Search  
Ask City  

Top local data providers
Amacai (or Localeze)  
InfoUSA  
Acxiom  

Top internet yellow pages sites
YellowPages.com  
SuperPages.com  
DexOnline.com

Read the complete article at iMediaConnection