What is local search?
So… local search is different from regular search?
Local search results (who gets to the top of Google or other search engines) are VERY different than global search. Local search looks something like “atlanta Plumber” or “Home Repair Decatur “ The criteria for being #1 on Google is based on unique criteria and it is linked to the address of your computer. These are recent changes which can dramatically effect the search engine placement of your business listing or website. In fact I will venture to say local search placement is THE MOST IMPORANT FACTOR in successful local marketing.
Local search refers to the process of searching for a product or service within a specific geographic area. You may not be aware of this but Google automatically gives you local search results for certain search queries like doctor, plumber, hardware store or dentist. They do this on the basis of where your computers IP address is located. Yes Google knows where you live and gives you search results related to this address. And they are doing this with YOUR customers.
Even some professional SEO companies don’t know how to deal with these changes
But what this means for you business could be the difference between being #1 on google 10 pack map or langusihing on page 50!
Have you see the Google map and ten pack?
This is Googles solution to giving you more relevent results based on your location and search terms. This way if you live in Woodstock and you search for “plumbing repairs” Google will find the closest geographical match by giving you Plumbing companies in and around Woodstock. (but not Plumbers from St louis, Stone Mountain, Peachtree city or Macon) It can also indicate that the search term had local modifiers like: “Atlanta plumbing contractor”,” Dentistry Center Sandy Springs” or “Hardware store Vinings Ga”
How does Local Search work?
Either way the goal of the search engines (Top 3 being: Google, Yahoo, and Bing) is to give the searcher the most relevant and usable results they can. That is why it is so important to make sure YOUR information shows up there when a local customer searches for topics relating to your services or products.
This bears repeating
You MUST HAVE your business information show up when LOCAL CUSTOMERS are searching for your products or services. Why? Because 82% of people use internet search engines to discover local businesses.
Yes, your local customers are looking ONLINE for local information. Even more important is the fact that these local consumers are ready to take action. 82% of your community is using a search engine to find information about businesses next door. Better yet is that 61% of these folks made purchases?
MOST Local Searchers followed up offline with an in-store visit, phone call, or purchase. This demonstrates just how important it is for local Atlanta Businesses to integrate their website and offline information. Making sure your information is up to date and correct across hundreds of search engines in no longer a luxury – it is critical step to making sure your business is not lost in cyber obscurity.
The Good the Bad & the Ugly
Local competitors are taking your customers and you don’t even know
If your business information gets their attention, you get the business. If not, your competition does. That’s where Local Search optimization comes in. We makes sure that all roads ( links) lead to your business information (whether its your website, yellow pages profile or Google local busines listing) Community coverage means you get in front of local customers at the right time – every time!
Local search engine optimization can help you connect with local customers 24/7. Beyond getting found, you can utilize the web to create more meaningful interactions and provide education and information making your business stand out from the crowd. The power of local business is relationships! Do what you do best – communicate with local customers where they are – ONLINE
Why is local search so powerful?
Local search engine optimization allows your business to:
- Show up for local searches within a specific geographic area or for particular areas of town
- Get found for specific services, brands or products
- Target a particular group of people by area, need or behavior
- Reach most motivated to purchase buyers – customers that are closer to buying
- Connect with local prospects 24/7 with highly personalized interactions
- Allows you to pre-qualify and pre-sell customers before you ever talk to them
- Share up to the minute specials, products and changes
- Reach Mobile searchers with directions, specials and instant contact
Local search customers are trusting and ready to buy.
Your local customers are going online to research products, prices, look for directions and specials. Usually they will use search engines Like Google, Yahoo or BING, local directories, map listings and review sites. These are popular because they focus on providing information rather than advertising. This trend is growing and has reached the point where local businesses need to be visible online in order to survive.
