COMMENTS
Some Great ideas Corey, I've never thought of. Knowing more local geo targeted sites can be more beneficial than national ones, especially if those local ones show up nationally, but only service a local targeted area, it will ultimately hurt them in the long run, from a page click-through rate, also knowing Google is consistently improving online search, with Panda.
Ah Man! Sometimes getting `Writers Stare`, not knowing what to write about, mentioning complementary local services, and local and industry news is a great idea, when nothing else comes to mind, adding a few geo-targeted phrases towards the bottom as contextual links.
Bookmarking this to revisit, really enjoyed your article! Tks~
A decent post with some good recommendations, but the title? Come on. This is far from "Everything" you need to know to dominate local search.
How do you optimize your Place Page? How do you build local links with the right anchor text? I could add a hundred more questions.
Also, you said "Every new blog is a new indexed page for your site". That's a pet peeve of mine. A single post is a 'blog post', not a 'blog'. You're basically saying "every time you add an entire new WordPress installation to your domain you get a new page indexed!"
Yep, an OK post summarizing many of the good practices. Unfortunately, as Darren said, I don't really think that's all one needs to know about local SEO. Some very crucial things are missing out:
- local link building strategies (blogging is OK, but is it enough? I don't think businesses such as locksmiths or electricians would earn many links by blogging)
- on-site optimization (the 5 SEO elements are no-brainer, but what else? there are at least 5 more crucial ones)
- Google Places optimization (simply registering is totally not enough)
- gathering reviews (simply being on reviews sites is not enough)
As I said in the beginning, the article is a good round-up, but it's a bit too bold to say that's "everything".
Just my 2 stotinkas.
When it comes to SEO, Drewry is [so focused] on being "globally vocal", while "refusing to be local". How's that, for a Saturday afternoon "online rap" ? LOL =)
Thanks for sharing a really good overview of local search. With the google "fresh" update the importance of timely content is vital to any SEO campaign.
Very good article. But I would add one very basic necessity: being very diligent and comprehensive about writing your NAP (name, address, phone number) in exactly the same way across all your website pages, social properties, directory submissions, etc. This is a simple thing but it's hard to overstate its importance. This is low hanging fruit, but it's also foundational SEO work...
Good 10k foot view but agree with Darren building local links and citations is a big element and you can use services like Universal Business Listing and Localeze if you don't want to go to each individual directory on your list.
Another one that a lot of people don't talk about is using microsites with unique local content and targeted local keyword phrases in the domain. Still works even though it has been devalued a bit especially in major metros.
I agree totally. Advertising locally and with google maps is crucial but unfortunately not many people do it. Many people just stick to the big international sites. A lot of the time when I search a term I include my country or city at the end of keyword.