Q. I have been working hard at getting a higher ranking for my business’s Web site on Google search results. It’s showing some improvement, but I noticed a section at the very top of the search results labeled “Local Business Results,” with a map and several business listings with push-pins on the map. How do I get to be on that map?
A. You have noticed one of Google’s backdoors to top Search Engine Results Position, and you are correct in thinking that Local Results are a good route to additional visitor traffic.
Dov Weinstock, president of Advantage Internet Marketing in New York City, provides valuable tips on using Local Results to get more traffic.
Recently, Google expanded its search algorithm to include what is called “Universal Search.” This allows for search results including not only your Web site, but also videos (e.g., from YouTube), blogs and local business listings. Promoting these additional results actually allows for the possibility of not just appearing on Google’s first page, but dominating it. Imagine if five of the top 10 results of a search led back to your site. This is achievable by taking advantage of universal results.
There are certain strategies that will help you succeed with local results. The first thing, of course, is to have a local business listing. You can set this up at no charge at Google’s Local Business Center (you may find that there is already a skeleton listing that you can claim as your own).
Second, populate your listing with as much information as possible – location and phone number, Web site address, photos and videos. The more complete your business profile, the more likely Google is to rank it higher.
Third, include physical location information throughout your site. Each page should display your phone number and full street address, including ZIP code.
Fourth, include mention of your location (e.g., city and neighborhood) in the text on pages on your site.
Finally, links from other local businesses’ Web sites to your site will help Google to know that your location is of importance to your business. Neighboring businesses, Chambers of Commerce and business directories such as CitySearch are all good places to seek links.
source: http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20100321/BIZ01/303219960/1031/BIZ
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