3 Tips for Local Optimization By Bryan Wisotsky February 2, 2013
Now more than ever your business’ local presence is important. Yes, you need organic rankings to be found online ― otherwise SEO wouldn’t really matter ― but ranking in Google + Local and showing up in business directories also drives leads. Here are three tips to improve your local optimization: 1) Register your business with local business directories such as Yelp, Foursquare, CitySearch, and Yahoo Local. If you aren’t sure where you’re registered, sites such as Yext.com will do a free scan and show you where your completed listings exist. 2) Optimize your local business listings. Make sure to include your website and links to social sites such as Twitter and Facebook where possible. Make sure to use
the same phone number and address format ― Suite 100 or #100 ― for consistency. 3) On directory sites that allow reviews, ask customers that have used your service or product to leave a positive feedback. Make sure they don’t leave reviews from your business PC or at your location as your IP address is tracked and the review may be flagged. Also, users which have done previous reviews may have a better chance of success than first-‐time users depending on the business.