Local search marketing (local SEO) is a way for businesses to advertise online by targeting their products and services to local customers who are searching for them. Local search engines include Google Places, Yahoo Local, and Bing Local. Most people search online when looking for a local business, and those searches typically result in clicks on local companies’ websites.
Why hire a local search marketing consultant?
Companies should work with an experienced local search marketing consultant to build a comprehensive marketing strategy. The consultant helps businesses build brand awareness and grow their online presence. To get the most out of organic traffic, businesses need a developed and integrated marketing plan. Local SEO consultants help businesses obtain increased website traffic from local and organic sources.
How does PPC compare to organic local traffic?
Many businesses believe there is no correlation between pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns and local search marketing results. PPC can be effective at driving targeted traffic to websites, but there is no guarantee that this traffic converts into paying customers. Pay-per-click results may only contribute to the volume of local traffic, which many businesses consider a non-income producing activity. Organic traffic, on the other hand, can drive large volumes of pay-per-click clicks, which can result in higher organic search rankings and generate more money.
What mistakes do business owners make when choosing an SEO company?
There are two common mistakes that local business owners make when choosing an SEO company to optimize their website. First, business owners select companies without taking the time to investigate the SEO background and experience of the companies’ management teams. This lack of research typically leads to ineffective search engine optimization. Second, business owners expect results from a local search marketing company immediately, without taking the time to evaluate the status of that company’s online marketing campaigns.
Why is a free evaluation and keyword research important?
Many local SEO consulting firms offer a free initial evaluation. If the company you are evaluating does not offer a free evaluation, it is likely that you are investing in a company that lacks the expertise necessary to optimize your websites and Internet content. Many reputable consulting firms offer a free consultation, but the key to making the most out of this evaluation is conducting proper keyword research. Proper keyword research enables a local SEO company to accurately identify the phrases and keywords associated with your business, which will increase the possibility of successful linking campaigns.
How do Google Places and Google Local differ?
To create a successful strategy for local search marketing in the United States, an optimization firm needs a thorough understanding of the differences between Google Places and Google Local. Google Local is the preferred method for local searches on Google because consumers more readily find businesses within a specific area by using local words. For example, if a consumer searches for “mall” in the United States, they would probably include keywords such as “mall”, “closing date,” “open house”, and “sale.” If the company implements an integrated strategy that incorporates both Google Places and Google Local, they may be able to take advantage of specific local phrases that would not have been considered using Google Maps.
What is the main advantage of local search marketing for consumers?
A key advantage of local search marketing is the ability for consumers to easily access and purchase goods or services that a local business offers from their personal computers rather than using a shopping center or other in-store business. This eliminates the need for consumers to leave their homes in order to make a purchase. Consumers searching for local businesses have become accustomed to online shopping, which has made the purchase process significantly easier. Because consumers are comfortable shopping online rather than in an actual store, they are more likely to make a purchase when the business is offering a product or service that they need at a price they can afford.
FAQ
What is local search marketing?
Local search marketing, also called local SEO, is a way for businesses to advertise online by targeting their products and services to local customers searching for them. The main local search engines are Google Places, Yahoo Local, and Bing Local.
Why should a business hire a local SEO consultant?
A local search marketing consultant helps build brand awareness, grow online presence, and develop an integrated marketing plan that increases website traffic from local and organic sources.
What is the difference between Google Places and Google Local?
Google Local is the preferred method for local searches on Google because consumers more readily find businesses within a specific area by using local words. An integrated strategy that uses both Google Places and Google Local can take advantage of specific local phrases that Google Maps alone would miss.