If you own or run a local business then you will understand how important it is to have a presence within local directories. As time has gone on, the increase in searching for local amenities on the internet and via mobile internet has meant that businesses need to have a presence within the search engines as well as their local business directory. Google has always been behind local businesses and has been keen to offer accurate local searches, however it appears that a few changes in past months have proven even more how Google are looking after their local listings.
When Google first introduced local business listings and maps it was determined to get information as accurate as possible. In the earlier days, the community were simply able to amend any incorrect details, which in theory is a good tactic for ensuring accuracy. However, with all things, any service such as this gets abused, so this was resulting in sabotage from competitor businesses or angry customers. This has all changed now however, and now Google listings cannot be changed so easily. This is good for security purposes, but it means that any company using Google maps or local listings as part of their search engine optimization should ensure the information they provide is correct and above all, as detailed as possible.
For starters, a lot of companies do not realise that you need to claim your listing, so ensure that you do this and you verify your address and telephone number to ensure potential customers are getting the correct information. This also puts you in a stronger position with Google, as you are seen as more of a trusted source. During the sabotaging days, competitor companies would link another listing to a different site, which did not bode well for reputation.
All companies want to be included in Google local listings and not only that, they want to be as close to the top position as possible. In order to do this you need to ensure your offering is better than your competitors. SEO experts such as us at SearchEngineOptimisation.co.uk can show you how to do this. In the initial listings stage you should ensure the information you post is relevant and includes strong search keywords. We see more regularly listings which include pictures of the business, so if you can incorporate an image into yours then it can help push you ahead and make you more appealing to users.
In order to get your listing displayed within more local search results, you should try to expand your areas of expertise a little. If you can include information about the surrounding area within your website then Google will pick up on this in general searches about your location. It is beneficial in terms of search engine optimisation to include consumer reviews for your business as these are a firm favourite of Google’s.
As useful and effective as local Google listings are, it is never a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket. Ensure you are not relying purely on Google and do include yourself in other local directories too.
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Posted by Jon.
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