local search engine marketing

Over 40% of internet searches now contain a local identifier

Consumers use internet search engines to find local product and services, and a large percentage follow up with a phone call or in-store visit. As a business owner, that means you can no longer afford to take your chances with mailers or phone book ads that may or may not be working.

A Web Presence is a Must

The big three search engines (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) all have local listings for businesses. Google is by far the dominant player and they continue to change the Local Search game.

Google's launch of their "Place Search" feature is another step toward becoming an online version of the Yellow Pages. This means an optimized web presence is a "must" for businesses if they want to attract local customers online. Businesses that have not engaged in long-term search optimization best practices across all fronts, including organic, local and social, will likely be impacted by this change.

Online reviews and ratings also have more prominence on the page (appearing alongside the listing). This makes online brand credibility and brand reputation management critical for businesses that appear in a local search result.

Online Credibility and Reputation Matter

As search engines begin to utilize customer reviews and online conversations more, it becomes even more critical for businesses to manage their online reputation.  Listed below are a few simple ways to get started.

• Claim and update your local search engine listings
• Create and manage your social profiles on sites like Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Merchant Circle, Yelp, Foursquare, and more. These social profiles should really be viewed as web properties.
• Develop a process to listen to online conversations

Contact WSI in Greenville, SC for a local SEO consultation on developing and managing a Local Search strategy for your business.