Optimizing content for local search is similar to, but subtly different from, optimizing for general web search. Many key factors, such as optimizing for specific keywords, securing good backlinks to content and so on all apply.
But there are several other steps—simple ones, fortunately—that you can take to really give your local content a better chance at ranking well in local search results. Today’s Search Illustrated provides a checklist of these six simple steps for optimizing local content:
Graphic by Elliance, an eMarketing firm specializing in results-driven search engine marketing, web site design, and outbound eMarketing campaigns. The firm is the creator of the ennect online marketing toolkit. The Search Illustrated column appears Tuesdays at Search Engine Land.
Opinions expressed in the article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land.
Related Topics: Infographics | Search Illustrated | Search Marketing: Local Search Marketing | SEO: Local
More Tips for Local Optimization:
1.Check all of your listings on as many local platforms as possible. Verify, correct and complete the information they publish about you. This can be time consuming, but you can do a few every week and should only have to do each one once.
2. Standardize the information across the web about you and your location. Use the same business name, address, phone, etc in every listing AND publish this same info on your own web pages.
3. Choose the categories you opt to be placed in carefully. It will greatly influence the Local searches for which you are found in important places like Yahoo Local. Opt into as many relevant categories as they allow.