Local Search Column
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Local Search provides the latest news and information about the growing segment of local search marketing, including tips on how to take advantage of local directory providers and online yellow page listings, mapping tools and location based services to help users uncover real-world merchants, franchise locations, locally owned small businesses and community places. Columnists cover geo-targeting, zip code and map data being used by searchers and search engines to provide locally relevant results.
Ignoring these 6 SEO strategies could come back to haunt you
Sure, they're scary, but sometimes it's worth putting on a brave front. Contributor Sherry Bonelli demystifies techniques that can yield sweet...
Markets with home service ads: Service-area businesses are coming back to the local results
There's good news and there's bad news in the local service-area business space. Contributor Joy Hawkins brings us up to date....
6 ways IoT will make local search for SMBs scalable
Don't turn your attention away from the Internet of Things just yet. Contributor Wesley Young contends that the data provided by connected...
Local SEO: 7 Google My Business questions asked and answered
At first glance, Google's offering for local businesses might appear fairly simple. But questions inevitably arise. Contributor Sherry Bonelli...
Are Home Service Ads the death of home-based businesses on Google?
Google is expanding their Home Service Ads across more and more cities in the US, and some home-based business owners are worried. Columnist Joy...
Google is making strides with Google My Business
Though Google My Business isn't perfect, columnist Brian Smith believes that recent updates and added features illustrate Google's commitment to...
August 22, 2017: The day the ‘Hawk’ Google local algorithm update swooped in
Have you noticed a recent shift in Google's local search results? Columnist Joy Hawkins shares everything you need to know about the 'Hawk'...
6 things you need to know about Google’s Q&A feature on Google Maps
Noticed the new "questions & answers" section in Google Maps app listings? Columnist Joy Hawkins shares her observations about this helpful new...
Google says we don’t need no stinking location modifiers… or do we?
Google recently stated that users are beginning to drop location qualifiers when searching for local businesses. But is it time for local SEOs...
Augmented Reality: Where are we now, and what does it mean for marketers?
With big players like Facebook and Apple committing to the technology, contributor Brian Smith argues that AR is becoming more than just a...
4 local SEO tips for restaurants
While general SEO wisdom is applicable if you're running a restaurant website, contributor Dave Davies digs into the details of the options...
Optimized store landing pages: An important part of local search strategy
How can brick-and-mortar stores improve the online experience for both users and search engines? Columnist Tony Edward says the key lies in...
Developing YOUR audience targeting strategy
Columnist Christi Olson digs into how remarketing can be used create, shape and target the most important online audience in the world:...
6 tips for using location information to boost conversion
Columnist Wesley Young looks at how far consumers are willing to travel to shop at local stores and how to use your store’s location to boost...
What are the risks for businesses that are getting fake reviews on Google?
Creating fake reviews might seem like a great way to boost your business's local profile, but columnist Joy Hawkins warns that the consequences...
If your GMB page updates & no one knows, does it make a sound?
If you work in the local SEO space, you may have noticed that Google sometimes makes unwanted updates to your Google My Business listings....
How local businesses can turn the threat of on-demand deliveries to their own advantage
On-demand delivery services are making local businesses nervous, but columnist Brian Smith explains why this new shift in consumer behavior...
Three ways local businesses can survive the on-demand threat
How worried should brick-and-mortar businesses be about companies like Amazon? Columnist Adam Dorfman weighs in with some thoughts on how local...
9 SEO tips for better Google Image search results
Before you start exploring voice search, make sure you've optimized your site images as fully as possible, suggests columnist Wesley Young. Find...
An easy quarterly plan for local link building
Looking to build links for your local business? In this helpful how-to piece, columnist Greg Gifford outlines his process for finding and...
