Following on from yesterday’s Local search engine marketing article, I thought you might be interested in reading a bit more on the topic, so I’ve compiled a couple of links for you:
Matt McGee’s Hyperlocal Blogging blog. Matt has put together a very detailed series of posts about hyperlocal blogging and his personal experiences. I can’t begin to tell you how envious I am that he’s managed to launch an entire blog about this fascinating topic.
Matt also points out these blog posts that have cropped up lately:
John Batelle’s case study on the Open Forum blog about the perils of not getting to grips with local search engine marketing. This makes for a really good read and applies to your business, whatever business you’re in.
If you feel like getting a little more involved in the nuts and bolts behind local search marketing, Dev Basu’s article about building landing pages that are optimized for local search is a good place to start.
I suspect that this topic is going to become more and more important in the coming months. So get reading before you miss out.
While you’re fighting against 10 million competing websites for a number 1 Google ranking for ‘Aquatic supplies’, 300 people in the South of England are searching for ‘pet shop in Ashford’. Of course those 300 people aren’t going to find your business because you’ve probably ignored the power of local search engine marketing. And to make matters worse for you, those 300 people are ready to buy right now.
As business owners, we tend to ignore micro-niche markets and focus on the big picture. And we’re losing out. So, as a primer to local search engine marketing, which is a topic I’m starting to study in depth, here are a few things you can do to help your website achieve search engine stardom within 50 miles of your office.
Submit your website to local search engines and local online directories.
There are loads of options to choose from. Start with Google Maps, Yahoo Local, MSN Local Search, and the Yellow Pages. Once you’re listed on the major sites, start exploring your region for local business portals, local directories and even your local chamber of commerce’s website.
Build links from local businesses.
In fact, why not build a network with other local businesses? There are probably dozens of local businesses in your area facing exactly the same marketing challenges as you. If they have websites convince them to enter into a reciprocal linking arrangement. Even better, give them a reason to provide you with a one-way link.
Build a blog.
Not just any blog, a hyperlocal blog. Write about your town and how your business is helping people/businesses in your region.
Spend money on local advertising.
Google Adwords lets you geo-target your advertising in most countries. Don’t waste your advertising budget on people who are more likely to buy from their local pet shop than yours. Target the people who live 3 blocks away, but don’t know you exist.
The facts about local vs. global search engine marketing
- Local search marketing is cheaper.
- Local search marketing (in most cases) is easier.
- Local search marketing yields faster results.
I’m encouraging all my clients to let me develop local search marketing campaigns for them. If your business could benefit from more local customers, I’d recommend you do the same.
Hello, I’m Dave. I work with web design agencies, freelancers and bloggers to develop standards-compliant WordPress and Thesis themes.