Local SEO Strategy 2014: For Small To Medium Sized Businesses

Posted on Monday, 17 March 2014 by Divi Fernando Origianal Post at:  Blog.WooRank

If we always say that change is the only constant in online marketing this is even more important in local SEO. Taking this into account, although we have already discussed extensively on how to optimize your site for local SEO in the past, this post will entail certain local SEO strategies that have been prioritized in 2014.

In 2012, it was reported that 61% of local searches resulted in purchases. In 2013, ever since Google’s Hummingbird update was released, the search engines have become smarter than ever before in returning relevant, personalized and even localized results for searches. Take advantage of being the first one to use the local SEO strategies for 2014 that we highlighted for you:

Local SEO Strategy 2014 For Small To Medium Sized Businesses

Local SEO Strategies 2014

You might have already optimized for local SEO in the past and the old rules still work, but there are newer strategies that weigh in hugely in 2014:

• Long Tail And Meaningful Keywords

You may have to rethink your keyword strategy on the website and around every content linked to your  website. With Google’s Hummingbird update in the picture, keywords in the form of questions (e.g. what is the best pizza place in Manhattan) deliver as good and relevant search results as their robot-friendly counterparts (e.g. Pizza Place Manhattan).

Take a look at the following example for Pizza Place Manhattan.

Local Search Result For Pizza Place Manhattan

And now take a look at Google search result for what is the best pizza place in Manhattan.

Local Search Result For What Is The Best Pizza Place In Manhattan

In the traditional search, both these search terms would have given you similar results. But now 90 percent of those results do not bear resemblance to each other. That is because Google search understands the user intent much better. So, if you want to target the second category of search users, you would rather use long tail keywords in your site content as well as every other content linked to your site. But it does not mean that if you use long tail keywords, you will show up in the first page of Google Map results for that keyword. There is a combination of many other factors in play here and they are discussed below.

• Optimize For Organic SEO

Adam Steele from Lean Marketing and Mike Blumenthals of Blumenthal.com did some recent local pack (set of local search results) case study on Google SERPs. They found that these local results were influenced by individual website’s organic SEO ranking. This means that if you rank well for organic SEO, you will rank better in local search results as well. So, do not give up on your organic SEO efforts in 2014 and keep working with meta title and meta description optimization, heading tag optimization, page speed, image optimization, url optimization, rich snippets, social media optimization, strategic link building, content marketing, conversion optimization, to name a few.

• Optimized Google Maps And Google Plus Local

Google maps have always been a core local SEO ranking factor with local businesses. The integration of Google maps and business previews from the corresponding Google+ Local have increasingly strong correlation to local SEO.

Google Maps And Google Plus Local Local SEO Strategy 2014

Thus, if you have an optimized Google Maps and Google Plus Local page, your local SEO strategy of 2014 is headed towards the right direction. Take note of the major local SEO optimization points below with respect to Google Maps and Google Plus Local

• Accurate NAP – When accurate NAP (name, address and phone number) details are available.
• Address Match On Website – The NAP details must match with that on your website.
• Proximity to Google’s City Marker – When your location is closer to a city recognized by Google on the map.
• Number of Reviews – The higher the number of reviews on Google+ page, the better.
• Quality of Links – The quality of websites that mention your business, website or NAP details (with a link to your website).
• Number of Local Citations – Citations from local business listing sites or review sites.
• Number of Third-Party Reviews  – Number of reviews you receive on sites other than Google+.

• Pinterest Place Pins 

Pinterest announced a new feature in November 2013 that was called Place Pins. This feature would be of a certain interest to local businesses in the food and hospitality industry.

Place Pins Feature For Desktop And Smartphones On Pinterest

Users of Pinterest, can pin new destinations that they already have on their boards or search new places on the map. The map search is powered by FourSquare.

If you have a good fan following for the amazing services you give to your local visitors in a restaurant, resort or hotel, pinners can view your NAP and service details and images of your business related products and services right on the map. Read this article that gives a step-by-step guide to Place Pins, to local businesses.

• Getting Local Citations

There is no change to this local SEO strategy in 2014, only that it gains in importance. In the post Hummingbird era, local citations from quality directories and other locally relevant sites are still very important to gain higher local SEO ranking on Google search. Check with Get Listed how well you are listed around the web in locally relevant sites. Use this tool to check if you are listed under the right business category with Google Places. We recommend using a Microsoft Excel worksheet  or similar to keep track of all your business listings. You can use this template to save and track your business’s local listing. Keep your listings duly updated with accurate NAP details. We have hand-picked a list of quality business listing sites for major countries. Check whether you are listed in them:

• Business Listing Sites US
• Business Listing Sites UK
• Business Listing Sites India
• Business Listing Sites Canada
• Business Listing Sites Netherlands
• Business Listing Sites Germany
• Business Listing Sites Australia
• Business Listing Sites France
• Business Listing Sites Spain

• Mobile SEO

Forty per cent of mobile searches have local intent. Local SEO is not influenced by mobile SEO (yet), but mobile SEO sure depends on local SEO. This is because not every small, mid-sized and large businesses have optimized for mobile yet. Their website’s rankings on desktop thus cannot be influenced based on their website’s mobile performance. But in the near future there exists a possibility that search engines rank sites with mobile-friendly websites too, on account of the rising numbers in smartphone and tablet users.

On the other hand, when you are on top of your local SEO, you have a higher advantage of ranking high on mobile SEO. In such cases, if a mobile user happens to visit your site, you will be required to give them an awesome mobile experience, otherwise it is just going to affect your local rankings on mobile. Take a look at some statistics that support my point on why mobile SEO is important for local SEO of small to medium businesses:

• Ninety percent of American adults own a mobile phone out of which 58 percent own smartphones. (Source: PewResearch)
• Sixty-three percent use the mobile to access websites. (Source: PewResearch)
• Google’s study on mobile search suggests that 40 percent of mobile searchers are for local services or resources. (Source: Google)
• Every three out of four mobile searches is a follow-up action that includes tasks such as research, store visit, social media sharing and a phone call. (Source: Econsultancy)

If your small business does not have a mobile-friend site yet, check out our three part series of blogs for that give you a list of responsive web design tools:

• 16 Tools For Responsive Web Design: Part 1, Grids and Wireframe
• Tools For Responsive Web Design: Part 2 Typography Images and Videos
• Tools For Responsive Web Design Part 3: Testing Tools

Search engines such as Google spare no time in updating their algorithms to improve the quality of local SERPs. This poses a real challenge, especially for the small and mid-sized local businesses, who cannot afford local SEO experts to keep their site up-to-date to these changing trends.

But, it is not all that difficult on your own either. Just know what you are doing and prioritize your local SEO strategies in 2014 accordingly. You will compete alongside bigger brands on local search, sooner enough.

---

 These were the priority-based local strategies of 2014. Let me know how many of these strategies you have adopted already this year?

- See more at: http://blog.woorank.com

See original post here:  http://blog.woorank.com/2014/03/local-seo-strategy-2014-small-medium-sized-businesses/

Top Things you can do for your Business TODAY!

No. 1: Identify your audience.

It may seem like a no-brainer, but many businesses fail to identify just who to talk to. Once you know “who” then you can go about “how” to reach them.

No. 2: Reaching out to local media

One of your audiences will invariably be the media. You can’t pitch all media outlets the same way. TV has different needs from print and radio and vice versa. But before you pitch ask yourself:

• Is your product or service the first, best or brand new?

• Is it award-winning or trendsetting?

• Does it solve a problem?

• Does it provide a unique service?

• Is it visual (TV and online mostly, but even print is getting into video)

If you don’t have anything that fits into the above categories, then you probably don’t have a news story. But you can still provide meaningful commentary by being an expert in your field.

No. 3: Social media

Let’s be honest there are a ton of different social media channels out there. My guidance is pick one or two that you think make sense for your business and master those first. You can spend hours venturing down the social media rabbit hole, but here are some general rules of thumb:

• The goal is to engage customers – be a part of the discussion in your industry and it will help you gain an audience or followers.

• Don’t be afraid to “friend” or “follow” reporters. Your ideas may spark stories for them.

• Ask for feedback from your followers. Again, engagement is the key you want them to “like” and “share” or “retweet” what you post.

My Mom is now on Facebook, so my general rule of thumb is, if I post it my Mom is going to see this.

No. 4: Free directory listings. Be sure to claim your business in online directories such as Google Places, Yelp and Yahoo.

There are also a ton of others, the Yellow Pages offers both free and paid listings. Claiming your business lets you know and respond when people have something nice or something bad to say. It will also allow you to dispute that comment.

No. 5: Your website. I’m assuming you already have one if you are reading this. But you need to make sure you are making the most of it. With the constant changes in search algorithms, you want to make sure your content is fresh. One of the best ways to do this is to have a blog. I see a lot of websites that were built a year or two ago and haven’t been touched since.

No. 6: Become and expert. Let’s face it, if you are running your own your company, you are an expert in whatever that is. The same things that make your company newsworthy are the things that make you an expert. Start a blog and talk about what you know, what you are learning along the way – challenges and successes. You can also repost articles from other people (make sure to give proper credit) or comment on them.

No. 7: Get involved in your community. Look for groups and associations that align with your priorities and beliefs. Volunteerism is a great way to network as well.

No. 8: Consistently brand your business. Chances are your company already has a logo and a name. It should be on everything – correctly formatted. Your name and logo are the image that says who you are and what you do. Make sure it reflects your business.

The above items are just a brief overview. Starting out doing all eight things may be a little overwhelming.

My advice – pick one or two and when you are comfortable move to the next one. Once you have these basics, then you are ready to advertise. Running a business means you already have a crazy schedule. Be methodical and strategic when it comes to promoting it. Don’t let it fall to the bottom of your “to-do” list.

The Power of Video for Small Business - Increase Local Traffic with Jenn Foster

The Power of Video for Small Business - Increase Local Traffic with Jenn Foster

 

http://www.VideoMarketingUtah.com The Power of Video for Small Business - Increase Local Traffic with Jenn Foster. For more information text your name and email to 801-901-3480
Video engages your customer and sets you apart from the competition. Our recent survey of U.S. consumers revealed some interesting stats:
96% of consumers find videos helpful when making purchase decisions online Nearly three quarters are more likely to purchase a product or service if they can watch a video explaining it beforehand.
Do you use video to connect with your customers? This infographic explores how online video impacts consumer purchase decisions and drives brand engagement for small businesses. Find out how your potential customers are consuming and reacting to video.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/20688417...

Increase Local Traffic with Video Marketing - Jenn Foster and Michelle Duplechan

Increase Local Traffic with Video Marketing - Jenn Foster and Michelle Duplechan

 

http://www.VideoMarketingUtah.com Increase Local Traffic with Video Marketing - Jenn Foster and Michelle Duplechan - Two Video Marketing Experts talk about Video and the importance of Video for your Business. Women Entrepeneurs and experts in Video Marketing. Increasing Local Traffic, Online and Offline for your Business with Video. Visit http://www.dmstodayreport.com for your Free Report! or call (909) 962-1530
Or visit
http://dmstoday.com
In Utah Call 801-901-3480
http://www.BizSocialBoom.com
http://www.JennFosterSEO.com/podcast

Tamara Patzer and Jenn Foster Increase Local traffic with Videos for your business

Tamara Patzer and Jenn Foster Increase Local traffic with Videos for your business 

http://www.JennFosterSeo.net
http://www.TamiPatzer.com
Tamara Patzer and Jenn Foster talk about Video in a Day!
Tamara Patzer and Jenn Foster Increase Local traffic with Videos for your business

How to Increase Local Traffic with Cold Calling - Marketing Tips

 

 

http://www.JennFosterSEO.net/podcasts - Increase Local Traffic with Cold Calling - Podcast Episode #3. Jenn Foster From Biz Social Boom, interviews Justine Gronwald from Manifest Ventures Marketing. Justine talks about cold calling and how it has worked for her.

 

 

Transcription:

 

 

0:00

this such children present increased what's happened with Jen

0:03

pastor her hot cast social media marketing

0:07

business owners and entrepreneurs learn social media

0:10

the DL and mobile marketing

0:13

little I'll get SEO strategy and simple marketing

0:17

today at Gen hoster yellow dot com hi

0:21

this is Jen Foster this social them we're here today to talk about call

0:25

calling

0:26

with Justin in Hawaii tell us a little bit about yourself

0:30

jesting sure and that means testing bro

0:36

and I'm meaner when he

0:39

weakening where your entire I

0:42

on america's ensures Taranaki with you you working

0:46

hurry company which in the streets

0:50

parents in customer you can generate no I mean

0:54

meeting at in a Google AdWords the how many

0:57

he didn't eat sector or her needs

1:00

years term BBC upload

1:04

not be enough somewhere worker and ideal but my company and we do the internet

1:08

marketing a whole

1:09

princess way all their might be eat them when I don't would be

1:14

call what kind you're getting you'd be

1:17

and you want to call them to you I mean honor

1:20

anyone on and yes you can create 0 across just seeing how the

1:25

ok calling I'm and what the tips are

1:29

are meeting not the best are on a happy thirty cool calm

1:34

her last summer maybe it's you

1:38

how are concern is exporters hudson et me kids

1:43

her superfund it when people come

1:46

its correcting me at the city

1:49

unions is it me rather than having babies you

1:53

uter in treatment group its or

1:56

terms yeah worst greater reliance

2:00

he her who were past use

2:04

week its induced and for me I just sit

2:08

Yahoo me flu I do i repair e64

2:12

who caught me also that is simple your

2:15

special that the duo rocker I'm

2:19

her I did not return on about

2:22

when your you're not here

2:25

it aren't you Colleen you you know school newsletter services I

2:31

and its intent for worry riders could not sue

2:36

designs downright have to be very sneaky

2:40

you notes it is the gallery Cohee

2:43

and down first parents not

2:47

remark will be repeatedly you are justly fairly good

2:51

her dual but when I

2:55

new number in return for I had its grand me

2:58

to be all set your unit near you see

3:02

are accepted at least me okie her

3:06

are you will Yaalon murdoch its

3:09

it's a decision maker and I you know the

3:12

back I like people have a hard time with me

3:16

the Easter your number certainty to use all.com

3:19

again for its services greedy and

3:23

cool and heater is it considered too risky

3:28

are when so how do you get

3:32

best to the car right now I

3:35

you know what you think create a reporter now on Henry

3:39

her be future protector your Bakugan New could be

3:43

army unit call ransacked time you miss are

3:46

orange it rain resistant to you what

3:49

her theory you you know what

3:53

when I'm currently having I just think about how we consider equal

3:56

and just read a recent enough to parse mister

4:00

in your turn your what you want and is

4:03

and you know I haven't screech said that when you comin I ask were

4:08

rated intervene cosmetic dentist

4:11

your not experienced so I me her have experienced this if your baby

4:17

year you increase but don't let her

4:20

angular Lake City really are and that's it you know crime DOCSIS 2.0

4:25

her return the ER and no

4:28

you can't do this no key units you need me number and ask your

4:34

why did the doctors you text me urals

4:37

beatdown worded filters YouTube account YouTube

4:40

in office manager would after sinking maneuvers

4:44

E with you reach you hmm are

4:47

you know a lot of times it's just the economy seats

4:51

which on the eager what you want doctor it is called me back in

4:55

good either 1430 you your

4:58

ritzy the are you back in million at the distance throughout

5:03

rehearses the murky birch Wed

5:07

but he doesn't want to be. some

5:10

the eating hummus its nasty girl on the treaty as it were

5:15

nothing is like riddance to retrieve Rico congress you

5:19

I'm because it Smith not any good

5:22

you know to get together it best went to bed

5:25

yes it is possible on you Ricky

5:29

1er Cru is you'll getting

5:33

prospects you it by the East

5:36

to call the office let you can use Google Adwords

5:39

you're really eats badly routine at newegg.com

5:43

clear revealed he eats right

5:47

I'm so what are you found

5:51

what kinda retention your way heineman not successfully having worked in 20

5:56

other day

5:57

at Obama not yet all very

6:00

this summer but here goes it could be cured Heaphy

6:03

parents her it you know sometimes

6:07

a matching nifty gidon doctors year

6:10

may never come here either in surgery we would

6:13

new seats in every its are it

6:17

it up to his turning and if you have time

6:20

the night senators E government

6:24

career and was contacting the newts ap

6:27

you see it for returned

6:30

it's it's cute could be read the time summer

6:34

an earthy misinterpreted and with your network

6:38

her to require heard

6:41

at this point instead to use it reading her daughter be

6:45

I year I'm not what we talked about

6:50

and the first thing with you was to tell a reporter with the key

6:54

you know the ER I'm talking to them trying to get you

6:57

your up to you and the beginning with top type:

7:00

still I know and tweak in a way that

7:03

into in Indy execute the person you talk %um

7:07

I nor any are the all and come up with that

7:10

through the RC right for you yeah

7:14

and I'll morning at about all calling are we and our session here

7:18

Palmer high 50's your routine

7:23

and downgraded for the next summer year

7:27

use some girls here you will see it might create separate wouldn't is

7:31

error ceremony on persistence staring at her

7:35

it burns you well firm right nerds and bring

7:39

series YouTube get

7:42

you your cock me with hercules he

7:47

wine tasting at the wall communist its key interest rates

7:51

sleep eater your

7:55

primaries are me smile aku currency

7:59

yeah which it marquee think you're

8:02

hurts Manti I

8:06

chopper my think it's also shifting are being on clean light

8:10

and I'm anyone want more information you can contact st.

8:14

and actor me at Sanchez marking

8:18

already contact me Jen pasta with eat them

8:22

and we'll talk today good %um

8:26

by me

Top 5 tips to help you Inspire and Engage on Instagram - Increase Local Traffic

Top 5 tips to help you Inspire and Engage on Instagram - Increase Local Traffic 

http://www.JennFosterSeo.net
Jenn Foster, owner of Biz Social Boom will talk about Top 5 tips to help you Inspire and Engage on Instagram - Increase Local Traffic for your Business.


http://instagram-business.tumblr.com/tagged/instagram-for-business