Local SEO is Key in Geomarketing

We’ve been discussing how geomarketing and local SEO are critical to a company’s online success. Let’s review the key components of local SEO so you can strengthen your geomarketing efforts.

Local SEO is a way to optimize your online presence in a specific location (or multiple areas). There are a few critical components in local SEO:

Business Location

Your business loses credibility when location information isn’t obvious online. Everyone is cautious of fake sites these days; location information legitimizes your business. Search engines also try to provide end users more relevant information, therefore not having your business address or location weakens your online presence in search results. Search engines will look at who you are and where you are to provide accurate local search results to users. So be sure you list your address and the locations you serve within your web content.

Google My Business

One of the most important tools for local SEO is Google My Business. Those who have not yet claimed your business on Google, you really need to take immediate action and do so. Same is true for Yahoo or Bing if you care for them as well. Claiming your business is easy, just go to https://www.google.com/business/ and follow instructions on the screen.

For Geomarketing purposes, it’s important to make sure your business address is claimed and confirmed via a postcard with Google. Google does not like fake claims to business, therefore they use good old-fashioned means to verify your address by sending you a postcard with a code.

Other benefits include the ability to get customer reviews and get a pin on Google maps.

Citations

Aside from search engines, be sure to check any relevant business listings on Yelp and Facebook. You really need to be on top of these popular sites because you want to make sure your information is consistent and accurate across platforms (checking your hours and contact info too). If you don’t claim your business, you leave it open for someone else to hijack your business online.

Remember, search engines are trying to provide relevant information to end users. If you are not in control of your information online, you will lose the chance to earn that local publicity and the leads it could bring in.