Local Search Tips

Local listings can be your best or worst dream. Consumer usage is way up for local search, and you want a positive face forward at all times. With that in mind, here are some of the highlights you should aim for when working on local listings – the options are many, and choosing the right ones can make all the difference.

Google maps listings are incredible good to have – but only if they are accurate. Make sure you have a process in place to take care of updating in case you have any additions or changes to your business information. A Google Local Business center verified listing is best. 

Yahoo Local is designed to provide users with quick access to relevant physical business information. They don’t prefer keywords in the name of the business unless the word is associated with the actual proper name of the business, but relevant keywords should be optimized in your local business description.　

Google search results are based primarily on relevance, so Google Maps listings are ranked based on their relevance to the search terms entered, along with geographic distance and other factors. Local listings normally only appear during geo-designated searches (e.g., veterinarian, Seattle). Google does track the IP address on computers, so if you enter in a general search (e.g., veterinarians), Google may bring up results for your location, or wherever your IP address is located (this feature can be disabled by users).

Notice listing abuse? It can be reported here:

click here and if that doesn’t do the trick report it to Google at click here

See your listing as active, but can’t find it in Maps? Give it a couple of days to update, check to see if you followed guidelines at
http://maps.google.com/support/bin/request.py?contact_type=maps_spam.

Is a bad review or listing bringing you down? If you’re concerned about a review that was submitted through Google Maps, you can “Flag as inappropriate” link found under the review, and submit a report -If the review is in violation of Google Maps policies. If not, push it down with optimized content of your own.

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