Do Most Businesses Even Know About Local Search Yet?

How many times can one person come across a relatively successful small business and find, once again, that they have not even claimed their local business listing in the Google Local Business Center? Enough for me to lose count, that’s how many. If you are a search marketer and you deal with any business of any size, you know that one of first things you should do is gain control of this valuable online asset. If you are an SMB*, you may be hearing this for the first time and you need to pay attention.

• Did you know that if a searcher just types in ‘plumber’ for a search and does not use a geographical qualifier, that a local result set (a “10 pack,” which is up to 10 listings with a map) will be delivered, based on the location of the searcher using their IP address? The 10 pack is placed at the top of the SERP (search engine result page) if the qualifier is used. It comes up placed generally high mid-page (around the 3rd or 4th result) when no qualifier is used. This is a recent development in local search that SMBs* need to know.

• Did you know that the Google Local Business Center now gives you more data than ever before about impressions and actions taken on your local business listing?

• Did you know that if you don’t claim your local business listing then virtually anyone can? That could mean a competitor or who knows what else. Claim your listing right now if you are an SMB*, and if you are a search marketer, do this as a value-added to impress your existing customers.

• Did you know that you can “optimize” your local business listing with photos and information which can help you show up in the 10 pack ahead of your competitors?

• Did you know that people are talking about you? There may be reviews of your company, product, or service that are impacting your sales efforts either positively or negatively. If they are there, you need to be aware. Imagine you get stymied on a deal after someone happened upon a review at the last minute and it sabotaged your efforts.

* businesses larger than the “small office-home office”

This article is from Frank Reed at the Frank Thinking About Internet Marketing Blog.

Note: Seriously I couldn’t have said it better myself- Local business are missing the boat – and big profits – by ignoring local search! Look at it this way, right now YOU are online looking for information about something you need, and this is exactly what your customers are doing too! (even if they live NEXT DOOR)