03 Nov
Improving your placement on the Local Map Based Listings of Google, Yahoo & Bing
Posted in Internet Marketing, Local Search Engine Marketing, Map Listings, Miami Internet Marketing, Online Marketing Checklist for Local Business, Online Marketing for Local Business, SEO on 03.11.10 by Josh Nelson
Now that you have claimed your Local Business Listing on Google, Yahoo & Bing (click here if you haven’t) you need to take additional steps to improve your placement on the maps in your area.
- Establish a Consistent NAP – You need to establish a consistent NAP (Name Address & Phone Number) across the web on your website as well as on the major Data Providers (InfoUSA, Super Pages, Yelp, City Search, etc).
- Consistent Name – Pick the format for your name & stick with it. E.G. Tiger Team Roofing not Tiger Team & Sons Roofing.
- Consistent Address – If your address is 1267 SW 29 St, Suite 10 you want to be sure that it reads that exact way on and not 1267 SW 29 St #10.
- Consistent Phone Number – You want to you the same number on each of these sites (if you don’t, it will hurt you).
- Some of the Data Provider listings that you want to be sure that you are in include:
- InfoUsa
- Yelp
- City Search
- Super Pages
- Insider Pages
- Get Reviews – Reviews are a key determinant of placement within the Map Listings.
- The number of reviews of your local listing is a key determinant in placement.
- As a practice, you need to request reviews from your customers in order to get them. A strategy that we use takes a three pronged approach:
- Send an initial email to your client database asking them to write a review of your company on Google and provide them with the URL to your Google Places page.
- Keep an open ear for Happy Customers and ask them if they would be willing to write a review. If so, get their email at that moment and let them know that you will be sending them an email with the link to write the review.
- Have a “Review Us” card printed and give it to your customers after service.
- Build out your Places Page – You have the option to upload photos, videos & coupons.
- Fill your Places page with Quality Content. Add all 10 photos with pictures of the office, pictures of the staff, your logo, pictures of your coupons / special offers, pictures of your trucks & equipment, etc.
- Upload a video or two. These videos don’t necessarily need to be High Definition or Professionally Produced. Break out your digital video camera or even your iPhone and take a few choice shots. Record yourself (the owner or manager) explaining who the company is, what you do, and what your unique selling proposition is.
- Select the Right Categories – You have the option to choose upto 5 categories. It is very important to select the appropriate categories and/or add new custom categories as needed.
- Increase your Citations – All things being equal, Citations are a key determinant of placement. Just like in SEO where in-bound links determine placement with Local Listings citations determine placement. He who has the most quality citations wins.
- Citations or listings across the web that contain your NAP (Name Address & Phone Number) with or without a link.
- In order to build up your citations:
- Add yourself to the local directory sites where you are not currently listed.
- InfoUsa
- Yelp
- City Search
- Super Pages
- Insider Pages
- Search for “your industry, Directory”
- Search “Your City, Direcotry”
- Look at the listings of the people who have Spot A, B & C on the Map for your services and look that their citations. In many cases you can go out and get those same citations!
- Add yourself to the local directory sites where you are not currently listed.
As an internet marketing consultant I help South Florida Businesses evaluate their marketing strategy as a whole and implement online marketing initiatives that drive increased sales activity and revenue.
You can reach me directly at 786-325-6761 or via email josh@joshnelsonimc.com.
2 comments on this topic
11. April - 9:16 pm
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