The virtual explosion in the popularity of smart phones has significantly changed the way many people use the internet. The accessibility of cloud technology has allowed people to utilize their cell phones in much the same way the use their desk top computers. With so many users performing mobile searches, local SEO has become more important than ever. Unlike organic SEO, which utilizes links to promote a given site; mobile SEO is more focused on citations. Which local directories have your company cited? If the answer is none, you may be missing out on new business.
Google is reporting that about 20 percent of all searches on desktop computers are for local businesses. That number jumps to 40 percent when looking at mobile searches. This means that nearly half of all smart phone queries are searching for products or services listed in local directories. The first step towards creating an online local presence for your business is claiming your listing on Google Places. Optimize your listing; select the category that best fits your company and you’re on your way. Your next step should be to establish a list of other relevant local directories. The number of general directories is seemingly endless, but it’s important to have a presence on the main ones. Yelp, Superpages and City Search are a few of the bigger ones; restaurants should make sure they’re listed on sites like Open Table and Urban Spoon.
Lastly, the key to staying on top of your local industry is consistency. It’s vital that you make sure your business is listed identically from one directory to the other. If your address is 123 SW 4th Place and you abbreviate ‘Place’ to ‘Pl.’ on one listing, make sure you do that for all of them. It’s also a good idea to do a little research and find out where your competitors are listed; that way you can make sure your company is in those directories, too.
Attracting new clientele in your community is easy, once you know how! Working with a great internet marketing company will allow your venture to grow and keep you one step ahead of your competitors. Don’t tear your hair out trying to run a business and monitor your position online at the same time! Call Exults today!