There are two basic ways to take advantage of local search. You can either update your free local listing, or you can use a paid listing that is geographically targeted.On the free side, first check out what your listing says by visiting the three main local search engines (Google Maps, MSN and Yahoo!). The Google link will take you right to Google Maps. For MSN, you will need to select the “Maps” link above the search bar. For Yahoo!, you will need to select the “Local” link above the search bar.In each instance, do a search for your business by name and location. If the information is incorrect, just follow the appropriate links below to update the information. In many instances you can even add a photo(s)/logo or other information about your business such as hours, business categories and addresses for multiple locations.
Here are the links for updating your business listings: Yahoo! Local MSN Maps (Taken from InfoUSA.com)
Adding a Business
Updating a Business
Google Maps In most cases, you will need to create an account if you don’t already have one. A great resource for adding your business to Google Maps can be found on Suresh’s earlier post on the subject.
After you make sure that your business name is included, ask friends and customers to post reviews.On the paid side, you will need to setup an account with Google Adwords, Yahoo! Marketing Solutions and Microsoft adCenter. After you set up the accounts, you will need to indicate that you only want to show the ads in a specified local area. There are limitations to how specific you can be, but they are all very powerful tools. I discuss some of these limitations in an earlier post. You will need to read up on the specific steps to be taken when you set up your account. Each of the services mentioned have very clear directions and you can call customer representatives to assist you.Some of these tactics require time, but it is so worth it.
If you have questions or comments, please post a response to this blog. Thanks.
This post is a guide to help the attendees of the TechFast event held on Friday, September 7th. If anyone who attended the event has a question, please post it here. We will also be writing a subsequent post on reviews of local businesses submitted to search engines, so check back, or subscribe to our RSS Feed.