How to Localize Search: The Key to Generating Leads off the Internet [+] Expansion Plus, Inc

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How to Localize Search: The Key to Generating Leads off the Internet

06/22/2007

It is vital for a local business to take basic steps so that they are visible in the search engines. Acquiring search engine visibility is crucial because so many people will use the Internet as their first resource to find a local business.

You need to take actions so that the searcher (your prospect) finds you. E.g. if the searcher was looking for a chiropractor they might do a search on the key word "chiropractor". Then they realize that is not very useful as they got every chiropractor in the country. So next they add geography. e.g. "chiropractor los angeles". They even might search for "Chiropractor Valley Village" (a suburb of LA) as people are not likely to drive more than 5 miles for a service or product. That is local search in a nutshell.

In order to achieve optimum search engine visibility, these are the actions to take:

1. Optimize your site--make it search engine friendly. You first must get the search engines to find you or the people looking will find your competitor. This involves certain programming actions and ensuring that your text has the key words that people are looking for.

2. Make sure that EVERY PAGE of your website has your business name, address and phone number. If you service more than your local area, you could also add something like "serving Los Angles, Riverside and Orange counties".

3. Sign up on the top search engines (Google, Yahoo & MSN) as a local business. For Google use Maps. This link will give you the full scoop on how to do it. THESE ARE FREE LISTINGS.

4. Register with other search engines that specialize in local listings: AOL City Guide, Yellowpages.com, Superpages.com, Citysearch.com, etc. THESE ARE FREE LISTINGS

5. Register with specialized online directories. E.g. for a Chiropractor register with
http://www.chirodirectory.com. Some of these directories are free and some you pay for. You can start with the free ones and work up to the paid ones. Your local paper might have listings for their online version. Check out your local Chamber of Commerce.

6. Add content in an RSS (really simple syndication) feed. This is a very effective tool for only $89 per month. Just add your newsletter or get articles written about what you do including key words. To enroll go to www.press-feed.com.

7. Local Internet advertising is also an option. It is called Pay-Per-Click - you only pay if your prospect clicks on the link to your website. The best ones are on Google and Yahoo.

8. Watch your web traffic increase and the phone ring off the hook!

People doing a local search are quite likely ready to buy. Don't miss out on all this Internet business--optimize for local search and acquire search engine visibility!