Everybody has heard of it, Google Places. But just how valuable is it and what are the factors that search engines utilize to determine local ranking? This article is going to discuss local search optimization as well as how you can make use of it to help better your business.

So, you might ask... Just how useful are the local map results for my company? Well there is no simple answer to that question. Each company ought to have a custom built local seo strategy. For instance, in case you own a local Thai restaurant and want to increase your daily foot traffic, local listings will greatly help your efforts. However, you own a specialty shoe store that does 100% of your business on the internet, local listings are just not for you. Google and other search engines developed their local results pages to help users in finding small business owners with brick and mortar shops, retail stores or restaurants, and get quick info about them - such as hours, short reviews and even menu items and sale dates.

So, we've whittled some of you out of the mix now. What's next? How do I much better my local search marketing and get premium ranking with these listings?

Step one starts with creating a listing. You could create one by logging into your Google account in the event that you have one, and choosing the local business center icon under your settings. If you don't have one there, just type into a Google search: "Google Places" and follow the user friendly, step by step listing creation wizard. When preparing your listing, it is very important to make sure all the information you provide is correct, including telephone number and address as before you finish, you will be required to verify by telephone or even snail mail that in fact the listing is yours.

Lets go over the top ten ranking factors for local listings.

1: Claim Your Local Listing - You need to have a listing first.

2: Address Situated in City Of Search - The closer you are to the IP, the much better.

3: Use Proper Business Category - This is a must, create new categories if you should, just don't try and keyword stuff.

4: Keyword in Business Title - Make use of your correct full name, but add a keyword in the event that it fits right. IE: Garden Palace Chinese Restaurant

5: How Close Your Street address Is to City Center - Don't utilize a fake address, but if you are corporate, a UPS box (no PO box, just physical address) near the middle of town couldn't hurt

6: Keywords Within the Description - Keep it short and sweet.. Remember, you are trying to appeal to the user/searcher.

7: Utilizing Location In Title/Description - That is: Garden Palace of Nashville Chinese Restaurant

8: Utilizing Multimedia in Listing (Video/Images) - Not as important, but try and at least upload a logo.

9: Utilize Custom Fields - Undetermined how much this helps, nevertheless they are provided, so use them... However don't OVERUSE them and stuff em' full of keywords.

10: Utilize Local Area Code - Local numbers perform far better, may not help with ranking, but it does with consumer trust.

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