SEO is Now Essential to All Businesses (Big a

Think about the last time you performed a Google search for a business. Remember seeing that map on

SEO is Now Essential to All Businesses (Big and Small)

Think about the last time you performed a Google search for a business. Remember seeing that map on the right side of the screen?  Google now shows local listings as part of the organic search results. That is local not exclusively chain or independent. This means big or small your business is being showcased to anyone in your area and using Google to search for your product or service.

Any Size business Can Take Advantage of Google’s Local Business

Let’s start by making it clear that local does not equal small. Even national chains rely on the consumers in their geographic area for revenue just like the corner hardware store. One deeply concerning issue is most businesses haven’t tapped into this local marketing tool. While the industry is about 3 years ahead of businesses, the businesses that are dependent upon the local geography for their revenue are unaware that they can actively manage these listings instead of watching them passively.

Furthermore, Google’s latest updates are telling signs that this is related to both Business-To-Business (B2B) as well as Business-To-Consumer (B2C). If you think that B2B won't have its customer posting reviews then you are in for a surprise. Therefor it makes sense that a B2B business that is interested revenue from the local market should equally be tapping into local business listings like a B2C business.

Customers Are Making Spending Decisions Based On Search Results
The local business listings results are also interesting in that they show quite a bit of information to a local customer. The basic information like business name, address, phone number, telephone number, website link and location on the map is pretty standard. Equally as important is the number of customer reviews and the average star rating is prominent to the person searching. This means that local customers can quickly see if they even want to click on your local business listing or give you a call.

Optimization is Now A Must-Have

Businesses now have to optimize their website and their local business listing. Since the local business listing is effectively the interactive yellow pages of the 21st century, businesses need to stop passively watching and begin actively engaging with their local business listing.

First claim your local business listing, followed by your initial update, and then you have to consider monitoring and managing the local business listing just like your website. In order for you to show up in the search results you have to be sure the local business listing has all the right information about your business, products and services. That is then followed by adding photos, videos, coupons, offers, discounts, events and other information that will help the local customer decide to do business with you.

Next, managing your local business listing includes managing customer reviews and engaging with them not only to secure positive reviews from satisfied customers, but to insure positive public relations with any customers that are less than satisfied.

Finally, tweak your listing after watching the local business listing analytics.

Outsource Your Business Local Business Listing

Certainly your time resources are limited and Local Business Listing Optimization Services are provided by SmartFinds Internet Marketing. This is a cost-effective service that can eliminate your need for yellow pages advertising and its costs. Experts with over 16 years of Internet marketing experience help you use this local business marketing tool properly and prevent brand security issues before they are an issue.