Using Local Listings To Improve Search Engine Rankings

By Simon Volkov

Local listings refer to online directories that offer pertinent information about businesses. Companies receiving top listings have the potential to obtain new customers and improve search engine rankings.

Uploading information to local listings directories is a tedious task as there are numerous online directories. Most require hand-submission of business name, address, local number, toll-free number, fax number, email and website address. This can easily consume 80+ man-hours.

Many businesses submit to the major search providers such as Google, Bing and Yahoo, but neglect to submit to the hundreds of lesser known search engines. Taking time to establish multiple local listings provides multiple benefits. One of the most prevalent is each listing provides an inbound link.

Websites are ranked on many factors including the number of quality websites that link back to them. Quality links improve page rank which, in turn, helps improve search engine ranking. Higher rankings allow businesses to be easily found and can help increase sales.

In addition to publishing local listings via directories, businesses should also publish to online phone directories, local social listings, and data providers and aggregators. Companies should include local listings within their online marketing plan. Publishing will be an ongoing task because new listing websites open nearly every day.

It is wise to follow-up on published listings on a regular basis. Listings should be checked for accuracy immediately upon publication. Directory service provider employees typically transcribe provided information into their database. Computer glitches and human error can occur, so follow up to ensure listings are correct. Promptly contact the listing company to resolve issues if erroneous information appears.

Publishing via local social listings has advantages and disadvantages. These interactive directories encourage visitors to write product and company reviews. While good reviews can be good for business, bad reviews tend to spread like wildfire.

It is strongly recommended to implement tracking methods that provide instant notification when unsolicited reviews are published. If reviews are demagogic it might be necessary to request removal through the directory provider.

It is also advantageous to receive notification of positive reviews. This venue provides abundant opportunities to build customer relations. Personal testimonials can be shared on company websites and blogs or through social media marketing outlets. Additionally, testimonials provided via social listings helps build consumer trust due to their unbiased nature.

When consumers visit social listing sites such as Yelp and InsiderPages they are usually looking for a local business as well as customer reviews. Taking time to publish at social directories is a smart marketing technique that can improve sales and search engine rankings.

Local listings, link building, and customer reviews are highly beneficial in the online world, but are only one element of Internet marketing. It can be helpful to build a network of service providers in order to capitalize on the variety of marketing strategies. These might include website developers and designers, freelance writers, online marketing company, and marketing consultants.

No one is capable of managing all facets of Internet marketing alone. Working with an online marketing agency can relieve burdens and yield impressive ad campaigns.

Building brand awareness online involves incorporating multiple strategies which can include podcasting, online videos, social media, mobile marketing, national and local listings. Marketing agencies can provide required services at a fraction of the cost to purchase software and equipment or hire employees.

About the Author: Learn how to unleash the power of local listings and launch your business to the next level. Online Marketing DNA offers exclusive Internet marketing packages and business coaching to help business owners achieve success. Discover the possibilities at OnlineMarketingDNA.com.

Source: isnare.com

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