The last post touched a little bit on local search, or ensuring that your location is part of your keywords and overall search engine optimization and search engine marketing strategy. However, there is much more to the local search market than that – it is one of the fastest growing areas of consumer search. People are starting to use search engines to discover not only what to buy (product reviews, information about various services, etc.), but where to buy it. Furthermore, consumers are getting much more specific about how they use search engines – they are using more targeted four or five word search strings instead of generalized one or two word queries. For example, Chicago SEO company as opposed to simply SEO company.

To discover how well your site is optimized for key local terms (and more), try our free SERP tracking tool.

Therefore, if your business is tied to a geographic location(s), be sure to associate your keywords, tags, and descriptions with that region. Furthermore, be sure you are listed in any online directory related to your business; for example, if you are a “green” construction company, look for your area’s directories or lists of eco-friendly contractors, or if you own a restaurant or bar, make sure you are listed on your city’s entertainment websites.

Furthermore, it has been proven that online behavior influences offline behavior in regard to consumer habits – if they come across your business online repeatedly, they are more likely to buy from you, or engage your services. Naturally, the more precise their search terms, the more likely they are to eventually patronize your business - after all, your business is exactly what they were searching for!

Last but not least, don’t forget to create your free listing on Google Maps using their Local Business Center – it is fast, it is free, and of course the listings rank very highly in Google’s results.