How to Rank Higher in Google Local Listings
Lately, whenever you do a search for a local business in Google, they are very quick to show their top ten “Local business results” box (as shown below).
But how can you rank better within those listings?
A month or two ago, I wrote a whitepaper that you can download here.
But several friends, colleagues, clients, and students were a bit overwhelmed by the eight page detailed description of the various tricks and tips that are expected to affect the rankings within that Google Local Listings ten-box.
Also, I recently enjoyed reviewing a SEO checklist that Clark Mackey from Better Findability over in Asheville made. It got me thinking about checklists and how well they can work if you keep them simple.
So here you go. Feel free to download this simple, easy-to-follow checklist on how to improve your rankings in Google Local Listings. Unlike the full whitepaper, no registration is required. Just click that link.
It should also work equally as well for Yahoo Local as it does for Google Maps (which is what the above box pulls from).
Let me know if you like it. And if you do, be sure to also download the Local Search Engine Marketing How To Guide on our training site.
Popularity: 76% [?]
September 10th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
what? No renting a post office box as close as possible to the center of the city according to google maps? Hmmmm
September 10th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Heh heh. That did work for a while. From what I hear PO Boxes were never the best way to go even when that did work. Get an actual address. Think “partnerships” with local businesses.
Of course, for any legitimate business, you should list your actual business address.
Bad Keith, bad Keith - No black hat stuff. :-))
September 10th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Still works for a few
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS221US221&q=charlotte+nc+web+design&btnG=Search
Most give you an actual address rather than a PO these days. Then again, some are just plain stupid at the same time:
http://www.imnotadoctor.com/2008/05/06/earthlink-spamming-google-local-too/
September 10th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Some business need a post office box for real reasons… especially if you work from home and have small children. You do not want your home address being promoted to the world we live in today.
Reference: I got a fax from a client’s competitor stating that I ruin the clients ranking or he would break my legs…. so a PO box is not really black hat. To be clear about Black hat ~ it is in the intent… now if you go and buy 25 addresses - yes that is black hat and does not work [you have to buy phone numbers not addresses!!]
Bad Bad ME!!
September 11th, 2008 at 1:34 am
Thanks for the list Corey. I’m ashamed to admit but I had no clue about hCard Microformatting until I read your checklist. For others unfamiliar check out how to create your hCard with an automatic generator at: http://microformats.org/code/hcard/creator
September 11th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Oh yes, of course there are legitimate reasons for getting a PO box. That’s why they exist. But for a dentist, bed & breakfast, or restaurant to get a PO Box just to improve their local listings in Google or Yahoo seems a little unwise - for the long haul.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Thanks for the link, Lisa. Regarding hCard Microformatting, it does not seem to be making a big difference yet. Of course, it’s pretty easy to do. So why not?
It just may help someday. For a web developer, it’s a good idea to know and start using.
September 11th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Awesome work on the whitepapers and tips. I thought I knew them all… Good to hear other/more strategies to top the natural listings.
September 11th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Take the money you save on renting a P.O. box, and spend it on upgrading your Yahoo local advertisement..:)
How funny I would feel if I went to a client and said “Hey, lets set you up with a P.O. box to help your rankings.” I always say if your gut hints that you are doing things border black hat, don’t do it! Work on getting your client some good reviews, and tips from this whitepaper…
September 12th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Hey, thanks for the white paper, just what I needed! Keep em coming!
November 17th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
[...] Since the economic downturn I have been trying to help my dad with his small HVAC business in Toledo OH. I created a website and followed your guide for optimizing for Google local. [...]
December 9th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Glad you liked it.
December 23rd, 2008 at 5:14 pm
[...] with Internet Marketing. Some of the ones I’m proudest of include posts on how to improve rankings in Google Local Listings, the top 100 Twitterers in Charlotte, and What to Chase in [...]
December 31st, 2008 at 6:39 pm
[...] How to Rank Higher in Google Local Listings [...]