Getting More with Local Search

In SEO it is just as important to know how something is working for you as actually implementing the technique.  When you create a pay per click ad with search engine optimisation keywords, links, and images in place you want to know what your click through rate is and then the conversion rate for those click through rates.  Google and the other search engines have reports that you can look at for a number of SEO strategies.  If you want to know your site strength compared to the competition for example, you can get that information.  With Local Search you have those same options.

There are reports in the Google programme that will tell you exactly how many individuals saw your site through local search and what actions they took.  For example did they click on more info?  Did they ask for driving directions and from where?  Did they go to your website from the listing?  All of this information is shared in the reports. 

The data is highly useful when it comes to your local search listing and understanding if the SEO is working to drive more local users to your business.  There are other things that you can do to help convert consumers into buyers when they use local search.

In Google Local Business Centre where you set up your local listing you can create and display coupons.  Coupons do not help rankings, but it certainly gives you more traffic, which will then boost your rankings.  As you know, traffic such as a boost in click through rates will play an indirect role on your rank.  So coupons are a great way to get more consumers to your site and better ranks.

There is definitely a future for local and non local searches.  Many individuals are still learning about what is out there for them to use.  While they may think going to the paper phone book is the best way to find information they are learning that it really is not.  Most of us who try to use the regular phone book nowadays can’t seem to find the listings we want.  Many businesses are saving money because they can advertise their business in local search online, and not have to pay for the phone book entry. 

Thus the internet is going to be powered more and more by local search, and it is essential you get in on the ground floor.