For those that are not really aware of what Local Search is here is a quick look:

• Local Search is any search made with the goal of finding something within a geographic location.  This is known as searching with local intent.
• Local Search is searching for something (what) in some place (where).
• Local Expert, Greg Sterling, defines Local Search as seeking information online with the intention of making a transaction off line.
• Essentially, anything that you would traditionally look for in the print Yellow Pages becomes a Local Search which it is conducted offline.

Local Search in Google shows up in the map when you search for something in an area.

Other search engines have a similar results and need to be submitted individually.  If you are on Google Local Search you will still need to make sure you are on Bing and Yahoo.

The client in the example above, Swim Otters, had claimed her listing on Google Local but was still not showing up in the results for Swim Lessons Westminster, CO.  We worked on her listing to help her come up for various swimming searches in her area and removed duplicate entries for data integrity.  Simply claiming your listing does not mean you will show in the results.  Working with a search professional can make a difference.

Learn about Local Search in an upcoming class I am presenting at Colorado Free University on April 10th, 2009 from 9am – noon.    Cost is $57 for non-members of CFU and $45 for members with a $10 materials fee.

Click on the following link to sign up:  Local Search Class

The report “Local Search Ranking Factors” points many factors that can help your cause in the Local Search area.  The report also highlights negative factors that can affect your listing.

The top three factors

1. General Importance of claiming local business listing – all agreed that claiming a business listing is very important to your online Local Search success.  Everyone had a comment and the consensus was that your must start here!  Claim your listing in Google/
2. Local Business Listing Address in City of Search – another high importance factor.  Google maps are becoming accurate in listing local businesses and as such if you are in a suburb of a large city then you are probably not going to be listed in that major city but rather the suburb.
3. Associating Local Business Listing with Proper Categories – another important factor and many say one of the most effective and a well kept secret.

Negative things included:

1. 800 numbers
2. Multiple locations with one phone number
3. Negative Customer ratings.

Read the whole report at Local Search Ranking Factors