While most search engine optimization companies think on a global spectrum, it’s also just as important to use a more targeted approach. In other words, instead of just keying on major search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo!, etc), local search engines should also be included in the mix. In order to help you understand local search engine optimization, here is a quick local SEO tutorial.

What Is Local SEO

Local search engine optimization is solely meant to increase your online presence within a specific niche geographic market (or target audience in a particular location). For the most part, a user looking for a local business will also input their locale in the search query. Instead of searching just for “web design company” they will search for “web design company in Connecticut” or “web design company in Wallingford Connecticut”. In order to optimize your site for local search queries (or search engines), it is important to add geo-centered keywords into your site.

Specific Local SEO Techniques

Similar to global search engine optimization, local SEO also has its own specific techniques. To help you better understand these, here is a quick list of the basic strategies:

  • Physical Address — Include your physical address (and zipcode) within your website content. Even though this sounds a bit basic, you would not believe the number of companies that leave this information out.
  • Map Programs — There are countless map programs on the internet (i.e. Google Maps), and most of them have free registration services. This helps your site get recognized for those geo-centered search queries.
  • Niche Keywords — As mentioned above, utilize geo-centered keywords within your site. This can include city name, state, county, etc. However, make sure that you include these not only in the META Keyword list, but also within the content of the site (and perhaps the title of the page)
  • Local Search Directories — Similar to the larger search engines, local search directories/engines allow users to specify their geographic location in which they are looking for a company. Most of these sites have free registration opportunities so take advantage of them (we have list of major local SEO sites and Connecticut local SEO sites as well).

Now that you have a general understanding of local search engine optimization, be sure that you write your content not for the search engines but for your target audience. Provide the highest level of quality content possible and if you are looking for more localized traffic, remember to include geo-centered keywords to help.

*IMPACT is one of the leading SEO companies in Connecticut and can help you with both global search engine optimization and local SEO. If you need help or have questions please don’t hesitate to contact us today