Promoting Locally with Local Search Engines and Directories
In Part 1 (Basic Website Submissions) of this article we discussed the traditional methods of submitting your website to search engines and online directories to increase search engine positioning and drive traffic to your website. In Part 2 (Niche Directory Submissions) we talked about some of the non-traditional methods that can be used to give your company a competitive advantage. In the third and final segment we discuss what search engines and directories you should submit to for local businesses.
Even if your business is local, there’s no getting away from the fact that most people are looking online to find businesses right in their backyard. You’ve got to have a web presence and be concerned with your online reputation and findability on the Internet. Submitting your website and creating local business profiles will help drive people through the door as well as increase website traffic.
Where should I submit my website?
Local Search Engines
Is your business locally based? Can you benefit from promoting your services to the local community? If so, then you should get listed in the local business directories and your company will appear in local search listings and vicinity maps. About 90% of local searches are done through Google and Yahoo Local Search but there are a handful of other local search sites that can also drive traffic to your site for free like Local.com, TrueLocal.com, and Manta.com.
Internet Yellow Pages
Most local traffic is driven by search, but you can also get high quality leads from Internet Yellow Pages. Often times consumers are looking exactly for the product or service you are offering, allowing you to get pre-qualified leads in your area. Top Internet Yellow Page sites are Superpages.com, Yellowpages.com, Yellowbook.com and MagicYellow.com. Paid exclusive placements are likely to give you the best results with these sites.
Local Social Networking Sites
These sites allow visitors to leave comments and reviews about their experiences with your business. It’s important that you manage your businesses reputation and make sure to have some of your best customers leave positive reviews on these sites. Some of the more popular sites like Yelp.com, CitySquares.com and InsiderPages.com are good at driving qualified traffic to your website. The number of these local review sites continues to grow.
Wrapping Up Part 3
Getting your local business a foothold online is becoming essential these days. Local businesses have been some of the last companies to migrate to the Internet and are realizing the value it can provide. With the website submissions above, you can get your company on the right track for online success.
Associated Articles
Part 1 – Drive Traffic with Website Submissions: The Basics
Part 2 – Drive Traffic with Website Submissions: Niche Directories