Though the changes in SERPs now seem to be quite
considerable, the basic principles of local SEO are expected to remain
the same. So here are some general recommendations for your local
business to get better Google exposure.
1. Individual Google+ Local page for your business
Creating a Google+ Local page for your local business is the
first step to being included in Google's local index. Your second step
is to verify your ownership of the listing. This typically involves
receiving a postcard/letter from Google containing a pin number which
you must enter in order to complete verification.
2. Proper category for your Google+ Local page
If you wish to appear in the local results for a search like
"dentists in denver", your business must be categorized as a dentist. If
it is categorized as a certified public accountant, you have no hope of
appearing for your important search terms.
3. Local area code on Google+ Local page
Using local area code phone number as a primary phone number
on Google+ Local page is considered a best practice. The area code of
the phone number should match the area code/codes traditionally
associated with your city of location.
4. NAP on your website matching NAP on your Google+ Local page
Google will be looking at the website you've linked to from
your Google Places/Google+ Local page and cross reference the name,
address and phone number of your business. If all elements match, you're
good to go.
5. NAP consistency in all your business listings
Make sure your business name, address and phone number are
also consistent in all local directories where your business is listed.
Different addresses listed for your business on Yelp and TripAdvisor,
for instance, may put your rankings to nowhere.
6. Large number of positive customer reviews on Google+ Local page and on third-party sources
The number of positive reviews has a proven influence on
local search rankings. So make sure to encourage happy customers to
leave positive reviews of your biz.
7. City or state included into your website's title tags.
Another important factor for your "local" landing page is to
have the city or state you're targeting included into its Title tag.
8. Product/service keyword in business title
It is also believed that having the name of a core product or
service in your business name may give you some advantage over
competitors who lack this.
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