Friday, December 7, 2012

Benefits of Local SEO, or Search Engine Optimization


This article focuses on the benefits of local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and compares it to SEO on a larger scale, perhaps like what big brand names have to engage in.

Search Optimization is effective, but it is more so effective for a local business because of the limitation in the area of service.

With local SEO, you can ensure that your business targets a very specific group of customers that are within the vicinity of your local business.

Search Engine Optimization Definition

Search Engine Optimization, also referred to as SEO, search optimization and website optimization is the practice of "optimizing" a website property so that it is found on search engine search results when individuals type in keywords and phrases that are relevant to the web property's subject matter.

In other words, it is how websites attract targeted and relevant traffic from all those who are searching for it.

Application of SEO Strategies - On Page and Off Page SEO

SEO is executed in two ways, on page and off page. On page SEO refers to edits made to a web property's physical features such as the website's title, description, keyword, body content, sub headings, links as well as the code (meta tags) that is not visible to the naked human eye.

Off page SEO strategies involve link building, social bookmarking, social sharing, video marketing, blogging, commenting on forums, and pretty much anything else that does not impact the physical website itself.

The internet works on the basis of keyword uses. When someone searches for particular keywords, search engines do their best to provide an exact match that would satisfy the search query. The better and more targeted this exchange becomes, the more a search engine's credibility increases and the more users continue to use it.

Keyword Research - Critical Pillar of SEO - Gauging Supply and and Demand Measures

Keyword research is critical to SEO, and is the first step that needs to be executed to engage in effective SEO. Without proper on page SEO, all off page SEO efforts are temporary and short term in nature. In other words, before going out there and investing in internet marketing, one has to make sure their website is sound fundamentally.

Get your house in order before you start marketing it and bringing guests in. Without a properly structured website using the relevant and appropriate keywords, marketing efforts will not be as effective, and will completely die off if one was to stop investing in them on an ongoing basis.

Because the internet works on the basis of keywords, it is important to understand what keywords people are searching for in your industry or niche. The amount of searches conducted on the internet for a particular keyword is referred to as the keyword's demand. The supply on the other hand measures all the outstanding websites on the internet that are competing for that keyword.

As you can imagine, a healthy balance of high demand and low supply is what you want when selecting the keywords to target in your business. It does not make sense targeting search terms that no one is searching for. At the same time, it is not smart trying to outrank websites that are ranking for super competitive keywords. It is possible and we have done it repeatedly, however it takes more time and resources.

Benefits of Local SEO - Separate Yourself from the Rest

Given keyword research is critical and the basis of effective SEO and thus website performance, local SEO narrows your playing field significantly. For example, if a local state based SEO firm was to cater to the entire Nation or world, then a State specific name wouldn't be appropriate. But because the firm mainly operates in the State itself, then a name that reflects its locality makes most sense for the business.

Why? Remember I talked about supply and demand above. Do you think there is more or less supply of SEO firms in the State relative to the entire country? By targeting a narrow or small geographical area, the business is inherently limiting the competitive landscape and giving itself the best opportunity to shine as the best internet marketing company in the State in which it operates. This is increasing the odds of ranking high above the competition on search engines when people in the local area are searching for a local SEO firm within the State itself.

Local SEO has several other advantages. For example, I know for a fact that not every small local business in your area is leveraging the power of SEO, therefore you have a high likelihood of outranking them and therefore attracting more business through your online marketing initiatives.

Can there be a conflict of interest on the business' part? There can, and that's why the business should only take up one client in one industry in one city. For example, the firm should not perform SEO work for two dentists who are both located in Irving, Texas unless of course they want to be found for different key terms. There are sub specialties within dentistry. One might be a general dentist while the other may be a specialist in dental cosmetic surgery. You can just see how local SEO will come into play here.

What I always say is "What Good is your Good Looking & Expensive website when No One can see It?" Therefore, it is best to apply local SEO to get more visibility and attract more business.

How to Make Money Online Writing Articles - An Introduction   Strategies Always Matter in Search Engine Marketing   The Mad Hatter: An Online Media Planner's Many Roles   Steps To Do Keyword Research   Can You Optimize Your Own Website?   Keyword Article Marketing 101   



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