Local Search Blog

Link Building Beta Test

By |2016-10-23T17:21:52-05:00August 23rd, 2011|Search Engine Optimization|

Most of you probably didn't notice, but we have started running a beta test of a free link building system.  We're not terribly optimistic, but the test is in direct response to a client inquiry.  Since we didn't have a suitable answer to the validity of the system, we thought we'd try it out so [...]

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Post Free Classified Ads for Your Local Products and Services

By |2016-10-23T17:21:52-05:00July 29th, 2011|Local SEO|

From time to time we're asked about the value of posting to various free local classified ads as part of an SEO strategy.  Like anything else, if you're in a small market or a niche market with little competition, classified ads - done properly - can impact search engine results. However, since the Google Panda [...]

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Google Places Changes | Third-Party Reviews and Citations Nixed

By |2016-10-23T17:21:52-05:00July 28th, 2011|Google Places|

On July 21, 2011 Google announced significant changes to the look of Google Places.  At first glance, the changes appear to be devastating to local search professionals who make a living in the arena...but not so fast. What Has Changed in Google Places? The most obvious change is that third-party reviews are no longer shown [...]

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How-To: Disable Purchasing in WP-ecommerce

By |2016-10-23T17:21:52-05:00June 1st, 2011|Wordpress Tips|

Literally the gold standard for e-Commerce on the Wordpress platform is the WP-eCommerce plugin by GetShopped.org.  The plugin, including optional upgrades, is an incredibly powerful tool that is simple to use and quick to implement.  However, some aspects of the interface are less than intuitive - including how to temporaily turn off purchasing without disabling the [...]

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Shop local…The Small Business Owner Next Door Appreciates You

By |2016-10-23T17:21:52-05:00May 27th, 2011|Editorial|

Shopping local is about far more than politics, patriotism and rhetoric.  There are true benefits to driving passed Wal-Mart to a locally owned business.  These should be obvious to most of us, but in case they're not I'd like to share the mission statement for The 3/50 Project (they've summed it up far better than [...]

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Launching a new website? Start with some free backlinks.

By |2016-10-23T17:21:52-05:00May 26th, 2011|Search Engine Optimization|

Talk to any Search Engine Optimization expert and they'll tell you the key to good search engine rankings for a new website is a combination of content and backlinks. Unless you're a prolific writer or have deep pockets for hiring one, content should grow over time as you add to your site either by blogging [...]

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Reputation Management and Managing Online Reviews

By |2016-10-23T17:21:53-05:00March 30th, 2011|Reputation Management|

Various local business listings provide customers the ability to leave reviews about their experiences with a business. Reviews can often affect no only your online reputation, but also affect a potential new customer's likelihood of choosing to do business with you. Generally, the best way of managing online reviews to make sure your online reputation [...]

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Small Businesses use Facebook Dedicated URLs as Company Websites

By |2016-10-23T17:21:53-05:00October 18th, 2010|Social Media|

The social nature of Facebook allows a small business owner to interact with their community and customer base in a non-obtrusive and effective way.  Many business owners report to us that Facebook allows them to add a “face” or “personal touch” to their marketing efforts because behind every logo is an individual member that is [...]

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5 Simple Ways to Grow Your Local Business using the Internet

By |2016-10-23T17:21:53-05:00October 17th, 2010|Local SEO|

In 2009, over 67% of consumers searching for local products and services used the Internet. - Source: SearchEngineWatch.com In June 2010, Google, Yahoo! And Bing accounted for 95.88% of all Internet searches. - Source: Hitwise.com What’s the point? Internet marketing is critical to any local business. Here are the five things every local business should [...]

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Don’t Blog Without Spreading Your RSS Feed

By |2016-10-23T17:21:53-05:00October 7th, 2010|Search Engine Optimization|

Ask any SEO guru and they will tell you that one of the most important components of any optimization strategy is blogging.  Blogging is important for a variety of reasons including: The more content you have online the more keywords you have tied to your business.  If your content is directly related to your industry, [...]

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