Any tips for Google Local Business Listings?

[Dave Bockett]

Do any of the SEO ninjas are there know any tips or advice about ranking well for a Google Local Business Listing?

One of my websites was the 5th link on the google map and has down dropped right down to the 3rd page now!

I'm sure its just another tweak to the algorithm but did make we wonder if anyone had any idea how google does rank businesses? Is it related to the ranking of the website itself?

Dave.

[Aidan]

There was a thread here that touched on this recently but dammed if I can find it right now...

From my experience the optimisation seems to hinge on making your entry as complete as possible, include pics, vids whatever you got, try to answer every question, opening hours, the works...

Don't spam the title with the suburbs you want to target, its not worth it...

AND...

Ensure you have entries in other directories like yellow pages that co-relate with what you're entering in Google. It looks like the more the info 'stacks up' with other directory info the better your chances.

This could be coincidental but it has been the observation of some experimenters.

Good luck with it.

[soliddata]

I just logged in and updated some of my stuff because I find that I am third behind a couple of people I don't want to be behind... (and only first two are displayed)

I have updated my categories - that seems to be important

Dave your site came up first in local listings when I did a Google search for "pizza oven Canberra"

Kev

[Dave Bockett]

Originally Posted by soliddata

I just logged in and updated some of my stuff because I find that I am third behind a couple of people I don't want to be behind... (and only first two are displayed)

I have updated my categories - that seems to be important

Dave your site came up first in local listings when I did a Google search for "pizza oven Canberra"

Kev

Thanks Kev. Will do a bit of updating and see what happens.

It's actually for the separate catering website (added it to sig now) we have setup which used to rank very well for "Catering Canberra" but just seems to have bombed in the last few days. Not the end of the world as we can't really handle many more customers between now and Xmas anyway with full-time jobs, family etc!

Dave.

[Dave Bockett]

Originally Posted by Aidan

There was a thread here that touched on this recently but dammed if I can find it right now...

From my experience the optimisation seems to hinge on making your entry as complete as possible, include pics, vids whatever you got, try to answer every question, opening hours, the works...

Don't spam the title with the suburbs you want to target, its not worth it...

AND...

Ensure you have entries in other directories like yellow pages that co-relate with what you're entering in Google. It looks like the more the info 'stacks up' with other directory info the better your chances.

This could be coincidental but it has been the observation of some experimenters.

Good luck with it.

Thanks Aidan - I thought I had seen something but also couldn't find it!

Will check all the fields and get a few photos up there.

Have you seen any info if reviews have any impact?

Dave.

[Aidan]

Hi Dave,

I did think reviews helped for a while until I saw someone demonstrate otherwise so I'm unsure now...

... but in the interests of getting as complete a package together as possible it's probably still wise to encourage a good customer to review you!

[FS Concierge]

Aidan, is this the thread you were looking for? http://www.flyingsolo.com.au/forums/...ss-center.html

Regards
Jayne

[Aidan]

Bless you Jayne, that is indeed the one.

Dave - if you're still monitoring this thread do check it out and Gillian's blog post she links to.

[small business marketing]

Dave, I'd also add

1. Preface your business name with your #1 keyword (eg if I was called gary's school of marketing, the business name i'd enter into google local would be "small business marketing - gary's school of marketing"

2. Because you can choose up to 5 categories, my advice is you complete all 5, it will only benefit you as long as they are targeted and relevant.

My first Category is "Marketing" - you have to use at least one that shows up in Googles drop down list

Every other category are high demand keywords in Australia that I have typed in because they are not in Google's drop down menu listing (in no particluar order below).

Marketing Coaching, Small Business Email Marketing, Small Business Marketing, Website Marketing

3. Create as many addiotnal details as you can with you most valuable/relevant keywrods.

Eg. I have also created 11 service listings and 3 product listing in the "Additional Details" section

Here is what I have:
Service 1 : Website Marketing
Service 2 : Referral Marketing
Service 3 : Duct Tape Marketing Ultimate Marketing System Group coaching program
Service 4 : Duct Tape Marketing Ultimate Marketing System One on One coaching program
Service 5 : Duct Tape Marketing Referral Flood
Service 6 : Duct Tape Marketing Catalyst Program
Service 7 : Marketing Coaching
Service 8 : Marketing Training
Service 9 : Small Business Email Marketing
Service 10 : Real Estate Marketing System
Service 11 : Small Business Marketing Plan
Product 1 : Duct Tape Marketing Ultimate Marketing System
Product 2 : Referral Flood
Product 3 : Duct Tape Marketing Local Search Engine Profile

I think you can add an unlimited amount of these at the moment. I have added the products and services that I offer and then added a bunch of high demand keywords again, eg "Small Business Email Marketing"

4. As complete and comprehensive listing as possible. Opening hours, payment options.....fill them all in.

5. I have started to see listings with reviews move ahead of those without. Google wouldnt have allowed for them if they didnt figure in the calulations so I'd recommend getting as many as you can.

6. I think there was a tweak recently, I have moved to #1 for some of my keywords, and for others I have dropped out of the top 5.

7. Finally, make sure to list your website as your homepage, since Google uses information from your homepage to help improve search results. So if you dont have a website - get one now!

[soliddata]

Nice one Gary, thats great.

Kev