Google Local SEO Listings

Posted by revisionsmedia on Apr 12, 2011 in Search Engine Optimisation, SEO Servies | 0 comments

Google local SEO listings are part of our everyday lives. Most of us have seen the local results which generally includes a map with nice placeholders indicating the pertinent addresses whenever we search for a restaurant or a dentist for example.

Have you ever wondered how Google knows your current location?

For most users this is a result of logging into to Google before we do any searching. This can be through yoru email account or other Google services but in essence whenever you are logged in Google wil return the most relevant Google Local SEO results. It is also possible for them to understand your location through your Internet connection.

All connections to the Internet are funnelled through what is know as an IP address which identifies your supplier and current location. Both these factors combined result in your location being revealed.

How do I get my website into Google Local SEO listings?

If you operate a legitimate business within your local area then it is relatively simple to input your business details into the Google Local SEO listings. You will firstly require a Google account, I will assume you will know how to go about registering.

The next step is to navigate to the Google places and sign up. A few simple details about your business will need to be input and then you will be required to verify these details through a telephone verification system.

So I have signed up and input my Business details but do not see my listing in Google Local SEO

It is not quite as easy as that unfortunately. Google Local SEO listings operate in a similar manner to that of traditional search. By simply placing your website online does not mean it immediately will rise to the top for your chosen search terms. Google places is the same but operates slightly differently.

The Google Local SEO uses what is knows as ‘citations’ to understand whether or not to show the results alongside other algorithmic patterns. A ‘citation’ is another reference to your business from other sources around the web. In general terms, the more ‘citations’ your website receives the better the chances are that you will show up in the local search results.

What is a ‘citation’?

We mentioned that a ‘citation’ is a reference online to your business. In more detail, this means specific references to your business address, your telephone number, postcode and any other business details you provide. A good example of a ‘citation’ is a directory listing in the Yellow Pages or similar platform. This will contain your business details such as the address, telephone number etc.

Important information about ‘citations’

One of the key pitfalls web owners face when discussing ‘citations’ is consistency. When you begin to promote your online business you need to ensure that you consistently use the same details. If you have a business address which is referred to on one business listing as ‘Unit No.1′ and then ‘Unit 1′ on another site, this will confuse the ‘citations’ registered against your local listing effectively generating a new entry rather than adding to existing citations. This will weaken your chances of getting listed in a prominent position.

Google Local SEO is an emerging platform and we anticipate many more changes to the way in which local listings are presented to users. Obtaining the best placement on a local level is not an easy task and requires consistent and regular citations to be made. RMG SEO Services is able to take this burden away from your business through utilizing our Google Local SEO expertise. Take a look at our services page to learn more about how we can help your website rise to the online position it deserves.