Google Local Business Center: Local Search Engine Optimisation

Companies that only deal in local business need ways to attract people to their site, not from Outer Mongolia, unless that's your niche market, but from the surrounding area. Other than optimising your website what options do you have?

The first option and most basic is to adjust your Google account in Webmaster Tools and Set Geographic Target. This isn't necessary if your site ends in .co.uk as it's already associated with the United Kingdom, but is required if you have a .com domain.

Next you can utilise the free service from Google called Local Business Center. Here you can provide your business address which is displayed on a map and pin points exactly where you are.

Other information that you can also provide are opening hours, photos, description and most importantly a category which will help Google identify exactly what your business provides.

Something I've only recently noticed is the area to provide video from sites such as YouTube to enhance your listing even further.

Don't forget to fill your listing in fully as it's yet another reference point for users and could deter them if not completed professionally.

Local Business Listing is also an important factor. Search out those local directories and add your business and try to get your keywords and location into the title and description.

Google also lets you create maps to display on your site which is another way to promote locally and at the same time provide a valuable piece of information for users.

The map below was created for a client to provide information of shops, bars, restaurants etc. in the local area.

View Larger Map

Visit Google Maps to get started.

The above work alongside SEO of your website will help you rank for local searches and provide more targeted information for searchers.