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Local_results_provided_by_search_engines_point_customers_in_the_right_direction
| Local results provided by search engines point customers in the right direction
Local customers know where to find local businesses...the
Internet. Through search engines and directories, the
Internet provides a quick and easy place to choose a local
merchant or business.
Just because the Internet is worldwide doesn't mean local
businesses can't benefit from having a website and a presence in
the search engines. Realizing the benefits of local searches
Google recently launched “Google Local.” This feature allows
searchers to enter in their zip code and search using keywords.
When the results are returned they provide the address and phone
number of the businesses. Google and MapQuest have partnered to
provide maps and directions to the locations that are returned
in the search. Yahoo, AOL and MSN also have local capabilities.
The Kelsey Group and ConStat have found that 70% of US
households use the internet to shop for local products and
services. http://www.imediaconnection.com/news/5319.asp
More and more people are turning to search engines and online
yellow pages to search for local companies. A website allows for
business owners to provide more information about their products
and services than a full-page ad ever could.
An important update to make for your site is adding your
physical address to your site pages, in the footer perhaps. This
will ensure that the search engine's indexing spider or bot pick
up the address for inclusion in the search engine. Search engine
optimization (SEO) is also important so that not only is your
address being pulled for inclusion in local results, but your
site is found for the correct terms that describe your business.
SEO can be performed on an existing site or as part of the
development of a site. Local Search Engine Optimization
About the author:
Alyssa Duvall is an Internet
marketing and a Search Engine Marketing Specialist. She
provides proven results for Website promotion. More articles can
be found at http://bigoakinc.com/seo-articles/seo-articles.php
This article may be freely reprinted as long as all links and
author information remain.
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