In a nutshell, local search involves the use of specialized search engines specifically created to focus on a selected geographic region to find local businesses and websites focused on your area. Local search is used s a directory where users specify a location and narrow their search down to a category, ie. Italian restaurant, until they find a listing they want.
Local searches range from Google local, down to specific websites offering local search options. You even may find a web directory or guide specifically created for your city, and chances are, it will be a great place for you to submit your site.
WHO NEEDS IT?
Local search is ideal for any business serving a specific region. It has become a popular and efficient tool in bringing in more business, especially to brick and mortar stores. People use local searches instead of Yellow Pages more and more, and the trend will only continue to grow. To be competitive, any business needs to be listed in local search directories.
WHERE TO GET LISTED?
You certainly don’t want to miss Google Local and Yahoo Local. They’re free and offer most local traffic. In addition, try to focus your efforts on finding local directories that not only focus on your geographic region, but also offer you something in return.
Look for search directories in terms of:
- locality
- relevance to your business
- price (some are free, some you need to pay for)
- traffic (do they get enough?)
HOW TO GET LISTED?
You need to basically submit your site to each directory. Most paid local directories will have your listing posted within a few days, if not immediately. Free directories can take anywhere form a couple of days to several weeks, depending on their policies, etc.
MOST KNOWN FREE LOCAL SEARCH DIRECTORIES:
DMOZ, BetterWebDirectory, Google Local, Yahoo Local, local.com, yellopages.com, citysquares.com, superpages.com