Focus on Local and Regional Search Results

by Victor J. McCoy

A local or regional web marketing strategy helps to brand your business and can generate new business. More businesses and consumers are looking for local or regional vendors to do business with. We have found that more and more prefer local over national companies when possible.

More small business owners should begin to develop more local and regional strategies - and many have. Even if your business competes nationally your plan must include a your local an regional market strategy. If you have a very limited budget you really want to narrow your focus to local. Here are some tips to consider in the development of your strategy.

1.  Keyword Search Volume - Make sure the search volume is high regionally and nationally for the type of service or product you provide. Pay attention to the trends in volume and the seasonal cycles that are associated with your business and those term(s).
2. Great Looking and Informative. Your website should not only look great, it should provide your target audience the information needed to make a decision. It should also be easily navigable. DO NOT design your website for "yourself". Design it for the customer. Which means you must have detailed knowledge of your customer.
3. Your Local Profile. List you site in as many local and regional directories as possible and in every region you are targeting. If the directory allows brief summaries of your product or service be specific and list your top service or products - most efficient and profitable. 
4.  Contact Information. Make it easy for people to locate your contact information. Make sure that your phone number is correct, an your website is URL correct.
5. Site Map. Make sure your websites site map has been submitted to the major search engines.
6. Website Analysis. Check your website analytic to see how your site is performing demographically. 
7. Monitor Your Competitors. Know what they are doing in terms of their online marketing, as well as offline marketing.If you don't know how to get the information please let me know. I may be able to help you. (victor@3vdesignmedia.com)