Let me share with you 5 easy things you can do to get top search engine rankings in your local market.

Even when you compete against the big guys.

Even if you don’t have a big marketing budget.

Step 1 – Know the Words

First, make sure you know what search terms people use that buy your products or services. Called “keywords,” your website content should contain the words and phrases people use when searching for products or companies like yours.

There are a variety of free keyword discovery tools you can use for free or a nominal fee. Find them by searching on Google.

Step 2 – Optimize the Website

Keywords should be located on the content of the web pages visitors read, and in the meta information (title, description, header and alt tags) used in the programming of the webpage.

Guidelines for keyword use in meta information are constantly changing as search engines evolve. At the time of this piece, keep meta titles to no more than 70 characters and about 56 characters are ideal for meta title displays on search engine results pages.

Any competent web marketing professional is aware of current optimization best practices. This is a necessary and relatively inexpensive process, so don’t shy away from it.

Step 3 – Local Directory Listings

Make sure your business is properly listed in all local online directories.

Online directories are this generation’s version of the old telephone directories.

A couple of pointers relating to online directories:

• List your name, address and phone number the same way in all directories.
• Provide all information and complete all information fields in all directories. Those with the most information have a real advantage.
• Find directories by using the search phrase “directories + the name of your city.”

Step 4 – Local Source Inbound Links

Get links from websites located in your local market.

Inbound links from other websites to your site are viewed as “popularity votes” by search engines. The more of these “popularity votes” that you have, the greater your chances for higher search engine rankings.

If your business works primarily within one community (let’s say you are a florist in Phoenix), links from other sound businesses in your community are the best type you can get. They establish your business as being relevant in the local market.

Getting inbound links from other local market sources is a tactic often overlooked by your competitors.

Step 5 – Local Market Social Connections

Search engines are increasingly factoring in social signals (number of Facebook followers, engagement of Facebook followers, number of Twitter followers, etc.) into their calculations to determine search engine rankings.

Get people from your local community to follow your business on Facebook. Do things to keep them engaged with your page.

Connections from your local community are more important than connections from far away locations. The closer the connection is to your business, the better it is for you.

Right On – No Bull Marketing has effective and affordable ways to help local businesses like yours increase traffic through higher search engine rankings. We help companies throughout the United States. Contact us today at
602-412-3168 for more information.