11 Ways To Create A Stronger Local Web Presence

On the WSpider blog, we’ve talked before about how the internet is quickly becoming the new “phone book” when consumers are looking to purchase goods and services in their locality.  Businesses that develop a strong web presence within their niche or industry are going to attract the majority of customers—assuming, of course, that they provide quality goods, services, and customer relations.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some strategies that will help you leapfrog over your competitors and into the top positions of search engine results locally...

1. Focus on your client’s needs.  What are they looking for when they arrive at your website?  If you have a bricks and mortar business, be sure to provide your contact information, your location, and hours of operation.
2. Write keyword-optimized web copy for search engine recognition.  If you own a CPA firm in Houston, write content using all variations of keyword phrases that contain the words Houston, CPA, accountants, and so on.
3. Start a weekly newsletter or blog posting that is relevant to your local clientele.  Use terminology that explains what you do and where you do it.  Post these on your site for search engine relevancy.
4. Analyze competitor websites that have positions at the top of search engine result pages (SERP).  What are they doing that you’re not?  Can you adapt any of their tactics to your website?
5. Exchange links with other businesses in your area.  Even if they are not relevant to your industry, the fact that you are located in the same geographic area is important.  Be sure to use the city, town, or neighborhood in the anchor text (we’ll be happy to help you accomplish this).  Exchange links with others in your industry that are outside your geographic area for improved rankings.
6. Post links to your site on local online directories and bulletin boards.  The more links, the better.
7. Use internal linking within your site to link relevant content.  This helps both your prospects and the search engines to navigate your site effectively.
8. Add customer testimonials from local residents.  If a prospect sees that someone they know is a satisfied customer, they are more likely to believe that they will be taken care of as well.
9. Make your unique selling position (USP) clear on what you offer and how that will solve the client’s problem.
10. Prepare a detailed “About Us” page.  List your mission statement, goals, achievements, and credentials.
11. Keep the navigation within your site simple and easy-to-use.  Remember, if your prospect can’t find what they are looking for, your nearest competitor is only a couple of clicks away.