Local Search Optimisation

Local Search Optimisation Service

This is important if your location is central to your business.

When Google detects a search request that includes a location, it returns a set of location based results.

This is often a small map of the area, with local businesses highlighted, displayed above the other organic search results.

That’s a desirable position and, if your business is location specific, you want to appear in those results.

Step One: Get verified

First you must become listed and verified by Google as a local business. To do this visit the Google Local Business.

You have registered here, however, you’re not finished. Next you have to verify. There are several ways to do this. Remember you are not verified until Google says you are!

Step Two: Get reviewed

Google Local Search recognises user reviews. Businesses with more reviews rank higher than those with less. Good reviews work better than bad reviews.

To get reviews, look at the reviews that Google is already recognising in your area.

In an accommodation example, TripAdvisor and HostelWorld reviews are recognised by Google.

Alternatively, visitors can create an account with Google Maps and enter a review directly.

Include links to review sites on your own website. Invite your customers to review you. Updating your customer feedback form to let customers know how to review you online.

Step Three: Get cited

Google Local values citations of your business name and address.

A citation is a reference to your business name, address or phone number from a source that Google identifies as providing local information. This isn’t a link, it is a listing of your business on another local web page.

To view the local sources Google recognises, look at the Web Pages listed for businesses already appearing in Local Search.

To read more about citations look at David Mihm’s explanation of citations for local search.