WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A “LOCAL” SEARCH AND A “TRADITIONAL” SEARCH?

This is a great question because many people don’t understand the difference between traditional SEO and local search marketing.  Local search results were created as a specialized subset of traditional search engine results. The main goal of these local search results is to improve a consumer’s search experience.

These “localized” results are integrated into traditional search engine algorithms and typically receive priority placement over traditional search results when local searches are deemed beneficial to end users.  The largest Local Search driven result providers are Google®, Yahoo Local®, Bing®, SuperPages.com®, YellowPages.com®, and Yelp!®.

IS LOCAL INTERNET MARKETING & PROFILE MANAGEMENT IMPORTANT TO MY BUSINESS?

If your goal is to attract customers locally, the answer is “YES”!  In the past, Google and other top search engines listed websites based on traditional SEO principles like embedded keywords, website traffic, relevance, etc.  Times have changed.  Today, local search marketing directories such as Google Maps®, Google Places, Google Hotpot, Yahoo Local®, and Bing® have recently established “Local Search” as a priority in their business model.  That means it is critical for small and medium sized businesses, like you, to focus on your local business listings.   Placing multiple Directory Business Listings on Local Online Directories adds credibility to your business online search results. Business credibility is a critical factor for success in any Local Internet Marketing Program.

WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION CAN BE SUBMITTED IN MY LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY PROFILES?

Your local business directory profile will list important information about your business, such as branch hours, website links, major brands, unique services, available products, languages spoken, payment methods, coupon opportunities and most popular sellers.   This profile will explain what sets you apart from your competitors.

HOW CAN LIST WIZARDS HELP MY BUSINESS DRIVE NEW CUSTOMERS?

Local consumers conduct local internet searches.  Until recently, local search engines used a process called web crawling in searching web sites for relevant business content to produce online search results. Now, Local Search Engines are now looking to multiple business directory providors for consistent and relevant business listing content information. This is why business profile & online reputation management is ESSENTIAL! Consistency and completeness of your business profiles through online directories is crucial to obtain your local search exposure goals.

List Wizards will provide one simple form for you to fill out. Using the information you provide on that form,  List Wizards will submit your business listing content in a consistent format, containing rich and robust information, dramatically improving your chances of top tier local search engine & business directory search results.

HOW CAN LIST WIZARDS HELP ME ACHIEVE HIGHER LOCAL SEARCH MARKETING TRAFFIC?

Local search marketing and local search engine procedures use search query algorithms to produce site rankings, and while it is impossible to know exactly what those are, List Wizards does take advantage of local search marketing best practices, including consistent formatting and a keyword-rich strategy in submitting your local business listing content for maximum consumer impact. Greater data confidence on the part of local search engines translates into greater local advertising visibility for your business listing.

WHY IS A LOCAL DIRECTORY SUBMISSION & DIRECTORY LISTING IMPORTANT TO MY BUSINESS?

As local consumer search requests became more significant over the years, and because a significant number of small local businesses do not maintain a website for business, search engines created their own local business hubs. Search Engines are now expected to produce reliable local search results for their end users. With over 2 billion local searches performed every month, search engines are eager to receive accurate, reliable, and up-to-date business content information. The more reliable, consistent, and robust your business listing content appears to Local Search Engines & respective directories, the greater your chances of highly visible local search placement for local search results.

MY BUSINESS IS ALREADY LISTED WITH A MAJOR SEARCH ENGINE, SO WHAT MORE DO I NEED?

As of June 2009, no single search engine controlled more than 66% of the Search Engine marketplace.   That means you would be missing out on over 1/3 of all Internet traffic if you were satisfied with only one search engine listing.

At List Wizards, we submit your local business listing information to only the very best, top rated Search Engine Directories, including Google®, Yahoo Local®, Bing®, SuperPages.com®, YellowPages.com®, and Yelp!®, along with DATA PROVIDERS like InfoUSA and Localeze. These websites and directories supply the backbone data to an estimated 90% of all online directories. 

One point of contact for submitting all business content means less financial investment, less time spent on local online content management, a reliable source of profile management, and ultimately highly targeted and well exposed business advertisements.

WHEN WILL THE VARIOUS LOCAL SEARCH DIRECTORIES PROCESS MY BUSINESS LISTING INFORMATION?

Although most local directories and search engines determine their own local update frequency, your online business listing information should begin to appear within 4 to 8 weeks from the day List Wizards first submits your business.