How to get top rankings for Google's Local Business Centre

[klublok]

I was wondering if anyone knows how to get the top spot for Google's Local Business Centre?

Does Google use the same factors to determine natural rankings - like backlinks, on page SEO etc? Or do they use other factors to determine this particular section?

Thanks

[SeanIM]

start at maps.google.com


Keep your keyword phrase in the business name

Ensure phrase is naturally placed in the description

Address closest to the center of the map is useful

etc...

[tpettit]

Addresses nearest the center of the map (city or zip, depending on the search terms) seem to get the top listing most of the time. I am starting to suspect that getting some reviews can help, but I have not been able to prove it. I think Google may still be tweaking their formulas for this.

[SeanIM]

Originally Posted by tpettit

Addresses nearest the center of the map (city or zip, depending on the search terms) seem to get the top listing most of the time. I am starting to suspect that getting some reviews can help, but I have not been able to prove it. I think Google may still be tweaking their formulas for this.

Reviews help from what I've seen...hard to 'proove' but it seems to be a part of the overall formula.

That 'center' of the map really helps, along with the Title & Descrip having the keyword phrase you're after.

Having it in the domain helps too.

eg; basketweavingincalifornia.com

[Rich Williams]

I remember reading a blog post somewhere that said it was important to add a lot of content (pics, videos, reviews etc) to your profile along with the other points (location on map, keywords in title).
Not tried this myself so can't verify.

I noticed on a search of local seo consultants that a company from outside the area was ranking in the top 3 with an address (not their own) in the centre of the city.

[Herricks]

Originally Posted by klublok

I was wondering if anyone knows how to get the top spot for Google's Local Business Centre?

Does Google use the same factors to determine natural rankings - like backlinks, on page SEO etc? Or do they use other factors to determine this particular section?

Thanks

I've looked into this and I believe so. It makes sense since you're only listing your business in the Google Local Business Centre and if there are several other businesses out there like yours, then you've got to be creative in demonstrating that your business outnumbers the rest in service. If users are clicking on your site or frequently using your site, this shows Google that your site is worth more than the others and is providing good services if people are going to your site over someone else's. It's a combination of having a website with backlinks, deep links, blogging, and many others like these that will increase your ranking to the top of the list. There's no one simple way to achieve this...it's a combination of all efforts to be successful.

Good Luck.

[jtran2009]

Try the google business directory and make sure to review your sites, and have your friends review it, too. I think the more reviews that is posted the higher up u go.

[klublok]

Thanks for the tips guys. I will try them all!

Is it possible to have your website OUTRANK the Google Local Business Centre?