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SEO for local biz OFFLINE question...

by JordanBanks
10 replies
  • SEO
    • |
I'm new, so I searched the boards and found kinda the answer, but not really, so here goes...
If I google for example, breast surgeons in (my city), I'll get a list of about 7 surgeons or clinics on top with the google map and map markers, etc. Some of those listed don't even have websites. Some that have websites are not even on the first page of the google regular listings, but further on down, like page 2 or even 7 and beyond.

So with Google Places being offered, why would a business owner on page 4 need SEO services like article writing, backlinks, meta-tags, etc., if all they had to do was list in Google Places?

My theory is that many, many, many businesses list with Google Places, so maybe then Google goes with other factors that determine who among everyone is part of the lucky 7 on page one -- or is there something else that determines who is listed in Google Places?

It just stops me in my tracks when I see businesses (that do not even have a website) posted way up on top of page one, complete with map and location marked.

So my crazy question is why go through all the typical SEO strategies when just using GooglePlaces will put you on page one so easily?

I feel like I'm answering my own question, but it also feels like I'm just guessing until I can get confirmation from some of you guys.

Thanks!
#biz #local #offline #question #seo
  • Profile picture of the author Coach Borche
    The G maps are very good when it comes for local searches, people are more likely to click on the maps so they'll know exactly where the company is located at. But about your SEO question i think you know the answer, webmasters want to rank high for other keywords as well, so the only way its through good 'ol SEO. And SEO is never a waste of time
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    • Profile picture of the author ivatel42
      Originally Posted by GoshM View Post

      The G maps are very good when it comes for local searches, people are more likely to click on the maps so they'll know exactly where the company is located at. But about your SEO question i think you know the answer, webmasters want to rank high for other keywords as well, so the only way its through good 'ol SEO. And SEO is never a waste of time
      That's right any website for a local business should be targeting many keywords from their sites pages.
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    • Profile picture of the author jdenc
      Well I haven't really brainstormed surgeons but I think a website is still important. For example say you and I have a restaurant. We are both on the G maps and we are relatively close together. You have a website and I don't. So the searcher can check your menu, prices, get a look at the decor perhaps, etc. But with me nothing just a name and a location. I think that will probably mean more customers will choose you because they get more info.

      Further from the business side since you have a website you can use it to market to customers. Offer a coupon for signing up with your site and then you can build a relationship with them even when they aren't in your location allowing you to build brand loyalty. You can also get various keywords going so you can appear when they check for catering if you like. Or carryout perhaps. Just spitballing as I haven't investigated those keywords but I think you get the gist of it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jagged
    Keep in mind that not every targeted keyword your client focuses on will generate a Google map, so it's most important to concentrate on organic search results as well....

    ~Ken
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  • Profile picture of the author Kelly Verge
    Not only all of the above, but imagine how compelling the right description could be to a targeted prospect. If they're listed at the top of the organic listings, they have more words with which to draw in the visitors.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Antoni
    I've been getting a lot more into local IM mainly because of friends and family who own local businesses.

    You definitely need a website because google will ulitmately show your business higher in the map if you have a website. I can't prove this, but I see a trend.

    Plus, as a previous poster stated. Having a website will lead to more sales and of course you can build your customer list which is the most important thing.

    I have been doing a lot of research into google places and how they rank various sites/businesses.

    Here's an idea as to how you get ranked higher:

    References.

    This just means other websites that list your business name and address like this:

    My Super Business
    123 Main St
    My Town, MY State, USA

    The weird thing is there doesn't even need to be a link to the website for Google to count it. Just the reference to the business and address.

    The more of these you have, all things being equal, the higher up you will be. Especially important are being in local sites google approves of. Chamber of Commerce, associations, etc.

    Here's a great article all about references and how they work:

    Mihmorandum | Local vs Traditional SEO: Why Citation Is the New Link | General Marketing

    But ultimately, you will want to have a website because you can build a list, offer more details about your company, and rank for other keywords/phrases. Plus, if you ever sell the business, your website that gets steady traffic is another asset that adds value to your business.

    Mike Antoni
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    Check out my Affiliate Internet Marketing Blog, lots of cool free stuff. And make sure you take a peek at Trilateral Profits. Internet Marketing Management

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    • Profile picture of the author Jimian
      Originally Posted by Mike Antoni View Post

      I've been getting a lot more into local IM mainly because of friends and family who own local businesses.

      You definitely need a website because google will ulitmately show your business higher in the map if you have a website. I can't prove this, but I see a trend.


      Mike Antoni

      Ummm, not quite. In fact as the poster stated, a lot of the listings in the 7-box have NO website. What they DO have is usually several REVIEWS and/or CITATIONS.



      But having a website and good SEO surely helps.
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      OFFLINE Marketing Strategies For The OFFLINE Warrior
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  • Profile picture of the author VegasGreg
    I think a business should go for the "trifecta" and be listed in Maps, top of the organics and top of the PPC section. This becomes powerful as they really stand out in front of a searcher.
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    Greg Schueler - Wordpress Fanatic... Living The Offline Marketing Dream...

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  • Profile picture of the author xInd
    Driving a motorcycle to work at 250 miles per hour, is much faster and easier, why not just do that instead of getting a ride from the spouse?
    Taking shortcuts has it's risks.

    I would always suggest going the extra mile, especially with offline clients. Remember, they are just that OFFLINE people... They don't get all this stuff, and they are trusting in you to know and learn all you can, and do the best job for them you can possibly do, and hopefully a better job than all their competitors!
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    www.minervasol.com
    www.empoweredmarket.com
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Antoni
    That's what I'm suggesting. Not that you HAVE to have a website to be listed in the maps section. But that having a website should increase your position. Notice the link you posted the business without a website has 116 reviews.

    From what I've seen it comes down to this:

    References/Citations
    Reviews
    Website w/ proper SEO

    Surely having all 3 of these will help you rank HIGHER than a competitor with
    no website and similar citations. Also, the quality of the citations play an important
    factor.

    Again, just my thoughts. I've used this to get one of my friends pizza restaurants on the 2nd map location. I'm adding citations now and will see if I can get her to #1 in the coming weeks.

    Mike Antoni
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    Check out my Affiliate Internet Marketing Blog, lots of cool free stuff. And make sure you take a peek at Trilateral Profits. Internet Marketing Management

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