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Local SEO 2014

by thefsboking
28 replies
  • SEO
    • |
I have a website that get roofing leads in my area. The site was built in 2012 using local pages ninja. I ranked for my keyword "roofing mycity" and did well for a month. I then got hit with a Google update and my site slid down to nowhere. I lost my tenant and my joy of my first income producing site. Some months went by and I began getting phone calls off and on that I would just give away to local roofers. Fast forward to 2014 the calls began to increase and to my surprise my Google Places listing is in the #7 slot but seobook rankchecker says I am at 185 for my keyword. So I took a look at what my compettitrs have and they all have blogs on their sites. I am going to add a blog and post fresh content for the next 14 days to see if that helps. Should I submit the links to and directories or bookmarking services? Any suggestions on what's working now in 2014 will be helpful.
#2014 #local #seo
  • Profile picture of the author RedShifted
    Hey Thefsboking,

    Not to offend you, but you sound awfully passive about your local marketing. If you're trying to get leads, it takes work. If you're trying to get a lot of leads, it takes *a lot* of work.

    This is essentially what I do for each 1 of my local sites -

    1) 30 pages of high quality, original content that educates traffic.

    2) Facebook, youtube, twitter, vimeo, g+ & blogger accounts. Then I link all the buttons on the site and get some likes, g+'s etc for social proof.

    3) 150-400 geotargeted pages. These pages are lower quality, done much faster, but are still readable. They fill the site out, but most importantly they make it 100xs easier to rank the site.

    4) Register in G local and outsource about 350 citations.

    5) Drip feed reviews on my top 5 popular listings (yahoo local, yellow pages, kudzu, insider pages, merchant circle).

    6) Drip feed reviews on G local.

    7) Fill out my youtube account with 100-200 geotargeted YT videos. Most of the videos are just reedited versions of the same 20-30 videos. Then I plug all these videos in GSA which I have on a dedi server and rank ALL of them. Most of them rank right above G local #1 on Google and provide a wealthy supply of hot, targeted leads. Youtube is probably my favorite source of traffic because its so cheap, easy, fast, you get a thumbnail, and depending on your niche you can make a ton of money just from 1 fat YT channel.

    8) I register about 5 craigslist accounts per site using proxies and simply auto renew the ads every 48 hours.

    There is a lot more work involved but all that stuff you can find here -

    Local SEO Checklist

    I do all the stuff I mentioned above and try to complete as many tasks from the checklist.

    Then I outsource SEO on the site itself. And within 2-3 months the sites are fully operational and generating traffic. I've had 1 site get slammed by a G update but it maintained its G local rankings, and all the YT videos still drive a good deal of traffic.

    Sometimes I do the same thing with YT using facebook. I'll create a ton of geotargeted facebook pages then rank them all with GSA. Just to get more real estate on page 1.

    But the point is, to do proper local marketing, I takes me between 300-500 hours of work just to build 1 funnel. And quite honestly, that's still nowhere close to enough.

    In the niches I'm in, since there is potential to make 4-5 figure commissions per sale, I will target ANY keyword phrase. I go after hundreds of phrases that have no data in Googles Keyword Planner. Some keywords get like 9 clicks a year, others get like 140 clicks a year (with no data). But cumulatively, I try to milk an industry for everything its worth.

    Then I just repeat this for 4 different industries. And in the end it makes me more than a full time income.

    If you ask me, local marketing has changed very little. The main goal is still the same. Which is to gain as much real estate as possible on page 1 of Google. I personally view it like shrimp fishing from Forest Gump. Visually, in my head, I am Forest Gump. And my job is to cast the widest net possible and catch a shipload of shrimp.

    Good luck.
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    • Profile picture of the author Blaine Smitley
      Originally Posted by RedShifted View Post

      Hey Thefsboking,

      Not to offend you, but you sound awfully passive about your local marketing. If you're trying to get leads, it takes work. If you're trying to get a lot of leads, it takes *a lot* of work.

      This is essentially what I do for each 1 of my local sites -

      1) 30 pages of high quality, original content that educates traffic.

      2) Facebook, youtube, twitter, vimeo, g+ & blogger accounts. Then I link all the buttons on the site and get some likes, g+'s etc for social proof.

      3) 150-400 geotargeted pages. These pages are lower quality, done much faster, but are still readable. They fill the site out, but most importantly they make it 100xs easier to rank the site.

      4) Register in G local and outsource about 350 citations.

      5) Drip feed reviews on my top 5 popular listings (yahoo local, yellow pages, kudzu, insider pages, merchant circle).

      6) Drip feed reviews on G local.

      7) Fill out my youtube account with 100-200 geotargeted YT videos. Most of the videos are just reedited versions of the same 20-30 videos. Then I plug all these videos in GSA which I have on a dedi server and rank ALL of them. Most of them rank right above G local #1 on Google and provide a wealthy supply of hot, targeted leads. Youtube is probably my favorite source of traffic because its so cheap, easy, fast, you get a thumbnail, and depending on your niche you can make a ton of money just from 1 fat YT channel.

      8) I register about 5 craigslist accounts per site using proxies and simply auto renew the ads every 48 hours.

      There is a lot more work involved but all that stuff you can find here -

      Local SEO Checklist

      I do all the stuff I mentioned above and try to complete as many tasks from the checklist.

      Then I outsource SEO on the site itself. And within 2-3 months the sites are fully operational and generating traffic. I've had 1 site get slammed by a G update but it maintained its G local rankings, and all the YT videos still drive a good deal of traffic.

      Sometimes I do the same thing with YT using facebook. I'll create a ton of geotargeted facebook pages then rank them all with GSA. Just to get more real estate on page 1.

      But the point is, to do proper local marketing, I takes me between 300-500 hours of work just to build 1 funnel. And quite honestly, that's still nowhere close to enough.

      In the niches I'm in, since there is potential to make 4-5 figure commissions per sale, I will target ANY keyword phrase. I go after hundreds of phrases that have no data in Googles Keyword Planner. Some keywords get like 9 clicks a year, others get like 140 clicks a year (with no data). But cumulatively, I try to milk an industry for everything its worth.

      Then I just repeat this for 4 different industries. And in the end it makes me more than a full time income.

      If you ask me, local marketing has changed very little. The main goal is still the same. Which is to gain as much real estate as possible on page 1 of Google. I personally view it like shrimp fishing from Forest Gump. Visually, in my head, I am Forest Gump. And my job is to cast the widest net possible and catch a shipload of shrimp.

      Good luck.
      Do you run blogs on these sites? Or do you just make all pages?
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    • Profile picture of the author thefsboking
      RedShifted no ill feelings here. Thanks for the informative post. You are correct that I have not done anything at all with the site since creation. I have done most of the stuff you mentioned but not as intense. The competition is low so sounds like I am on the right track by adding fresh content on a regular basis and should get back on page one in a month for just a normal organic listing in addition to the Google places listing I have now.

      Going forward should I decide to create another site how do you register for Google local? Do UPS store addresses still work?
      Signature

      Mike Williams

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      • Profile picture of the author Catalyst eMarketing
        Originally Posted by thefsboking View Post

        Going forward should I decide to create another site how do you register for Google local? Do UPS store addresses still work?
        No UPS stores are a violation of the Google Guidelines and are not allowed.

        You also are not allowed a Google+ Local if it's just a lead gen site or online business. G+ L is only for the actual business and only if you see clients face to face in your local market.

        If you are doing lead gen, best to focus on organic or video ranking.
        Signature

        Linda Buquet :: Google+ Local Specialist and Google Top Contributor
        ADVANCED Google+ Local Training :: Also offering White Label Local SEO
        Latest Google Local News, Tips & Tricks

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    • Profile picture of the author thefsboking
      Originally Posted by RedShifted View Post

      Hey Thefsboking,

      Not to offend you, but you sound awfully passive about your local marketing. If you're trying to get leads, it takes work. If you're trying to get a lot of leads, it takes *a lot* of work.

      This is essentially what I do for each 1 of my local sites -

      1) 30 pages of high quality, original content that educates traffic........
      Redshifted I have questions on some of the items you listed.

      1) Can you recommend a provider of original, high quality articles?
      2) Can briefly explain how you use the social media and video sites and their buttons to boost rankings on your local sites?
      3) 150-400 geotargeted pages? Are these blog posts or pages on my local site using keywords like roofing mycity, exterior contractor my city, my city replacement windows, etc.?

      Thanks for the tips and keep up the great work in your business.
      Signature

      Mike Williams

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      • Profile picture of the author markmcknight
        Use directory maximiser to get the premium paid directory links. They range from $8+.

        Also you do see lots of people selling high PR links. My advice is if you are going to use them, then get ones from sites in the same niche as yours. Don't buy them, just rent them. The reason is if a link that you rent does affect your site in a bad way, just cancel it and the link will stop. Any adverse effects should go away with the link.

        I only offer two niches myself and my links come with advice on how to best use them.
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        Regards,
        Mark McKnight
        http://www.markmcknightblog.com

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    • Profile picture of the author mrbusines
      Originally Posted by RedShifted View Post

      Hey Thefsboking,

      Not to offend you, but you sound awfully passive about your local marketing. If you're trying to get leads, it takes work. If you're trying to get a lot of leads, it takes *a lot* of work.

      This is essentially what I do for each 1 of my local sites -

      1) 30 pages of high quality, original content that educates traffic.

      2) Facebook, youtube, twitter, vimeo, g+ & blogger accounts. Then I link all the buttons on the site and get some likes, g+'s etc for social proof.

      3) 150-400 geotargeted pages. These pages are lower quality, done much faster, but are still readable. They fill the site out, but most importantly they make it 100xs easier to rank the site.

      4) Register in G local and outsource about 350 citations.

      5) Drip feed reviews on my top 5 popular listings (yahoo local, yellow pages, kudzu, insider pages, merchant circle).

      6) Drip feed reviews on G local.

      7) Fill out my youtube account with 100-200 geotargeted YT videos. Most of the videos are just reedited versions of the same 20-30 videos. Then I plug all these videos in GSA which I have on a dedi server and rank ALL of them. Most of them rank right above G local #1 on Google and provide a wealthy supply of hot, targeted leads. Youtube is probably my favorite source of traffic because its so cheap, easy, fast, you get a thumbnail, and depending on your niche you can make a ton of money just from 1 fat YT channel.

      8) I register about 5 craigslist accounts per site using proxies and simply auto renew the ads every 48 hours.

      There is a lot more work involved but all that stuff you can find here -

      Local SEO Checklist

      I do all the stuff I mentioned above and try to complete as many tasks from the checklist.

      Then I outsource SEO on the site itself. And within 2-3 months the sites are fully operational and generating traffic. I've had 1 site get slammed by a G update but it maintained its G local rankings, and all the YT videos still drive a good deal of traffic.

      Sometimes I do the same thing with YT using facebook. I'll create a ton of geotargeted facebook pages then rank them all with GSA. Just to get more real estate on page 1.

      But the point is, to do proper local marketing, I takes me between 300-500 hours of work just to build 1 funnel. And quite honestly, that's still nowhere close to enough.

      In the niches I'm in, since there is potential to make 4-5 figure commissions per sale, I will target ANY keyword phrase. I go after hundreds of phrases that have no data in Googles Keyword Planner. Some keywords get like 9 clicks a year, others get like 140 clicks a year (with no data). But cumulatively, I try to milk an industry for everything its worth.

      Then I just repeat this for 4 different industries. And in the end it makes me more than a full time income.

      If you ask me, local marketing has changed very little. The main goal is still the same. Which is to gain as much real estate as possible on page 1 of Google. I personally view it like shrimp fishing from Forest Gump. Visually, in my head, I am Forest Gump. And my job is to cast the widest net possible and catch a shipload of shrimp.

      Good luck.

      how do you create the 150 to 400 geo pages ? and what do you do for content? seems like a pain to create them manually.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9246080].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ConsultJoseph
        Originally Posted by thefsboking View Post

        Going forward should I decide to create another site how do you register for Google local? Do UPS store addresses still work?
        Why do you need to create another site? Re-branding/re-structuring the site in the eyes of search engines would only take a few on-site tweaks and a few content changes (and linking structure changes).

        If your concern is updating the local citations then you can easily do so within the individual listings.

        Originally Posted by thefsboking View Post

        As I publish new blog posts should I submit the links to an indexing service? Should I wait until I have my 14 posts and submit them all at one time? Should I backlink to each post along with home page?
        It depends on what you want to do with the blog posts. If the content is all unique, no need to index as it will get indexed by itself.

        Are you trying to rank it for certain search terms? Optimize the content, optimize METAs and build links to it.

        Originally Posted by thefsboking View Post

        Which paid directory sites do you recommend?
        Why do you need paid directory sites? For links? Don't even consider. For traffic? Buying proper media ads, PPC and advertising on popular sites give you better returns.

        Originally Posted by thefsboking View Post

        1) Can you recommend a provider of original, high quality articles?
        2) Can briefly explain how you use the social media and video sites and their buttons to boost rankings on your local sites?
        3) 150-400 geotargeted pages? Are these blog posts or pages on my local site using keywords like roofing mycity, exterior contractor my city, my city replacement windows, etc.?

        Thanks for the tips and keep up the great work in your business.
        1. If it's technical and involves high quality specific information about your service then do it yourself. You own it, you're good at it. If it's simply to rank for certain keywords then I believe there's a section here in WarriorForum to advertise your need.

        2. Social media and links in video sites are NOFOLLOW. However, they increase CONVERSION as they are social proofing for your incoming visitors. If you are looking for link juice for your rankings, look elsewhere.

        3. I believe he is building only different URLs for specific cities. (correct me if I'm wrong since I'm doing this for my clients as well althought less spammy than the one below)

        Example (content short but all unique per page):

        site.com/heating-contractor-miami
        site.com/heating-contractor-orlando

        Originally Posted by mrbusines View Post

        how do you create the 150 to 400 geo pages ? and what do you do for content? seems like a pain to create them manually.
        See my reply above this.
        Signature
        Telic.ph - Digital Agency in the Philippines
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  • Profile picture of the author MathewJonns
    Adding blog in website is a good option. Post regularly in blog for better Rank in Google. However, Google SERP rank depends upon keywords competition.
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    uCreate
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  • Profile picture of the author timpears
    Send a few high PR links to the site. Use mostly brand or URL, domain links so as not to look spammy. Make sure you have inner linking to send the link juice throughout your site.

    Just my opinion, worth just about what you paid for it.
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    Tim Pears

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  • Profile picture of the author strategic seo services
    Originally Posted by thefsboking View Post

    I have a website that get roofing leads in my area. The site was built in 2012 using local pages ninja. I ranked for my keyword "roofing mycity" and did well for a month. I then got hit with a Google update and my site slid down to nowhere. I lost my tenant and my joy of my first income producing site. Some months went by and I began getting phone calls off and on that I would just give away to local roofers. Fast forward to 2014 the calls began to increase and to my surprise my Google Places listing is in the #7 slot but seobook rankchecker says I am at 185 for my keyword. So I took a look at what my compettitrs have and they all have blogs on their sites. I am going to add a blog and post fresh content for the next 14 days to see if that helps. Should I submit the links to and directories or bookmarking services? Any suggestions on what's working now in 2014 will be helpful.
    Focus on building high quality backlinks to your blog's pages. The best backlinks are those that are: dofollow, on pages with a High PR (page rank), relevant (on a site/page that is related to your niche/targeted keywords if possible), and contextual (surrounded by text that is related to your targeted keywords).

    Use your targeted keywords, as well as synonyms of those keywords, as anchor text. It is also good to use the raw URL and some variations of your keywords as anchor text. This is suggested to prevent anchor text optimization of your targeted keywords.
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    • Profile picture of the author thefsboking
      Originally Posted by strategic seo services View Post

      Focus on building high quality backlinks to your blog's pages. The best backlinks are those that are: dofollow, on pages with a High PR (page rank), relevant (on a site/page that is related to your niche/targeted keywords if possible), and contextual (surrounded by text that is related to your targeted keywords).

      Use your targeted keywords, as well as synonyms of those keywords, as anchor text. It is also good to use the raw URL and some variations of your keywords as anchor text. This is suggested to prevent anchor text optimization of your targeted keywords.
      Ok so I have heard hear and in other threads how important is is to have good quality, relevant backlinks. Everyone seems to offer them as I even see some for sale in your signature block. How do I know who to trust?
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      Mike Williams

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  • Profile picture of the author Dokemion
    My advice to you is to do nothing since you got the #7 ranking without doing anything keep it that way. (Not unless if you want to do something that you are not sure if it will help or worsen things)

    Now focus on other things that will generate you more income create small network of sites that can then lead to sales.

    Good luck..
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    Contact me for any SEO Services you need I'm glad to be of your service.

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    • Profile picture of the author sudipto
      Thank you RedShifted for offering nice suggestions about regional SEO. The tips you provided has helped me immensely to improve local SEO knowledge too. Now I am going to implement your ideas for my SEO process.
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  • Profile picture of the author VivekThakur
    Do not use ranking checker tool, check ranking manually.
    Yes blog on site will helps you.
    Creating back links is another suggestion to you to get keyword ranking.
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    Enjoy Life.

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    • Profile picture of the author Sebulba
      Originally Posted by VivekThakur View Post

      Do not use ranking checker tool, check ranking manually.
      Yes blog on site will helps you.
      Creating back links is another suggestion to you to get keyword ranking.

      Can I ask why you say not to use a Rank Checking Tool?

      Seb
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  • Profile picture of the author thefsboking
    As I publish new blog posts should I submit the links to an indexing service? Should I wait until I have my 14 posts and submit them all at one time? Should I backlink to each post along with home page?
    Signature

    Mike Williams

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  • Profile picture of the author Daones
    I dont think its a bad idea to add a blog to the site, it will help with having new fresh content for your site and you can add as much as you like. For the posts start out with bookmarking just a few as you dont want to over do it. Also it helps to promote the new content on your social pages like fb,twitter and G+.
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  • Profile picture of the author JonesMurray
    Depending on your business, and how your website is set-up, you might not be able to implement all of these tips, but implementing even 75% of them is enough for most local businesses to rank highly in the local search results.

    Have an address in the town or city that you're targeting
    Create and verify your Google+ Local page
    Remove duplicate Google+ Local pages
    Fully complete your Google+ Local page
    Decide what page of your website to list on your Google+ local page
    Use a local phone number
    Be consistent with your business's name, address and phone number
    Make it easy for people to contact and/or find you
    Add a map of your business's location to your website
    Include your location and keyword on your website landing page
    Create a separate page on your website for each location that you want to target
    Write unique content for every page of your website
    Ensure your website looks good and is usable on multiple devices and screen resolutions

    Hope after implement all these steps you will get positive results in your SERP.
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  • Profile picture of the author faisalmaximus
    If your site content is rich, then you can run GSA Campaigns selecting your location, this helps a lot for local SEO in the easiest way.
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    • Profile picture of the author markmcknight
      I like using paid directory links these days and also blog post links with PR.
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      Regards,
      Mark McKnight
      http://www.markmcknightblog.com

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      • Profile picture of the author thefsboking
        Originally Posted by strategic seo services View Post

        Focus on building high quality backlinks to your blog's pages. The best backlinks are those that are: dofollow, on pages with a High PR (page rank), relevant (on a site/page that is related to your niche/targeted keywords if possible), and contextual (surrounded by text that is related to your targeted keywords).

        Use your targeted keywords, as well as synonyms of those keywords, as anchor text. It is also good to use the raw URL and some variations of your keywords as anchor text. This is suggested to prevent anchor text optimization of your targeted keywords.
        Originally Posted by markmcknight View Post

        I like using paid directory links these days and also blog post links with PR.
        Which paid directory sites do you recommend?
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        Mike Williams

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  • Profile picture of the author Hipcheck
    We are searching for a reputable Local SEO expert for Google Places

    I PM'ed Redshifted twice and not heard back, he may be very busy.

    Thank you.
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  • Profile picture of the author affilorama-portal
    As I publish new blog posts should I submit the links to an indexing service? Should I wait until I have my 14 posts and submit them all at one time? Should I backlink to each post along with home page?
    If you mean, pinging, that would help but make sure you only ping one. And also, it is best to ping as soon as you publish your post. And for backlinking, you do not need to build backlinks to your sub pages, provided that this sub page is really important. What you need to focus on is to build more quality links to your homepage and from time to time just mention or share a link to your sub page/s.
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  • Profile picture of the author MathewJonns
    - Create citations with Google Maps.
    - Content is the king to rank a website in SERP. Use graphical representation (banners) to describe business services so that visitors can easilly understand your services.
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    • Profile picture of the author thefsboking
      Originally Posted by MathewJonns View Post

      - Create citations with Google Maps.
      - Content is the king to rank a website in SERP. Use graphical representation (banners) to describe business services so that visitors can easilly understand your services.
      Can you point me to a site that utilizes banners like this to help me understand how to implement this technique.
      Signature

      Mike Williams

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  • Profile picture of the author estrenosenlatino
    thank you
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  • Profile picture of the author Dsdomination
    If you don't how to create local funnels and all that which are very important to get your business up get yourself a professional SEO. This way you will stay focused on your business.
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