Search Engine Optimisation
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the process of ensuring that your website is easily found on Google and other search engines such as Bing, Yahoo, and Duck Duck Go. There are many ways to look at SEO but it can be divided into two broad fields, on-site SEO and off-site SEO. On-site SEO means having content that tells people about your products and services and also informs people about your operations and your industry. Off-site SEO is everything outside of your website that helps your site to perform better in internet searches.
The most important on-site strategies are ensuring that your content is informative and helpful for potential customers and that the text is releveant to potential clients. Having a list of keywords that you want your business to be found on is a good starting place. You can then make sure that you include these key phrases in your content.
Whilst many people seem to think that Google is the only thing you need to think about, it is not the only search engine out there. Microsoft have their own search engine called Bing which gives very different results to Google. Bing is the default search engine for all Windows computers. Whilst Google still has over 80% of the global market, this is down from 90% 5 years ago. In that time Bing’s share has risen from 4% to 11%. When people are at the office searching on the internet for suppliers, they may well be using Bing.
The Foundation of a Successful Local SEO Strategy
Adding your business to free local business directories increases the number of links to your site and also helps show to Google that your business is a real local business. Creating a Google Local account is an important first step in this process and adding your business to other business directories helps build your business’s local reputation. As a bare minimum you want to ensure that your business is in Google Local, Bing, Yelp and at least another three directories. This is an important part of any successful SEO strategy.
in addition, the more business directories your business is in, the more likely it is that you will receive referrals through these directory listings.
I would recommend that you put together a document with a couple of variations on your business description and all your contact details so you can just copy and paste them into the directories. You also want to make sure you have your logo file (in .jpg format) and some business images ready to be uploaded. You will need to confirm your listing for many directories and you will definitely receive sales follow up (especially from Sensis / Yellow Pages) and newsletters as a result of this process. You may want to consider using a different email address as your signup address so that this advertising material doesn’t go to your normal customer contact email address.
Please also remember that this is part of your SEO foundation and is not necessarily your advertising strategy. Don’t let someone from Yellow Pages talk you into taking up an expensive package just because they say it will be effective. You need to look at what will work best for your business and engage in independent research into what is the most cost effective form of advertising for your business.
This list is ordered by what comes up highest when searching for random businesses in a local area. The directories that appear vary with the search so I suggest that you start by searching for your business keywords in Google AND Bing, e.g. café Perth. See what directory listings come up and target those directories first.
The Best Local Business Directories
Google Local
It’s like the lotto, you’ve got to be in it to win it. Google local has to be your first listing. Appear on Google maps, appear in Google businesses…. Signup and get it done:
https://www.google.com/business/
Bing Places for Business
The often forgotten giant of the search engine world. Lots of people have Windows computers, who know why but they do. They will probably be searching in Bing.
https://www.bingplaces.com/
Yelp
A big one and worth doing early. Helps you to appear in Bing Maps and in Apple Maps.
This should take you to the “Claim Your Business” page but if not, go to the main Yelp listing below:
https://biz.yelp.com.au/?utm_campaign=claim_business&utm_content=claim_footer_link&utm_medium=www&utm_source=footer
Cylex
For a directory which I hadn’t heard of before, Cylex comes up a lot in search results. Get your free listing here:
http://www.cylex.com.au/signin-choice.ashx?view=register
Yellow pages:
They may try to tell you that there are no free listings in your industry and they will definitely call you back to confirm your listing and to sell you advertising. Get your free listing here:
https://www.yellow.com.au/product/yellow-online/
True local
Part of the Sensis group but easier to get a listing than Yellow Pages as it isn’t dependant on a call back. Signup here for a free business listing.
http://www.truelocal.com.au/submit-business/signup.do
Hot Frog
Signup here:
https://admin.hotfrog.com.au/add/index-card
Start Local
Another one that is often prominent in search results. Get your free listing here:
http://www.startlocal.com.au/get-listed.html
Word of Mouth
https://www.wordofmouth.com.au/users/new_with_business
Aussie Web
Free business directory signup is here:
https://mylisting.aussieweb.com.au/add-listing.aspx
Dlook
Add your business here for a free listing:
http://www.dlook.com.au/advertising.php
Local Store
https://www.localstore.com.au/admin/user-login/www.localbusinessguide.com.au
Business Listings
Add your business for free here:
http://www.businesslistings.net.au/register1.aspx
Local
They have free and premium listings. The link to the free listing is here:
https://www.local.com.au/free_enquiry.php