Digitalia | Indianapolis Social Media Marketing

8 tips to get more from local search

Local search is getting bigger and bigger.

Here's 8 tips to get local working for you and an interview with Kim LaFleur from Local.com.

1. If you can - be the first to create local listings online
2. If you're already up there - get your listings updated
3. Be specific - what is your service or brand? What are your hours?
4. Provide real information that is valuable to your potential customers.
5. Enable ratings and reviews
6. Post videos - people really commit to video
7. Use coupons where you can to drive traffic
8. Upload photos - people want to see who you are

1 out of every 5 searches is local. Are you ready?

Duncan Alney Facebook | Twitter | Naymz | Blip.fm

Interview with Chris Tolles, CEO, Topix.com

The power of the story in local search

So Chris Tolles, CEO, Topix.com spoke with me a couple of days ago and Chad Richards cut it up so we could post it for you today. Chris not only resembles Quentin Tarantino but is brilliant, savvy and very funny. I think you'll love his comments.

For Firebelly, I'm still Duncan! Its another great day for Indianapolis Social Media Marketing. I hope you enjoy the interview!

Duncan Alney Facebook | Twitter | Naymz

Local Search: Video Makes A Huge Difference

Steve Espinosa talks to Duncan Alney at SES Chicago

Local marketing seems to be service that most businesses need, and specifically local search. I don't know anyone that pulls out a yellow pages or phone book to look up businesses or to find a service. Newspapers, magazines, radio and TV seem to do their bit for awareness and lead generation, but there is a distinct shift from IYP's to web search and even mobile search. Specifically, I've seen Yahoo numbers that suggest a 76% increase for local search that suggest people are completing discovery tasks instead of just browsing locally.

I really enjoyed Steve Espinosa from eLocal Listing who had some great comments on specific tactics to help improve local search listings. What works for your local search efforts? Are there things that you've done that have given you great results? Lets hear from you.

- Duncan Alney Facebook | Twitter | Naymz