Local SEO Houston
Local SEO is different from SEO or search engine optimization for national or global brands. To succeed in local SEO, you need a consultant who knows the differences — someone who can exploit those differences to your advantage. IX Brand SEO Services Company knows local SEO and local Internet marketing, and we can make it work for your business!
Google and the other search engines use special local algorithms to identify user searches for local products and services and search results are returned to the user in a search results page with a special local format. For example, if you search Google for “pizza” or “doctor” using your computer, Google will determine your location using the Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with your Internet services provider. You don’t have to search for “pizza Houston” because Google assumes that a search for pizza is a search for a local pizza restaurant. With a search for “doctor, ” Google and Bing assume that you’re looking for a local doctor, not researching how to become a doctor.
If you use a smart phone or a tablet, the search engines can often determine your location, and that location is tied to your search phrase to give you search results tailored for your location.
The results from a local search for “air conditioning repair” will look something like this. Note that Google assumed that the search was for “air conditioning repair Houston” based on the of the computer in use.
The results at the top left and far right of the screenshot are paid listings purchased through Google AdWords. Google’s search results can be divided between paid listings purchased through Google’s AdWords program and organic website and business listings that appear because Google judges them the most relevant to the user’s search. Organic website listings and Google business listings appear without payment to Google — the websites and listings that appear on the first page of results are judged by Google to be the most relevant to the searcher’s request.
Paying for listings can be a good local Internet marketing tactic if you’re a new business or you need quick results from an Internet marketing campaign. Perhaps you’re waiting for your organic search marketing strategies to bear fruit. Paid business listings can get expensive though so even if you decide you want to use pay-per-click (PPC) or other paid advertising, your best long-term strategy is to develop your business Internet visibility in local organic results.
Success in local organic results comes from a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy for your website, and strategies for local social media and local business listings too. The larger and more competitive your market area and business sector, the more it will likely cost you to be successful.
You can cut the cost of success in your local Internet marketing program by becoming an active participant! We love to work with clients who can work with us to succeed in the local Internet marketing arena. Call us at 713-234-6346, and we’ll visit about how a collaborative process can bring you local Internet marketing success at a lower cost.
