No, it's not another sugary cereal for kids, it's about getting found among the billions of web pages on the Internet. Today's Internet surfers are getting more savvy if not down-right aggravated. They are learning how to narrow down millions of results down to a few hundred or less, with more specific searching. Search engines are listening to, with most offering local based web searching to help users and consumers find what they're looking for and not get lost in the spam. This brings up a few points of interest that have been raised by several members lately. Myself and other member have launched our own local directories. This has a mutli-fold benefit. Foremost, their community benefits from the geographic specific directory. Their local business have another way of getting found on the Internet, whether they have a website or not. Finally, whether intended or not, these site owners have located a pot of gold with great community relations and, potential customers and advertisers. Other members have been asking about getting listed in the local search engine directories offered by the Big 3. To this, I reply quite plainly and honestly, "You're stupid if you don't." Many are still in the beta stage but accepting entries to populate and evaluate the tool. Getting listed has some great benefits. First, as mentioned, Internet surfers are getting smarter at searching; learning to be more specific and use search "operators" to narrow the field of results. Many times, these narrowing techniques include adding a geographical specific term to their search, or trying out the local search offered by the favorite engine. Secondly, even though the Internet and eCommerce is global, many consumers still like to do business locally, even if it's on the web. Others have raised some other great points about including geographic or region specific terms in your web page title, description and keyword elements, and your content. No need to rehash the benefits listed above. Even if you are not inclined to launch your own local directory, you should see if you can get listed in local directories. On the web: Google Local MSN Local Yahoo Local Happy Surfing!
Today's Internet surfers are getting more savvy if not down-right aggravated. Maybe, but I've been on the Internet since nearly day one and this is my first encounter with google local. But, like you, I acknowledge that this may be increasingly popular.
An update and added bonus: I got a postcard in the mail after signing up a site for Google Local that contained the necessary PIN/activation of the listing; it came with $25 Free Google AdWords Credit!