The Importance of Local Search Listings

Local Search Listings on search engines should be a top consideration for every business. If there are any doubts let's clarify some basic facts:

1. Search Engine Companies (notably Google, Yahoo, MSN, Ask) are run by smart folks. If they create something like "local search", and keep it, then it's safe to assume that people like it and use it. Why purposely ignore the potential customers that use local search listings to find a supplier/vendor?

2. It's a free opportunity to leverage prime internet real estate to reach more prospects. Sure, you can also count on your website's ranking, or utilize pay per click advertising but why would you not want to take advantage of free advertising?

3. It is a great way to compensate for a website that is poorly optimized and does not have high, competitive organic search engine ranking. Your local listing is somethng you can set-up or claim/manage with little effort.

Every business owner should take the time to create their local listing or confirm and mange an existing listing. If you're too busy you can easily hire an internet marketing company to handle it for you at minimal cost.

A local listing typically includes the obvious name, phone and address info but also includes info that is important to consumers. You can list hours of operation, brands carried, payment options, include a business description and lots of other data.