If you’re a regular reader of the Blizzard Internet Marketing Newsletter blog, you probably already know how important Local Search has become. There are still great opportunities for travel, tourism, lodging, and hospitality businesses in the local search arena, since businesses are just starting to catch on and realize the benefits.

Some important facts:

• About 30% of all searches are made with Local intent, which means the searcher is looking for a result tied to a specific geographic location.
• Mobile search, which is poised for rapid growth, will serve up Local Search Engine results. If you can’t be found in Local Searches, you won’t be found in Mobile Search, either.
• When most Local Searches are made, the displayed results are not links to websites, but rather business profiles. Surprisingly, a well-performing website might not help you at all in Local Searches. Instead, you need a well-optimized profile.
• The Local Search arena is very fragmented. It takes a lot of time and effort to get all of the correct information about your business into the proper places and to keep it up to date. It even takes a lot of time to keep up with where you need to place your information.

Ready for do-it-yourself local search submissions? Roll up your sleeves and start with the big three of Local Search. Matt, at Small Business SEM has created these quick-start guides to help you navigate your way through the process:

Google Maps Guide (aka Google Local)

Yahoo Local Guide

MSN Local Guide

Whether you pay someone else to maximize your presence in the Local Search platforms or handle it on your own, you need to do it - and sooner rather than later - or you risk being left in the dust by your competitors. Blizzard has an ideal solution for getting found in Local Searches - Blizzard Local Search. Contact your Promotion account manager or team, or info@blizzardinternet.com, if you’re interested in learning more.

Mary Bowling - Blizzard Internet Marketing, Inc.

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Categories: SEO.
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