Getting on top of a search page is not something that can be done overnight. With almost every business taking their marketing online, the battle to be part of the Google Local Pack is getting harder. The Google Local Pack is essentially the first 6-8 list results when performing an online search. For local businesses, being part of this is important, since it will give them more exposure to searchers.

Remember when you were trying to pick the best pizza house in your area? The results on your Google page was actually the local packs that are on top of the search. So how come your favorite pizza is not included on the list?

How to Start Your Campaign Online

For local business owners, certain things need to be done before you are able to reach the top of the search engine results page (SERP). A simple blog or article about your business is not enough. Here are some SEO techniques that you can use:

  • 1. Create your own website
  • 2. Check your NAP or name, address, and phone number of your business
  • 3. Check with major data providers to make sure your business is listed correctly
  • 4. Check local directories and make sure your business is listed

How to Step Up the Rank

To make your page more popular and get higher rankings, you need to have reviews. Search engines recognize reviews and take note of how customers trust the website. As an example, check most pages on top of your search; there are often the best businesses in town with the best reviews. To get better results, have reviews from the following sites:

  • – Google + Local
  • – Yelp
  • – Foursquare

Regardless of whether searchers are using Google or Bing, getting good reviews will make for a higher chance of being recognized.

Other Things to Consider

When creating a page, you don’t have to be too wordy. Just use the words that will help you to increase your rank. For example, put your exact and accurate business name and address. Simple things are often overlooked when trying to reach high goals, and these things are often missed:

  • 1. Adding business name, address and phone number on every page
  • 2. Using terms that are locally used like suburbs or neighborhood
  • 3. Adding local happenings that people in the area are familiar with
  • 4. Updating and adding new pages
  • 5. Using plugins like SEO plugins

The chance to reach the top of a local search is high if you follow these SEO best practices. We just need to put in extra effort in introducing our business to our customers, through the use of SEO and reviews. Remember, everyone is so competitive now, and moving to the Google Local Page at first hit can be your biggest advantage.