WHAT'S NEW ON THE WEB?

Recently Google and Overture released test versions of their new geographic search options. Overture is currently testing localized search on its newly purchased property, AltaVista. Overture's local search demo permits users to enter a keyword, the state, city, and or zip code of the location they are seeking. Google's local search, called Search by Location, is set up in a similar manner and they have also partnered with Map Quest to be able to show local matches on a map.

Along with basic search engine optimization (SEO), if you have a geographically specific business you should be looking at localized SEO as well. There may be changes in how the search engines end up refining their local search technology, but it can still benefit you to do a few simple things...to get ahead of your local competition.

Place your address in a prominent place on your pages. The standard now is to use the bottom of the page for address information - your location didn't used to make a difference. The new local search options could change that, so put your address information in a more prominent position, closer to the top of the page.

Place city and state information in your meta and title tags.

Add information about your local area to your page content. Information and links to other important areas of your city may help boost your search engine ranking.

Many small businesses do not have a web site and won't be included in these search results causing them to lose untold prospective customers.

Every day more of your potential customers turn away from newspapers and the yellow pages in favor of locating their needed service on the internet. Do you have a product or service to offer? Don't be left behind! Take advantage of our small business owner's special, it's everything you need to get your internet marketing program off the ground.

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