20 Best Local Search Resources (2011) for SEO

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Local search engine optimization (SEO) is an industry all on its own. If you are a local brick and mortar business, you want potential customers to see your business listed first in the local search results, and you want your website listed at the top of the standard search results.

Not only will you have to optimize your website for important terms related to your business, but you will also have to create a dozen or so business profiles for your company. You should optimize those as well by including descriptive terms in your business description, using your store front address, and keeping your profile updated and active.

The point of this article is not reveal our specific local search optimization strategy, but to give you a list of business listing opportunities that will help you rank higher in the SERPs. Here's the list:

1. Google Places

   Google Places Registration Page
   Setup gmail, enter Places info, confirm if necessary.

2. Yahoo Local

   Yahoo Local Registration Page
   Basic and paid enhanced listings.

3. Bing Business Portal

   Bing Business Portal Registration Page
   

4. Yelp

   Yelp Registration Page
   

5. SuperPages

   SuperPages Registration Page
   Optional paid guaranteed clicks.

6. YellowPages

   YellowPages Registration Page
   AKA: YP.com, AT&T advertising Optional paid listings.

7. CitySearch

   CitySearch Registration Page
   Aka: City Grid Media

8. InsiderPages

   InsiderPages Registration Page
   Business listings and reviews.

9. Kudzu

   Kudzu Registration Page
   Business listings and review. Premium paid listings available.

10. Express Update USA

    Express Update USA Registration Page
    Formerly InfoUSA. Data distribution.

11. Merchant Circle

    Merchant Circle Registration Page
    Blog, reviews, connect with other merchants.

12. Localeze

    Localeze Registration Page
    Data distribution and 2nd tier local search provider.

13. Trip Advisor

    Trip Advisor Registration Page
    Suitable for local service providers.

14. Local.com

    Local.com Registration Page
    Optional paid premium listing.

15. Qype

    Qype Registration Page
    Reviews and business listings.

16. Angie's List

    Angie's List Registration Page
    

17. DexKnows

    DexKnows Registration Page
    Unsure what the setup process entails - have to request a Dex One consultant to get listed.

18. iBegin

    iBegin Registration Page
    

19. Judy's Book

    Judy's Book Registration Page
    Paid listings only.

20. Local SEO Tips

    Local Search Ranking Factors