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SEO citations for agencies.

For many years, citation building has remained a trusted SEO strategy. Agencies leverage comprehensive listing management services to demonstrate their business clients’ authority and relevance, leading to increased search visibility. But with much of the SEO community focused on the next new trends, proven techniques like citation building can fall out of favor. Let’s examine why citations still matter for local presence.

What Are Citations?

Local citations are mentions of a business’ details on directories, review sites, blogs and other platforms. The core business details included in a listing are the name, address and phone number (NAP), but plenty of additional information could be included.

Citations included on directories, mapping platforms and similar sites are called structured citations, while references to a business in an article are called unstructured citations.

How Do Citations Work?

Google and other search engines use citations as a factor to determine search rankings. If a business has a high volume of quality, relevant citations, this validates the organization and increases its perceived trust.

How much do citations matter for SEO? As you may know, this subject is widely debated in the world of SEO. And while some people feel citations are less influential than they once were, the consensus is that they still offer significant value.

For example, Whitespark’s Local Search Ranking Factors 2023 survey included citation signals as one of the seven most important factors in both the local pack and local organic ranking factors. Crucially, how you approach citations will determine how much weight Google attributes to these mentions.

The Advice Local Approach to Listing Management

As we recently discussed, all directories are not created equal. The days of amassing links from low-quality directories are long gone, and such listings will only harm your clients’ search visibility. Today, quality and consistency must drive your approach to citation building.

In terms of quality, this means using listing platforms that have been heavily researched and that maintain the highest standards. And for consistency, business data must be the same across all sites, as discrepancies absolutely weaken trust levels with Google.

At Advice Local, we help agencies maintain the highest standards of citations, and we do this through our Data Amplifier Network. Our network of listing sites includes leading data aggregators like Foursquare, major search platforms like Google and Yelp, premier directories like YP, voice search providers like Alexa, niche-specific vertical directories and the leading GPS mapping platforms.

We enable agencies to claim and create a network of business listings and modify them from a single platform in real time. And with BrightLocal reporting that 62% of consumers would avoid a business if they found incorrect information, this ability to make fast changes shouldn’t be underestimated.

Why Citation Building Helps Businesses Increase Search Visibility

A Backlinko SEO study found that the first position in Google has an average of 3.8 times more backlinks than positions 2 to 10. Of course, backlinks are essential for SEO, but they must have authority and relevance to offer value.

Working with the trusted partner sites in our Data Amplifier Network will ensure that a business develops a strong backlink profile without sacrificing quality. And if business data changes, real-time updates deliver quickly to prevent a loss of trust.

The Essential Guide to #Business #Citations for #SEO by @BernieColeman
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Premier Citation Building and Listing Management Services for Agencies

Advice Local provides the leading listing management and local presence solutions for agencies and local marketers. For the easiest way to build and manage citations, try our business listings management dashboard today. Call (214) 310-1356 or request a demo now.

The post The Essential Guide to Business Citations for SEO appeared first on Advice Local.

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Reviews for Google Maps visibility.

While many factors influence visibility in Google Maps, having positive reviews is one of the most important. With the release of Advice Local’s Review Monitoring Tool we’ve simplified the process of tracking and responding to customer responses. But just why should agencies be focused on reviews, and how do reviews impact Maps visibility?

Assessing the Impact of Reviews on Google Maps Visibility

Remember when we discussed the magic trio and the factors that impacted Google Maps ranking? Reviews play a crucial role in this visibility. And when you respond to reviews, you’re sending a signal to consumers and to search engines that also helps improve visibility.

The Review Monitoring Tool itself doesn’t get a business more reviews – but when a business responds to reviews it encourages more customers to visit the business, and to then submit their own reviews. By getting more positive reviews, the business will appear more often in search and maps.

According to the Local Search Ranking Factors report, reviews make up 17% of the Local Ranking Factor. In fact, the local SEO experts who contributed to the report identified reviews as being the third most important factor determining local visibility in local map results.

Consequently, when your local clients have limited numbers of reviews (or an overall negative impression), a core element of the magic trio – prominence – will not be met. Of course, occasional negative reviews are just part of doing business, so we make monitoring Google Business Profile reviews easy so you can quickly resolve most situations.

Reviews Offer Relevance

Alongside prominence, relevance is another one of the magic trio to consider. The content of reviews offers insight into products, services and locations. This added relevance increases the chances of Google Maps visibility across many local searches.

Essentially, every time a customer leaves a review it becomes additional content related to your client’s business. The feedback, along with the response from the business, adds to the conversation about the brand, reaping benefits in visibility and reputation.

Review Responsiveness Matters

The Semrush Local SEO Rankings Study found that the average ratings for the top three Google Maps rankings were over 4.1. In addition, there was a correlation between the total number of reviews and the top-placed site.

Clearly, getting a consistent flow of positive reviews matters when it comes to Google Maps visibility. And if we turn to BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey 2023, we can see that the leading review factor influencing consumers to use a business was whether the business owner responds to reviews – positive or negative.

So, a business willing to respond quickly to reviews can expect a great number of customers. Many of these customers will then add their own reviews, creating a positive cycle of feedback and responsiveness. And inevitably, this satisfies Google’s desire for review positivity, recency and volume.

Reviews Signal Trust to Consumers

While reviews are a vital trust signal, both consumers and search engines are increasingly able to spot fake reviews. Authenticity is crucial for appealing to customers, and the best way to demonstrate credibility is by being present with responses to feedback.

And remember, Google Maps is only one platform in the mapping apps ecosystem. With our listing management services your clients are placed in Apple Maps, Waze, TomTom and many more, so these businesses can reach consumers on the platform they use.

The Impact #Reviews Have on Visibility in #Google #Maps by @BernieColeman #SEO
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Try Our Review Monitoring Tool for Local Agencies

If you’re an agency or marketer providing SEO services for local businesses, Advice Local is here to help. Our review monitoring tool and complete dashboard solution makes increasing local search visibility easy. Call (214) 310-1356 or request a demo now.

The post The Impact Reviews Have on Visibility in Google Maps appeared first on Advice Local.

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Yelp review monitoring.

Yelp is widely recognized as one of the most influential review-based online directories for businesses. As you may know, Advice Local helps agency partners monitor reviews online from Yelp and other vitally important platforms. But why is monitoring and responding to reviews so necessary? Let’s look at the reasons agencies need a review monitoring process for their clients.

The Importance of Monitoring and Responding to Yelp Reviews

If you aren’t yet monitoring client reviews, it might be the perceived time and resources required that’s standing in your way. But with the right approach, review monitoring is fast – and the results are undeniable.

Bad Reviews Lose Customers

Consumers use Yelp to search for local restaurants, bars, hair salons, auto repair shops and other service businesses. These service businesses rely on reviews as there is fierce competition in most towns and cities. When a client receives a series of negative reviews, the volume and recency of that feedback could quickly lead to a downturn in business. As a remedy, tracking reviews allows you to act promptly and resolve issues.

Yelp Gets Strong Search Rankings

Have you performed Google searches for your local clients recently? It’s likely that a Yelp listing was on the first page, and possibly in one of the first few spots. As a popular platform on Google, Bing and other search engines, Yelp is one of the first things that a consumer in research mode will see.

Monitoring Reviews Is Easy

We recently discussed how we make monitoring Google Business Profile reviews easy with our latest tool. The same elements of convenient tracking, detailed insights, adaptable notifications and fast response times work equally as well for Yelp reviews. We also include Yelp public edits for free with our listing distribution services, meaning we take care of completing key business information for you.

Yelp Reviews Are Integrated With Apple Maps

Yelp is an extremely popular platform with a reach that goes beyond its own website. For instance, Apple Maps augments each business listing with Yelp reviews, allowing users to get quick insights into customer feedback. Naturally, Apple Maps is the default mapping platform on iOS.

Yelp Reviews Can Inform Business Decisions

Monitoring reviews also has some practical benefits for agencies and business clients. The ability to track reviews in real time, see what is being said and determine the overall perspective from a consumer point of view is invaluable.

Fast Responses Prevent Reputational Damage

A significant number of negative reviews on prominent platforms is one of the quickest ways to cause reputational harm to a business. However, many of the issues that led to bad feedback are resolvable with a fast response. In most cases, turning a dissatisfied customer into a happy one just requires a quick and sincere reply.

Responding to Reviews Builds Trust

Reviews are one of the pillars of trust building online. As marketers have long understood, genuine customer responses are worth their weight in gold, and likely result in repeat business. And now, with the help of our listing management services and review monitoring tool, agencies can stay on top of a business’ reputation and build long-lasting consumer trust.

Why #Yelp #Reviews Need Monitoring & Responding To by @BernieColeman #SEO
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Access Our Yelp Review Monitoring Tool

Advice Local helps local marketers and agencies track client reviews, distribute data to top directories and increase local search presence. If you want an easy way to monitor Yelp reviews, why not try our dashboard solution today? Call (214) 310-1356 or request a demo now.

The post Why Yelp Reviews Need Monitoring & Responding To appeared first on Advice Local.

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How to monitor Google Business Profile reviews.

Alongside factors like local proximity and on-page signals, Google Business Profile (GBP) reviews are integral to improving local search visibility. In response, Advice Local has recently launched our review monitoring tool to help our agency partners with this time-consuming task by simplifying the review monitoring process. Here are just some of the ways we have made GBP review monitoring more efficient.

4 Ways to Simplify Google Business Profile Review Monitoring

Partners with active business listings management with us can access review monitoring in our dashboard at no additional cost during the beta. And while our solution covers a network of platforms, GBP is naturally a priority for most agencies and their local business clients.

1. Track Google Business Profile Reviews

For many consumers, customer reviews will massively impact their first interaction with a business. For example, a person searches for a local dentist, lawyer or plumber, and your client’s listing appears in the resulting local pack. Everything from the star rating to the details of the reviews could then influence whether or not the sale goes through.

Our review monitoring tool makes it easy to stay on track of GBP customer sentiment by collating the information within the dashboard. Agencies can track reviews as they come in, follow a troubleshooting process – and ensure a client does not suffer any long-term reputation issues.

2. Get Notifications for Every Google Business Profile Review

We recently discussed the importance of monitoring reviews, including the value of building trust and credibility. And in this process, the many benefits of speed is one aspect that must be highlighted. Consumers have grown used to contacting businesses through social media or chatbots and getting fast responses.

And rapidly responding to reviews is no different, as a fast response to positive and negative feedback helps clients and the business itself. This is exactly why we provide notifications for easy review monitoring automation. With daily, weekly and monthly review alerts, agencies and clients get the GBP information needed to deliver a more rapid response.

3. Get Insights About Business Reviews

Review monitoring covers more than simply tracking individual reviews. Agencies also need a big-picture view of customer responses on GBP and other platforms over various time periods. Access to this review data makes it possible to more easily identify areas for improvement. For example, is the business getting enough reviews, and are ratings staying consistent – or getting worse?

Our review monitoring tool offers data at a glance, making it easy to determine a course of action. Let’s say your client is getting more reviews on Yelp than on Google. You could then speak with the client and modify the approach to requesting client feedback.

4. Respond Quickly to Google Business Profile Reviews

Data from BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey identified that only 12% of people would not be affected by a business owner responding to positive and negative reviews. In reality, most consumers absolutely want to see a responsive business that’s willing to interact quickly.

As part of our listing management services we distribute business data far and wide. Crucially, many platforms (including GBP) no longer want the static listings of old. Knowing this, businesses need to treat platforms such as GBP the same as social media sites – and review responses are part of this. Using our tool, we allow you to respond immediately by clicking directly to access a review.

How We Make Monitoring Google Business Profile #Reviews Easy by @BernieColeman #SEO #GBP
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Get Easy Access to Advice Local’s Review Monitoring Tool

Advice Local’s dashboard solution is used by marketers and local agencies to track client reviews, distribute business listings, monitor local search data and many more tasks. Try our local presence management tools and see how much time you can save. Call (214) 310-1356 or request a demo today.

The post How We Make Monitoring Google Business Profile Reviews Easy appeared first on Advice Local.

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Review monitoring for local businesses.

As digital agencies and local marketers know all too well, online reputation is a critical driving force in the success of a business. Advice Local’s review monitoring tool was developed to empower agencies with fast, convenient tracking of customer sentiment. But for those agencies not yet monitoring reviews, or struggling to communicate their importance to clients, it’s absolutely worth examining why it matters so much.

Why Monitoring Local Business Reviews Is Crucial

Reviews have taken on greater importance as more consumers turn to Google and other platforms before investing in products and services. Here are just some of the reasons why review monitoring can drive local business success.

Consumers Check Local Reviews

When was the last time you made a purchase without first researching online? From checking the star rating on an Amazon product to browsing Facebook for customer reviews, we are constantly looking for signs of positive customer experiences. Monitoring reviews helps agencies track what consumers see when they research a business.

Trust and Credibility Drive Sales

According to BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey 2023, 87% of consumers used Google to evaluate local businesses last year. Most people feel some amount of resistance before making a purchase, and want to see signs of trust and credibility before taking the final step. By monitoring reviews, agencies can identify the friction points that could prevent sales.

Responding to Reviews Improves a Business’ Reputation

The same survey also highlighted that 88% of consumers are likely to use a business when they can see it responds to reviews. Responding to reviews clearly identifies an engaged company, one that’s focused on customer satisfaction. When you understand how to automate review monitoring, it’s possible to streamline responses and improve your client’s reputation.

Reviews Influence Search Rankings

Earlier this year we discussed the local search ranking factors that matter in 2023. The data suggests that of the 149 possible local pack ranking factors, reviews ranked as third-most important, with a weighted attribution of 17%. In short, if you want a business to rank in Google’s local pack, they will need a consistent stream of positive customer reviews.

Stand Out in a Crowded Marketplace

While the need to monitor and respond to reviews is now more widely acknowledged, most businesses are still not doing it. Taking these steps for your business clients is an easy way to stand out in many local industries. Consumers have options, and displaying greater accessibility and engagement is one way to drive home your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Learn From Customer Reviews

Monitoring reviews offers valuable feedback that can help refine business decisions. For example, our Review Monitoring Tool provides a recency score, allowing clients to identify trends in customer sentiment (along with links to each specific review). By monitoring individual reviews and the big picture opinion, businesses can improve the customer experience.

Reviews Boost Local Citations

To increase local search visibility, businesses need a presence across a network of directories, social platforms and review sites. Our listing management services distribute business data to a range of popular platforms, while review monitoring can identify customer sentiment on specific sites. This process means that agencies can build and promote citations across a network of platforms that all contribute to increased visibility.

The Importance of Monitoring #Reviews for Your Clients by @BernieColeman #SEO
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Expert Review Monitoring Tool for Agencies

Advice Local makes it easy to track customer sentiment with our review monitoring tool for agencies. Try our dashboard solution for access to the leading local presence management solutions. For more information, call (214) 310-1356 or request a demo today.

The post The Importance of Monitoring Reviews for Your Clients appeared first on Advice Local.

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Review monitoring tool features.

Reviews are the cornerstone of local marketing, helping build trust with consumers, increase search visibility – and a whole lot more. With the release of our new Review Monitoring Tool we have simplified many of the processes that go into review management, allowing agencies to save time and deliver more for their clients. But why exactly is review monitoring so important, and how does our tool help?

What Is Advice Local’s Review Monitoring Tool?

The Review Monitoring Tool is a new feature in the Advice Local dashboard. Agency partners can track client reviews at a glance, accessing customer feedback on numerous review platforms. With valuable data and notifications, users have the information needed to monitor customer sentiment and take appropriate action.

Main Features of Our Review Monitoring Tool

The tool’s features are designed to help you move fast, based on data that really matters.

Multi-Platform Review Monitoring

The tool collects reviews from a range of sources including Google, Yelp, Judy’s Book, Brownbook, ShowMeLocal and more. Users can get a broad overview of aggregate scores or drill down to a specific platform.

Why You Need to Monitor Multiple Platforms

Reviews are important for local SEO, acting as a signal of authority and trustworthiness. Monitoring various sites lets agencies and businesses develop an overall picture of customer sentiment and identify platforms that need more promotion.

Respond to Customers

All new customer reviews are added into the dashboard with a link that takes you directly to the platform. This convenience makes it easy to respond to customers.

Why You Should Respond to Customer Reviews

Replying to both positive and negative reviews is crucial for a brand’s reputation. With a fast response, it’s often possible to resolve a negative experience, secure repeat business – and signal to other consumers that the company values its customers and engages with them.

Data Analysis

The Review Monitoring Tool collects usable data, including an overall review score, ratings (in the last 30 days and over six months), a recency score and more. A quick glance at the dashboard provides an immediate impression of brand reputation.

Why Review Data Matters

Data lets businesses identify issues and make smart decisions. Agencies can use the data to advise clients on improved review management strategies.

Scheduled Notifications

Users can set up daily, weekly or monthly notifications for all new reviews. Simply add an email to stay informed of all reviews for each client, and even message the client directly.

How Review Notifications Help Agencies

Notifications enable a fast response to reviews and the ability to address and resolve negative experiences. And as with all of our listing management services, agencies have a straightforward way to keep clients informed. Notifications automate client communication for those who want regular updates.

Accessing the Review Monitoring Tool Is Easy

To access the review monitoring tool, simply log in to your partner dashboard, select a business for which you have active listing distribution, then select the Review tab.

Advice Local's Review Monitoring Tool Overview

From there, you’ll want to select Configure Notifications to set up how you want to be notified when your client receives a new review.

Advice Local's Review Monitoring Tool Configuration

This review monitoring solution will better equip your clients to respond quickly to negative and positive reviews.

How to Automate Review Monitoring and Why It Matters by @BernieColeman #SEO
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Try Our Review Monitoring Tool for Agencies and Local Marketers

At Advice Local, we create local presence marketing tools that agencies love. Try our Review Monitoring Tool and comprehensive dashboard solution today. Call (214) 310-1356 or request a demo.

The post How to Automate Review Monitoring and Why It Matters appeared first on Advice Local.

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Local SEO factors for businesses.

The long-term fate of businesses is increasingly influenced by their ability to build a local search presence. In the current climate, using listing management services, generating customer reviews – and increasing search visibility – will help businesses thrive.

In contrast, as consumers turn to their smartphones for recommendations and reviews, traditions like word-of-mouth just do not offer the results they did in the past. For digital agencies, the ability to recognize high-value strategies and communicate them to clients is more important than ever.

Why Local SEO Is Critical for Local Business Success

A recent study by BrightLocal indicated that the number of consumers using Google to evaluate local businesses in 2022 had risen to 87%. Both data and anecdotal experience all point to the same thing – that without a search presence, local businesses are destined to struggle. Fortunately, by tapping into the local search ecosystem, agencies are perfectly positioned to impact a business’ visibility.

What Local SEO Factors Impact Search Visibility?

As we have seen, local businesses need SEO to reach consumers. But foundational practices like on-page optimization won’t be enough to overcome tough competition. Let’s look at some of the approaches specific to local search marketing.

Leverage Data Aggregators

Data aggregators collect information about businesses and submit it to an extensive network of sources. By leveraging the power of platforms like Data Axle and Foursquare, a client’s business data reaches local search engines, GPS navigation systems, mapping apps, directories and more.

Why is this approach important? Well, one reason was made clear in a post by Mike Blumenthal at Near Media. A recent guidelines update from Google advised that they use third-party sources to check whether a Google Business Profile (GBP) is in good standing.

Mike notes that “this is the first time Google has essentially confirmed that they use trusted data sources such as DataAxle (varies by country) to judge whether a business is eligible.”

Data aggregators are an important pillar of a business’ local SEO strategy. We always knew this, and after all these years it’s great to see Google finally acknowledge that they highly trust the data from these sources.

Focus On Quality Directories

Countless directories accept business submissions, but the quality platforms with high domain authority will offer the best search visibility returns. At Advice Local, we submit to a collection of premier directories – called data enhancers – that are trusted by Google and have their own community of users. Examples of these quality platforms include BubbleLife, BrownBook and eLocal.

Expand Reach With Listing Distribution

Citations have been a key component of local presence management for many years. But submitting to data aggregators, directories and other platforms requires a systemized approach. Listing distribution typically combines manual and automated submissions to ensure accuracy across the network of sites, along with compliance with each listing platform’s guidelines.

Consistency Throughout the Local Search Ecosystem

Incorrect business data is a problem for local SEO, reducing trust in Google’s ability to deliver accurate information to searchers. Therefore, the ability to apply real-time updates across the network is essential. At Advice Local, we use technology to tackle the need for consistency. Our Enhanced GBP Tool for Agencies includes a client data sync, while our Data Amplifier Network incorporates real-time updates and modifications to client data.

Why Local #SEO Matters and the Factors Impacting #Visibility by @BernieColeman
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Leading SEO Tools and Services for Local Agencies

Advice Local develops SEO and local presence management tools for agencies and marketers. Our dashboard solution and Data Amplifier Network helps agency partners increase search visibility for local business clients. To learn more about our range of solutions, call (214) 310-1356 or request a demo today.

The post Why Local SEO Matters and the Factors Impacting Visibility appeared first on Advice Local.

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Business listings optimization tips.

Building a substantial presence in the search engines is a primary concern for most local businesses. At Advice Local, we have consistently helped local agencies deliver top search rankings for clients using our high-quality listing management services. And one thing this experience has taught us – a proven listing optimization approach is crucial for building local presence. So how can an agency optimize business listings for increased local SERP presence?

Top 10 Local Business Listings Optimization Tips

The sheer number of search ranking factors and their continuous evolution makes any optimization strategy complex. But the following 10 business listings tips offer a good foundation for long-term success in Google, Bing and other platforms.

1. Consistent NAP Details

A business’ name, address and phone number (NAP) should be identical across all directories. This consistency helps search engines validate your business’ identity, which can improve your rankings.

2. Create Comprehensive Listings

Make sure to fill out all the available fields in each directory. This info includes business hours, services offered, photos and more. The more information you provide, the easier it is for the search engines to list a business for targeted searches.

3. Business Categories

Choose the most relevant categories for the business in each directory. Accurate categorization helps the platform (and its users) understand precisely what a business does. As we recently discussed, accuracy is an important metric when it comes to owning local presence for a business.

4. Detailed Business Descriptions

Listings platforms typically provide the opportunity to create a business description. Make full use of the available space, adding relevant keywords associated with the business’ industry and location.

5. Develop a Review Policy

A review policy is absolutely required to gain and maintain search engine prominence. Start by encouraging customers to leave reviews on popular business listings platforms like Google, Facebook and Yelp. You will also need to respond to clients’ reviews (positive and negative) to show responsiveness and build trust for the business.

6. Use High-Quality Multimedia

Listings with photos generally attract more interest than those without. Include high-quality images of the business’ premises, products or services to attract interest and improve the click-through rate from the SERPS. In addition, using videos can increase dwell time and engagement with the listing.

7. Add a Q&A

Answering user questions is an excellent way to enhance a profile and offer real value to visitors. By producing an evergreen Q&A section, users can get quick answers and increase their engagement with the profile.

8. Leverage Special Features

Some platforms offer special features, such as GBP Posts or Bing Announcements. Take advantage of these features to attract more attention to a listing.

9. Use Attributes

Attributes are short descriptions added to business listings that convey helpful information. For example, some GBP attributes include family-friendly, outdoor dining, free WiFi, wheelchair accessible and so on. When you add relevant attributes to a client’s profile, you can increase click-through rates and lead targeted consumers to that profile.

10. Make Regular Updates

Keep your listings information up-to-date. For example, when the business hours change, immediately update this information on all directories. At Advice Local, we offer real-time submissions and updates to a broad range of platforms included in our Data Amplifier Network.

Why Local Businesses Need #SEO by @BernieColeman
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Access Leading Listing Management Services

Advice Local helps agencies and marketers optimize local business listings for greater local presence. For help with Google Business Profile management and data syndication, try our dashboard solution today. Call (214) 310-1356 or request a demo now.

The post 10 Tips to Optimize Business Listings for SERP Domination appeared first on Advice Local.

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SEO for local businesses.

Building a strong local presence online in 2023 is only possible with a comprehensive and personalized SEO strategy. Through the integration of listing management services, customer reviews, on-page ranking signals and other factors, local businesses can reach their ideal customer base and secure more sales. But for digital agencies, explaining to business owners why they need SEO services is not always easy.

The Main Reasons Why Local Businesses Need SEO

SEO for local businesses offers a high return on investment that shows no signs of slowing down. As an agency owner, the following reasons can demonstrate to business owners why they need your services.

Increased Local Presence

During the research phase of the buying cycle, consumers turn to search engines, review sites and directories. Agencies can help local clients get found at this stage through local SEO strategies and listing management. Essentially, with a high-quality, relevant backlink profile, local websites increase their discoverability.

Drive Traffic to Offers

Traffic is one of the key pillars of online sales. In order to drive consistent traffic to a sales page, the business’ website must be optimized. Local on-page optimization involves keyword research, title and meta tags, engaging content, internal linking and geographical indicators.

Increased Brand Awareness

The ability to build positive brand recognition is an important reason for owning local presence for a business. Agencies can help clients increase brand awareness by claiming and optimizing platforms like Google Business Profile (GBP), Bing Places and Yelp. With access to these popular platforms it’s possible to respond to reviews, monitor false information and build a positive brand profile.

Better Conversion Rates

As digital marketers know, incremental improvements can make a big difference to a business’ bottom line. On-page optimization is one of the first ways to improve a conversion rate. This involves testing different calls to action, speeding up loading times, adding social proof and other techniques. You can also increase conversions by successfully pre-selling consumers on GBP and other directory sites.

Lower Customer Acquisition Costs

On-page optimization, off-page optimization and local SEO require some upfront costs. However, through data analysis and optimization, agencies can gradually help businesses reduce these customer acquisition costs. Each stage in the sales funnel can be improved, thus reducing the overall cost of gaining a new customer.

Authority Leads to Accelerated Growth

The time and resources you invest into growing a brand’s authority delivers compound gains over time. For example, by building strong GBP, Bing, Yelp and Google Search profiles, a business can build trust and become recognized as an authority. And from the earned trust of users and search engines, when you publish new content it automatically has an advantage.

Google Local Pack Visibility

Google’s local pack offers the most targeted traffic for a business – searchers are typically in the local area and have searched for a keyword in your industry. Agencies can help local businesses here by effectively maintaining and improving their GBP. Using our Enhanced GBP Tool for Agencies, agency partners can sync the profile to monitor data accuracy and analyze the Google Authority Score. This attention to detail can increase a business’ chances of local pack search visibility.

Why Local Businesses Need #SEO by @BernieColeman
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Access SEO and Listing Management Services for Local Agencies

Advice Local provides high-quality SEO and local presence management tools for digital agencies and marketing partners. Our listing management solutions and Data Amplifier Network can help your local business clients achieve greater search visibility and make more sales. Call (214) 310-1356 or request a demo today.

The post Why Local Businesses Need SEO appeared first on Advice Local.

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Local business listings cleanup.

In recent years, local presence has become critical for a business’ success. As more consumers conduct searches before buying, listing management services are necessary to maintain consistent and accurate data. And most established brands have a substantial online footprint – one that’s not always easy to monitor. But with such high stakes involving outdated or incorrect information, cleaning up business listings is a necessity, not a luxury.

Why Accurate Business Listings Are so Important

When a potential customer searches for a business online, the information they find will affect the foundation of trust. Inaccurate listings can erode trust, as consumers can question the credibility of an organization that cannot properly manage its information. In addition, a bad address, outdated opening hours, or inaccurate product list will easily create a negative user experience.

We know that Google uses business listings as one of the primary factors that determine local search rankings. Consistency in NAP (name, address and phone number) information across various platforms boosts your local SEO, helping you rank higher in search results. The existence of inaccurate data reflects poorly on search engines. Therefore, if Google cannot verify the information is correct, they will likely promote a competitor instead.

How to Audit Business Listings

Our citation cleanup infographic details the main steps in identifying inaccurate business listing data. Essentially, you can take a couple of quick actions to get started.

Conduct a Manual Search

Start by searching for your client’s brand on different search engines and record the information listed. Input NAP details separately to find instances of old or outdated business addresses or phone numbers.

Utilize Listing Audit Tools

For a far quicker and more comprehensive look at business listings, try our free Online Visibility Report tool. A search presents a snapshot of your client’s local presence and will deliver key insights into their local visibility. Simply run a free check – our technology will do the hard work for you.

The Tools Needed to Manage Business Listings

Google Business Profile

Google is the leader in local search, and the first choice for most consumers that are researching companies. Claiming and optimizing a Google Business Profile (GBP) gives business owners and their agency partners greater control over the information displayed on Google Search and Maps.

Aggregator Submission Tools

Data aggregators like Localeze, Data Axle and Foursquare compile business information and distribute it to directories, local search platforms and other outlets. By distributing business data through a handful of publishers, you can ensure the information is correct.

Listing Management Services

Advice Local helps agencies with the services they need to deliver for clients. Our listing management solution uses APIs and manual submissions to submit to the top directories, while our Data Amplifier Network distributes to data aggregators, amplifiers, GPS services and more. Also, our GBP Sync and Auto-Rejection tools help you maintain control of Google business listings.

Strategies for Cleaning Up Business Listings

  • Identify and Claim Duplicates – Claim listings to take control of the profile and apply up-to-date information.
  • Merge or Delete Duplicates – When you find a duplicate listing, merge the two profiles or delete the least accurate listing.
  • Duplicate Suppression – A good listing management company can suppress duplicate listings that have bad data in them, making it much easier for you as an agency owner.
  • Stay Updated on Best Practices – Ideas about listing cleanup can change. Stay up-to-date with our Complete Guide to Local Citation Audit and Cleanup download.
  • Run Regular Audits – Business data won’t always remain static, so schedule periodic client audits.

How to Identify and Clean Up Local Business Listings by @BernieColeman #SEO
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