Category Archives: Local SEO

This is a collection of all Local Splash Blog posts that cover Local SEO

Mobile VS Desktop Search Differences

Last Updated On August 13th, 2014Local Maps SEO, Local SEO, Mobile Marketing, , , , , , , ,

desktopvsmobileLocal Splash Founder and CTO, David Rodecker, and other members of the Local Splash team have been researching the difference between desktop and mobile SERPs.

An early piece of this research shows that there is a difference between a search performed on a mobile device and a desktop computer even in the exact same location, signed into the exact same Google account and searching the exact same query. Here is the desktop version:

Google Desktop SERP for Fast Food

This is a fairly standard SERP with 3 organic results displaying before location results and surprisingly no Google Ads paid search results at the top. Now look at the difference between this page and the mobile page:

Android Mobile SERP Fast Food

There are several interesting differences between the results:

1. There are less organic search results before the location results on the mobile search. This is probably the least surprising difference. Google has been saying, for several months now, that 50% of searches have local intent so it comes as no surprise that mobile SERP’s cater to this switch in the way people search.

2. There is a significant difference in locations showing up between the two results. Both letter “A” results in mobile and desktop are Taco Bell, however they are different locations (the addresses are different). Not only that, but other than the first two, the entire pack of location result is different, which means that 6 out of 7 physical addresses are different between desktop and mobile search.

3. There is significant local mobile advertising, as shown in the lack of Google Ads ads on the desktop search compared to the two ads displayed in the mobile SERP. I think this may be the most fascinating thing in the search comparison. Even though the deceleration of desktop search and increase in mobile search and mobile ad revenues is one of Google’s worst kept secrets there is nothing like actually viewing it in the wild.

These factors seem to point to a localization of the results for mobile devices that takes us one step beyond desktop results.

Whether it’s mobile or desktop results, one thing is clear: local results are dominating the results page, which means it’s more important now than ever for businesses to focus on their local SEO strategies.

What local search queries are you noticing dramatic differences in for mobile and desktop?

How To: Clean Up Incorrect Listings and Increase Your Rankings

Last Updated On August 13th, 2014Local SEO, , , ,

cleanuplistings
If your Google listing is claimed and verified, but you still aren’t climbing the rankings like you had hoped you would, it may be duplicate or incorrect listings around the web that are holding you back. Cleaning up these listings can help you boost your rankings to the first page of Google. “Cleaning up” your listings is another way of saying, updating your listings to make sure they are consistent throughout the web.

First, you must identify the problem. Search for your business name on Google and check out the results that pop up. You will likely see a result for your Google+ Local listing as well as other local directory listings. If your business has been around a while, chances are it’s in a lot of directories that you may not even know about. These listings are unclaimed and unverified, so they are in danger of having incorrect or inconsistent information. When the information about your business around the web is inconsistent, Google has less trust in the business and will penalize it with lower rankings. This is why it’s important to find out where your business information is on the web and gain control of it by claiming and verifying listings.

Explore the listings and claim and verify each one. This can be done usually by clicking a button that says “manage this page” or “is this your business?” the exact wording varies from directory to directory. Edit these listings to make sure they have the correct address, phone number and other business information. Remember, the more information that is filled out, the more trustworthy the listing becomes. While editing addresses, remember, 1234 Harbor Blvd. is not the same as 1234 Harbor Boulevard. Although they are the same place, because boulevard is spelled out in one and abbreviated in another, Google sees it as an inconsistency and it will affect your rankings in a negative way.

Cleaning up your listings can be time consuming, especially if you have more than one business location. Local SEO companies like Local Splash can clean up your listings for you, so you have more time to focus on your customers.

This Valentine’s Day, Remember to Show Your Customers Love!

Local SEO, ,

For business owners, the worst break ups are with customers, especially if the customer takes to social media or review websites to vent about the issues that led to ending his/her relationship with you. This Valentine’s Day, remember, your customers are the reason you’re in business, so show them some love! The best relationships are those that are nurtured with care. Nowadays, social media gives business owners a direct line to connecting with their customers, social media networks! If you haven’t tried it, engage your customers on Facebook, Twitter or another social network of choice.

Check out this infographic from Marketing Profs with stats about customer break ups and tips for keeping your customers happy in your relationship. Happy Valentine’s Day!

BreakingUpIsHardToDo