Tag Archives: local seo service

Local SEO expert, Andrew Shotland, recently wrote an article about the four keys to post-panda directory success. We found it informative and wanted to share his tips with our readers! Here are the key takeaways from his article on Search Engine Land.

  1. Quality: Make sure to submit to high quality directories. Usually this means paid niche directories, however some unpaid directories are high quality. Make sure the directory is Google indexed and stay away from directories that don’t have an editorial process or are full of ads.
  1. Relevance: Make sure the directories you are submitting to have a relevant category for your business. If you are visiting a directory that is all about hair and beauty and you stumble upon a listing for a car dealership, you’re going to lose trust in that directory. Google loses trust in them too. In fact it has been actively de-indexing directories that allow irrelevant listings. Bottom line, relevance is important, so make sure to submit your listing to directories that relate to your business.
  1. Diversity: It’s important to have a diverse link profile meaning, directory submissions are not enough. You must make sure to use various deep links as well as write several titles, descriptions and keywords and alternate between them when submitting. Using the same title, description and keywords for each submission could get you penalized by Google, so remember, variety is key.
  1. Timing: Instead of submitting to hundreds of directories at once and hoping that some accept your listing, in this post-panda era it’s a good idea to submit to relevant niche directories over the course of a few months.

What techniques do you use when submitting to directories?

Photo from Official Google Blog

Today, Google launched its new Google Offers app for iPhone on its official blog. iPhone users can now find, buy and redeem Google Offers in their area from their mobile phones. Here are some of the key features of Google Offers for iPhone:

  • iPhone users can find offers near them in map view or search for deals by category
  • There is no need to print a voucher, users can buy and redeem their offers with their iPhone instantly
  • Users can track purchased and saved offers in “My Offers” online or on the iPhone
  • Users can get notifications sent to their iPhones when new deals become available in their area or when a deal they’ve purchased is about to expire

If you’re like many brands, your company is on both Facebook and Twitter social networks. If you don’t understand the nature of both social networks, you may make the mistake of thinking it is okay to post the exact same content on both. However, although Facebook and Twitter are both social networks that allow you to engage and connect with your customers, they’re also very different. Writing specifically for each requires thought and if you’re posting the exact same thing on both, the people who follow you on both networks will get bored, frustrated and may unfollow you. It’s okay to post about the same topics, like a recent blog or company event but it’s not okay to say it in the exact same way. Follow these tips to customize your posts specifically for Facebook and Twitter as two separate social networks.

How often should you post?

Facebook: Post about 2-4 times a day on Facebook in order to help your chances of being in your fan’s newsfeeds without becoming a pest. Remember that Facebook takes into account how much interaction your fans have with your company. The more interaction, the more likely your post is to be seen.

Twitter: Twitter moves very fast. It can be very hard to make sure your tweet is seen by your followers because their feed is flooded with so many other recent updates. Posting often will help your tweets be seen, however don’t tweet just to tweet. Make sure you have something interesting to say, otherwise don’t say it at all.

How should you interact with your followers/fans?

Facebook: Ask open ended questions and encourage your fans to share their opinions. People love talking about themselves on social networks so encouraging participation in this way will help boost the interaction between you and your fans. Ask your fans to share stories or photos about their experience with your business or product. If they are bad experiences, address them publically so other users can see that you care and then resolve the issue privately with the customer.

Twitter: On Twitter, responding is very important. When users mention your brand, it’s important to acknowledge them with a response, even if it is just a simple “thank you.” Ask a question and encourage your followers to answer with their opinions. Always respond to these answers to keep the conversation going or at least thank them for their participation.

How should you share photos?

Facebook: Sharing photos on Facebook is easy and a great idea for marketers. Fans can preview a photo before clicking on it or browse through entire albums. The more photos uploaded on Facebook, the better. People love to view and comment on photos often so it’s a great way to engage your fans.

Twitter: Sharing photos on Twitter requires a little more effort than Facebook because you must click a link to see the photo. This extra step means that people will be expecting a great photo if they do decide to click. You must be choosey when deciding which photos to display on Twitter. Make sure you only tweet photos that highlight your product or service in the best way.

Want more ways to make sure your posts are customized specifically for Facebook and Twitter? Stay tuned for part 2!