Add a Geographical Reference to Your Web Site

While local search does not require a website to be effective it’s clear that it certainly can’t hurt! The overall success of any optimization campaign lies in creating as many accurate references to what you do (keywords) and where you are (geo tags) as possible. We are not talking about spam here, we are talking about using all of the options available to you. Google, in it’s wisdom provides all sorts of tools to help this process. Some may say too many and too disorganized but that’s for another day.

One method to help Google uses to understand where you are focusing your energy is by using Google Webmaster Tools. If you already have a local search listing or a Gmail account you are ready to go. I usually search for Google Webmaster Tools and then go to that site. Once you are logged go to Settings (If you are managing multiple website then select the target website first). There you will find one option called “Geographic target.” Specify your location and save.

Once this is done, and coupled with the use of content and meta tags identifying your geographical focus you will get just a bit more juice to help customer find you now!