Local Search Engine Optimisation

Most Search Engines now allow users to do a local or county-specific search, where they can find local results.

With these new features it is possible to use local search engine optimisation to increase targeted traffic to your website, particularly if you have a local product or service.

There are several strategies to optimise your site in this way, even if it is hosted outside of your home country, which many sites are these days.

-the IP address of the Web hosting company
-the suffix used in the domain name (eg., .co.uk, .com.au, etc.)

If you only have a local business, and intend to keep it that way, then a domain name with a local suffix is recommended but if you want local business as well as targeting a global market, then a .com, .org or .net suffix is suggested.

You can purchase a local domain name and redirect it to your main website - this works well for small business who have local clientele, who expect to see a local extension eg. joebloggsdesigner.com.au

If you follow this path, only your main website (.com) would contain the content, the com.au simply directs local traffic to your site (working somewhat like a P.O Box). Search engines don't index duplicate content, so having two sites with exactly the same content is simply a waste of your time (and the extra money spent on hosting).

• When selecting your domain name, use the name of your city or country.
  Eg www.luxurious-holidays-melbourne.com


• When setting up your pages, use local keywords in the headlines and throughout your body copy.
  Eg Australia's Luxurious Hotels in Melbourne, Victoria


• Search for the keywords that you are using throughout your site on Google and approach those businesses for a link exchange.
  Inpointing links from other well-ranked local sites will add to your credibility as well as impressing to the search engines that your site is a local one.


• For more one way inpointing links submit to local directories, and post in local forums with your domain name as part of your signature file.


• Rather than building your footer as a graphic, build it as a text file, and specify your location, as well as the areas that you serve. This way it appears on every page of your website, as well as the on your contact us, and about us pages.

A solid link building program, especially with other local websites will further boost both your search engine results, and local traffic.

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