Do you want to know how to optimize your business listing for local search results? Of course you do.

Digital marketing is a beast that can defeat even your best laid advertising plans. Instead of websites
appearing first in search results, Yelp reviews and Google Maps dominate nearly the entire top half of
the results page. By implementing an on-going Local SEO strategy with the following steps, you’ll grow
your customer base, and hopefully garner more business.

Accurate Google My Business Information

Is old business data affecting your listing in search results? Managing your Google My Business account is the primary step in optimizing your Local SEO marketing. If your business has an old address, retired phone number, or a name change, it is essential you keep the information current so that search engines and customers can find you.

Yelp 

The next step in building an effective Local SEO strategy is to make sure you have claimed your business on Yelp. From there, you can include your hours of operation, interact with customers who have left reviews, and post lots of photos of your business. From your establishment’s interior to perhaps a few appetizing menu items, let the photos do the talking, and you’ll draw visitors and pique curiosity. Why not offer coupons and specials on your Yelp page to entice even more customers?

Resolve Review Conflicts

The sad truth is many people only leave a review when they are unsatisfied.This is to be expected, and if handled properly, does not mean the demise of your business. Whenever you read less than stellar reviews, make sure you respond to the reviewer through private messages and try to make the situation right. By extending a discount or a compensated meal at their return visit, you might see an updated review from the same user later, declaring that you provided satisfactory customer service, and went above and beyond their initial experience.

Attract Your Local Audience
While many businesses focus their marketing efforts in creating exciting websites and drawing
customers through social media sites, the fact is most people do not use Facebook or Twitter to find out
where they will be eating their next meal.

Yelp, Google Plus and Google Maps dominate search results because they all work together. Once you
incorporate a strong Local SEO plan, you can continue to grow your business through these directories,
and with positive and satisfied customer interactions.