{"id":2090,"date":"2016-05-09T10:59:08","date_gmt":"2016-05-09T10:59:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.searchenginewatch.com\/2016\/05\/09\/local-seo-key-challenges-and-tips-from-clickzchat\/"},"modified":"2020-01-17T17:01:22","modified_gmt":"2020-01-17T17:01:22","slug":"local-seo-key-challenges-and-tips-from-clickzchat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2016\/05\/09\/local-seo-key-challenges-and-tips-from-clickzchat\/","title":{"rendered":"Local SEO: Key challenges and tips from #ClickZChat"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>In previous ClickZChat sessions we\u2019ve largely covered content and platforms, but seeing as it\u2019s a Twitter event held by both ClickZ AND Search Engine Watch, it seemed only right that we spend some time looking at search in more depth.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This week we took to Twitter for an hour to ask our followers for their <a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2016\/10\/06\/a-complete-local-seo-guide-for-small-businesses\/\">local SEO<\/a> challenges and solutions. Here\u2019s everything we learned:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Alright everyone, get your Local <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/SEO?src=hash\">#SEO<\/a> thinking caps on &#8211; it&#8217;s time for today&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/jIhuZ0XkH8\">pic.twitter.com\/jIhuZ0XkH8<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 ClickZ (@ClickZ) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ClickZ\/status\/727890595142897664\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>Question 1: What are the biggest challenges you face when optimizing for <a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2019\/09\/25\/qa-with-mozs-sarah-bird-and-rob-bucci\/\">local search<\/a>?<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p>Let&#8217;s get cracking &#8211; Q1: What are the biggest challenges in optimizing for <a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/category\/local\/\">local SEO<\/a>? <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/xRzRPCV6IN\">pic.twitter.com\/xRzRPCV6IN<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2018\/05\/21\/no-need-for-google-12-alternative-search-engines-in-2018\/\"> Search Engine<\/a> Watch (@sewatch) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sewatch\/status\/727891735578324992\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>SPAM<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Several <a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2018\/12\/21\/guide-google-analytics-confusing-terms\/\">users<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/lexx2099\/status\/727892030395920384\">including me<\/a>) mentioned spam being a much bigger issue for local ranking, with maps being particularly open to abuse, and <a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2016\/02\/25\/say-goodbye-to-google-14-alternative-search-engines\/\">Search Engines<\/a> slower to act on this than in other cases:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">A1. Maps are still open to a lot of manipulation through fake <a href=\"https:\/\/sewprod.wpenginepowered.com\/2019\/06\/10\/online-reviews-powerful-seo-weapons\/\">reviews<\/a>, fake offices, etc. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 District Knockout (@DistrictKO) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DistrictKO\/status\/727893164560879617\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p>Not until Google is more responsive to queries from legitimate parties. Not happening now. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/2br4odVBhv\">https:\/\/t.co\/2br4odVBhv<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Kevin Reichard (@kreichard) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/kreichard\/status\/727893961059131392\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Citations<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Many people also felt that citations were a hassle for a variety of reasons.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sewatch\">@sewatch<\/a> incorrect citation cleanup.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 \u0422\u0438\u0445\u043e\u043c\u0438\u0440 \u041f\u0435\u0442\u0440\u043e\u0432 (@t1sh0_) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/t1sh0_\/status\/727921217034977280\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p>A1. Citation management requires media spend. It&#8217;s more obvious what you get for that spend through AdWords\/<a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2019\/06\/13\/small-digital-marketing-budget-tips\/\">paid social<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Stephen Kenwright (@stekenwright) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/stekenwright\/status\/727894544193339392\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Indeed, the issue of keeping up to date was seen as a major challenge. Data is often fragmented and many organisations with several locations do not have the time or resources to roll out best practice \u2013 or even standard practice \u2013 to all location listings, with local stores and outlets being left to fend for themselves:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sewatch\">@sewatch<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/clickZchat?src=hash\">#clickZchat<\/a> main challenges are data management, forming policies to be followed across locations and organisational management<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Anshika Srivastava (@anshikamails) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/anshikamails\/status\/727897413860524032\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>This issue is compounded when you consider the lack of <a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2019\/06\/24\/create-seo-friendly-faq-pages\/\">SEO<\/a> expertise on site. In many cases it simply isn\u2019t considered an issue.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p>A1: I think a big challenge is the lack of awareness and knowledge. Many people don&#8217;t know even the basics <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/localSEO?src=hash\">#localSEO<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Andrew Warren-Payne (@agwp) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/agwp\/status\/727894207705300992\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">.<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sewatch\">@sewatch<\/a> Q1. Getting clients to understand why it&#8217;s local is important, who your local competition is &amp;claiming pages! <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 JaroG4 (@JaroG4) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/JaroG4\/status\/727896283189370880\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>With that said, it was also felt that this state of affairs meant there were big opportunities for those businesses that are getting it right, with small changes making a big difference<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p>A1: <a href=\"https:\/\/sewprod.wpenginepowered.com\/2019\/07\/12\/how-to-get-featured-snippets-no-link-building\/\">Schema&#8217;s<\/a> becoming more important for rankings &amp; reviews. Get higher ranking potential w\/ <a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2019\/05\/30\/implement-googles-how-to-schema\/\">rich snippets<\/a> for on-page reviews <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Hillary Humphrey (@hilph) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hilph\/status\/727894872313704449\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>Q2: What are the absolute essentials for a decent <a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2019\/01\/11\/voice-search-optimization-guide-2019\/\">local SEO<\/a> presence?<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Q2: What are the absolutely essential basics for decent local <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/SEO?src=hash\">#SEO<\/a>? <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/OUWfq50mkA\">pic.twitter.com\/OUWfq50mkA<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 ClickZ (@ClickZ) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ClickZ\/status\/727895610439897088\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>This is where those quick wins we mentioned really come into their own. As our own Graham Charlton mentioned, not enough businesses are taking time to claim their Google Business listings:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p>Q2 &#8211; Google My Business listing. Easiest and cheaper way to increase your profile. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Graham Charlton (@gcharlton) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/gcharlton\/status\/727896450852605953\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Of course, once you do start claiming listings, you need to have a consistent data structure in mind. Google will focus on listings that are formatted correctly in multiple locations:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">A2 cont. Too many business assume address and opening hours (and a map) are enough for a location page <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Stephen Kenwright (@stekenwright) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/stekenwright\/status\/727896751403872256\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Once you have your listings in order, there\u2019s also a big case to be made for (you guessed it) content. While there\u2019s no doubt that technical optimisation plays a huge part, it is worth remembering that with so many local searches taking place on mobile devices, user intent is the primary motivator.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sewatch\">@sewatch<\/a> Q2. From a content perspective, focusing on relevant events can also play a significant role in getting noticed <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 JaroG4 (@JaroG4) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/JaroG4\/status\/727897354049703937\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3>Reviews<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This of course brings us into the realm of reviews, a hugely important component for local business. Even if you lack the resources to optimise your listings properly, this can still make you stand out to a certain extent:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sewatch\">@sewatch<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/RobinHeed\">@RobinHeed<\/a> Simply concentrate on great customer service. <a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2019\/09\/10\/image-link-building-tips\/\">SEO<\/a> will come naturally as a bi-product of customer feedback\/engagement.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Bradley King (@BradleyKing1980) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BradleyKing1980\/status\/727907715364818944\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p>A2: 3rd party reviews are a ranking factor, too, so be aware of whats being said &amp; ALWAYS respond to pos. &amp; neg. comments. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Hillary Humphrey (@hilph) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hilph\/status\/727896771154853889\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Finally our very own Andrew Warren-Payne mentioned this useful list from <a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2019\/09\/25\/qa-with-mozs-sarah-bird-and-rob-bucci\/\">Moz<\/a>, very helpful if you want to get organised:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">A2: This checklist on <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Moz\">@Moz<\/a> is a good place to start <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/p5HrYZP9li\">https:\/\/t.co\/p5HrYZP9li<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/SEO?src=hash\">#SEO<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/1NsimO9II3\">pic.twitter.com\/1NsimO9II3<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Andrew Warren-Payne (@agwp) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/agwp\/status\/727897221803462663\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>Q3: What one<a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2018\/01\/23\/how-to-get-started-with-local-seo\/\"> local SEO<\/a> tip has proven the most successful for you?<\/h3>\n<p>We had a rush of great suggestions to this question, so I\u2019ve pulled them into a quick reference list of \u2018Golden rules for <a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2016\/10\/06\/a-complete-local-seo-guide-for-small-businesses\/\">Local SEO<\/a>\u2019 for you:<\/p>\n<p><strong>1: Build on your past success<\/strong><br \/>\nUse\u00a0existing product content. Marketing reaches across the isle to customer success. \u202a#<a href=\"https:\/\/sewprod.wpenginepowered.com\/2019\/06\/14\/five-backlink-analysis-tools\/\">SEO<\/a> improves \u202a via\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/colincrook\u202c\">@colincrook<\/a><br \/>\n\u202c<br \/>\n<strong>\u202c2: Be as focused as you can on the needs of the local customer<\/strong><br \/>\nWe created separate web pages for each of the locations, with unique content &amp; optimised them with <a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2019\/06\/17\/local-seo-guide\/\">local keywords<\/a> &#8211;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/anshikamails\">@anshikamails<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>3: Good<a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2018\/01\/23\/how-to-get-started-with-local-seo\/\"> local SEO <\/a>takes time. Make time to maintain it<\/strong><br \/>\nBuild citations. An oldie but a goldie. &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/lexx2099\">@Lexx2099<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>4: But just doing what you can will help<\/strong><br \/>\nIn some areas, just the basics of listings and data are enough if your competitors aren&#8217;t up to speed. \u202a#ClickZChat &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/gcharlton\">@gcharlton<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>5: Remember that Google services are linked together. Focus on the bigger picture<\/strong><br \/>\nGoogle business page creation and posting in G+ page. &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/shaileshk\">@shaileshk<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Be sure to publish FROM Google+ TO OTHER platforms.. \u202a#ClickZChat &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/steveplunkett\">@steveplunkett<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>6: Get your data in order<\/strong><br \/>\nSite 1st with NAP for all locations, Category, Description, Social, reviews, schema &amp; repeat in citations \u202a#ClickZChat \u202a#ClickZChat &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/rajnijjer\">@rajnijjer<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>7: And make sure you never stop learning<\/strong><br \/>\nSEO changes so fast that it&#8217;s hard for anything to be easy! :p Best advice: stay aware &amp; current on <a href=\"https:\/\/sewprod.wpenginepowered.com\/2019\/06\/06\/regulation-in-seo-industry\/\">industry<\/a> trends! &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hilph\">@hilph<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>8:\u00a0Remember why people are searching in the first place<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sewatch\">@sewatch<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TopTip?src=hash\">#TopTip<\/a> &#8220;Be Unique&#8221;, interesting and offer some value<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Anshika Srivastava (@anshikamails) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/anshikamails\/status\/727904520546607104\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>And of course, we can always rely on Search Engine Watch\u2019s editor to chime in with some useful advice&#8230;<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ClickZ\">@ClickZ<\/a> This guy renamed an island &#8216;Busta Rhymes&#8217; with a simple geotag in Google Maps. He&#8217;s winning. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/6KefA65DEh\">https:\/\/t.co\/6KefA65DEh<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ClickZChat?src=hash\">#ClickZChat<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 christopher ratcliff (@Christophe_Rock) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Christophe_Rock\/status\/727901451272507393\">May 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>That\u2019s it for this week. A huge thank you as always to everyone who took part. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/clickz\">We\u2019ll be holding another chat<\/a> this Wednesday at 12 noon Eastern Time.<\/p>\n<p>For more on <a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2016\/10\/06\/a-complete-local-seo-guide-for-small-businesses\/\">Local SEO<\/a>, check out Graham Charlton\u2019s handy list of <a href=\"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2016\/04\/13\/30-quick-and-easy-seo-tips-for-small-businesses\/\">30 quick and easy SEO tips for small businesses<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This week we took to Twitter for an hour to ask our followers for their local SEO challenges and solutions. Here\u2019s everything we learned:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":125,"featured_media":2091,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,5],"tags":[137,1108,531,163],"content_type":[27095],"class_list":["post-2090","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local","category-seo","tag-local-seo","tag-localisation","tag-mobile-search","tag-twitter","content_type-news"],"acf":{"tad_independentcommercial":false,"tad_content_format":false},"post_info":{"name":"Matt Owen","title":"","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Editing-Untitled-Infographic-Piktochart-Infographic-Editor-120x90.png","category":"Local","timeago":"10y"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2090","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/125"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2090"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2090\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2091"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2090"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2090"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2090"},{"taxonomy":"content_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_type?post=2090"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}