A few years ago, just about when the worldwide recession was grabbing the headlines, the way search engines work changed in a way that handed independent retailers, or any business primarily selling local, a huge bonanza. Your company has either been taking advantage of what is known as the “localized search algorithm” phenomenon, or you have been losing out on a potentially game-changing business opportunity. The good news, it isn’t too late to get started. Here is how localized search algorithms work:
I’m writing this article near downtown Chicago, and if I googled, “Thai restaurant,” my search results would actually be quite distinct from those that I would get if I went into an Internet café on the city’s far north side. Similarly, if I googled (or did my search in Safari , Bing, Yahoo etc.) something like “stationery” or “women’s clothing boutique,” or any similar retail item that your business might be selling, my search results will help me find you, if I was in close proximity. What this means is that in your location you have more than a fighting chance to be just as visible as a large chain or box store. Search engines are not doing this because they favor your type of business model, rather they want everyone searching to find exactly what they want with the least fuss and bother, placing the items you retail on the same level playing field (search-wise) as any other business in your location. (Note: This is good news for independent retailers on how localized search algorithms impact online marketing, but is not always great news for global companies in the B2B space.)
A To-Do List to Make Localized Search Algorithms Work for You
How can you make localized search algorithms REALLY work to your company’s advantage? Here’s a short to-do list:1) Search engine optimization service plans must begin with getting your company listed EVERYWHERE. That will mean getting you listed with search engines that rate local companies too. Years ago that might have taken some time and would have required some outside help. Today, there are services where you pay once and spend a limited amount of time to get listed everywhere in your location. Because such one-stop services exist, even if you are enlisting an outside search engine optimization consultant to help you, this involves minimal time and minimal cost.
2) Use very targeted AdWords tests in the locations you are trying to draw customers from, to ensure that your approach to web and design is really working before you spend a lot of time and money on further website optimization efforts.
3) Make full use of ALL the free services that are out there to help you gain local visibility, such as Google Places, a subject that is deserving of more discussion and will be the next focus of the ongoing “Web Wisdom” series.
Amy Munice is president of ALM Communications, now also d.b.a. Global B2B Communications, www.globalb2bcommunications.com and Web and Design Science, www.webanddesignscience.com, a marketing/public relations firm that both givess guarantees and fully integrates high-powered artificial intelligence search engine optimizers for lead generation and online sales, into all communications strategies. Contact Ms. Munice at info@globalb2bcommunications.com, or 773-862-6800.
Formic Media Team Achieves 100% Google Analytics Certification
Portland, OR, July 08, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Formic Media, Inc., a local search engine marketing agency focusing on small business, is pleased to announce that its entire team is now Google Analytics certified. Understanding the importance of proper certification, The Formic Media account team decided to become one of the first agencies in the country to achieve 100 percent certification.
In order to earn Google Analytics certification, each team member had to complete the seventy (70) question test, with questions covering topics from ecommerce tracking to reporting. In order to pass the certification exam, each team member needed to score above 80%.
“I’m very proud of the team for setting an aggressive goal and achieving it,” stated Kent Lewis, President and Founder of Formic Media. “Due to the complexity of the analytics platform, and the size of the team, the accomplishment is truly remarkable.”
The entire Formic Media team has already become Google AdWords Qualified Individuals, in addition to becoming a Google AdWords Certified Partner. The Google Analytics certification helps round out the Google certifications.
“We know the important role that analytics, specifically Google Analytics in the small business world, plays in our industry and what we do, so it was important to ensure everyone became Google Analytics certified,” stated John McPhee, Account Director. “Our next goal is for the account team to finish the two remaining Google AdWords tests.”
The Formic team regularly discusses Google Analytics, AdWords and other search engine marketing topics at relevant events, on the Formic blog, in industry articles and speaking engagements, including Formic’s own monthly seminar series. Formic’s work also speaks for itself, as outlined in the case studies and testimonials available on the website.
About Formic Media, Inc.
Headquartered in Portland, OR, Formic Media, Inc., is a search engine and social media marketing agency specializing in providing small and emerging businesses with a host of online marketing services, including: search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) management, social media marketing and website design & development. Formic aims to help localized businesses, whether new or established, build their online visibility and generate a return-on-investment (ROI) through effective online marketing tactics and services. Current Formic clients include Aurora Law, Barre3, Cycle30, Diane Morgan Cooks, Heathman Lodge, Rasmussen BMW, Red Lion on the River and thinkProducts. For more information, please visit www.formicmedia.com.
In order to earn Google Analytics certification, each team member had to complete the seventy (70) question test, with questions covering topics from ecommerce tracking to reporting. In order to pass the certification exam, each team member needed to score above 80%.
“I’m very proud of the team for setting an aggressive goal and achieving it,” stated Kent Lewis, President and Founder of Formic Media. “Due to the complexity of the analytics platform, and the size of the team, the accomplishment is truly remarkable.”
The entire Formic Media team has already become Google AdWords Qualified Individuals, in addition to becoming a Google AdWords Certified Partner. The Google Analytics certification helps round out the Google certifications.
“We know the important role that analytics, specifically Google Analytics in the small business world, plays in our industry and what we do, so it was important to ensure everyone became Google Analytics certified,” stated John McPhee, Account Director. “Our next goal is for the account team to finish the two remaining Google AdWords tests.”
The Formic team regularly discusses Google Analytics, AdWords and other search engine marketing topics at relevant events, on the Formic blog, in industry articles and speaking engagements, including Formic’s own monthly seminar series. Formic’s work also speaks for itself, as outlined in the case studies and testimonials available on the website.
About Formic Media, Inc.
Headquartered in Portland, OR, Formic Media, Inc., is a search engine and social media marketing agency specializing in providing small and emerging businesses with a host of online marketing services, including: search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) management, social media marketing and website design & development. Formic aims to help localized businesses, whether new or established, build their online visibility and generate a return-on-investment (ROI) through effective online marketing tactics and services. Current Formic clients include Aurora Law, Barre3, Cycle30, Diane Morgan Cooks, Heathman Lodge, Rasmussen BMW, Red Lion on the River and thinkProducts. For more information, please visit www.formicmedia.com.
Contact Information
Formic Media, Inc.John McPhee
503-517-9059
johnm@formicmedia.com
http://www.formicmedia.com
Source http://www.pr.com/
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