Just because the Internet is worldwide doesn't mean local businesses can't benefit from having a website and a presence in the search engines. Realizing the benefits of local searches Google recently launched " Google Local ." This feature allows searchers to enter in their zip code and search using keywords. When the results are returned they provide the address and phone number of the businesses. Google and MapQuest have partnered to provide maps and directions to the locations that are returned in the search. Yahoo, AOL and MSN also have local capabilities.

The Kelsey Group and ConStat have found that 70% of US households use the internet to shop for local products and services. http://www.imediaconnection.com/news/5319.asp

More and more people are turning to search engines and online yellow pages to search for local companies. A website allows for business owners to provide more information about their products and services than a full-page ad ever could.

An important update to make for your site is adding your physical address to your site pages, in the footer perhaps. This will ensure that the search engine's indexing spider or bot pick up the address for inclusion in the search engine. Search engine optimization (SEO) is also important so that not only is your address being pulled for inclusion in local results, but your site is found for the correct terms that describe your business. SEO can be performed on an existing site or as part of the development of a site.

Internet Marketing Tips

Should Your Company Be Found In the Search Engines?

Search engines are fast replacing the yellow pages as a place for consumers to find businesses. People Google everything – from a business name to find the phone number, to product names to find companies that sell a certain model, to types of services to find companies offering them.

Good Website Design and Search Engine Optimization, Is It Possible?

At Area Labs™ we come across the debate of Search Engine Optimization versus good design. We feel both can be achieved if the company working on your site understands both.

Why has Google banned my website?

Your sales are down, no one visits anymore? Could Google have banned your site? If so, why? There are a few options on what to do if you are banned. Contact us for a free consultation.

SEO and Google Indexing - Why It Requires A Complex Blend of Skills

Getting the top listing in any of the major search engines (Google, Yahoo and MSN) requires more than just optimizing your site. It requires the ability to design, develop, write and market: four things that Area Labs™ does in-house. Our competition usually must outsource one or more of these skills. Just one of the reasons you should choose Area Labs™ for all of your web needs.

Can You Guarantee My Search Engine Rankings?

Can we or anyone guarantee your ranking within Google, Yahoo!, MSN or any other search engine? The answer is no, but read to find out why.

Local businesses profit from search engine optimization and Internet Marketing

Local customers know where to find local businesses...the Internet. Through search engines and directories, the Internet provides a quick and easy place to choose a local merchant or business.

What is "organic" search and how can it help your company's Internet Marketing?

Organic describes a search that returns results based on content and keyword relevancy. This is in contrast to listings based on who paid the most money to appear at the top. Sometimes this is called "pure" or "natural search" as it is supposed to be "untainted" by payments or bids

Are searchers loyal to their search engine?

Learning more about the behavior patterns of searchers can help you make decisions about search engine optimization.

Search Engine Marketing Glossary

SEO? SEM? SERP? Let us help you understand all the acronyms and definitions associated with search engine optimization. Contact us today and request our Optimization E-book. A must have for anyone considering entering Online Marketing.

What is Black Hat SEO (Search Engine Optimization gone bad)

Black hat practitioners tend to see search engine optimization as a war, and search engines as the enemy to be beaten by all means fair or foul. White hatters tend to view search engines as allies, who can help drive business to their clients' sites.

Top Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Myths

There are many SEO myths and rumors we hear and read about everyday. While there are SEO tricks that work for a time, but inevitably come back to haunt the website using them, most of SEO is knowledge and work or research and time, if you prefer. We have listed some of the more popular Search Engine Optimization Myths in our E-Book so please request it today and let the truth about SEO be revealed.