1. What is Local Search?

Local Search is something that we do every day. We used to call it looking in the yellow pages or looking for something in the newspaper or the flyer. Now most local search is done online on websites like Google, Yahoo! or Bing (formerly MSN Live).

2. Why isn’t my company showing up on the map?

There could be many reasons why. Have you claimed or registered your listing? Did you fill out your information correctly? Do you have a website? Did you use the right keywords in your listing? How many citations do you have? Are your competitors doing a better job than you?

3. What’s a citation?

A citation is a reference online to your company’s name, address, phone number, website or email address that may or may not be linked back to your website. Search engines look for citations online to endorse your listing.

4. What is a keyword or phrase?

A keyword is a description or category applying to your business. Customers enter keywords into search engines in order to find you, your products and your services. A phrase is a keyword combined with a geographic term, usually the name of a city. A phrase can also be a product or service that differentiates you from your competition.

5. What is ethical Local Search Management? White hat vs. black hat.

“Black hat” is spammy and exploitative, attacking vulnerabilities in search engine algorithms. The search engines frown upon such practices and, when they close those holes, practitioners of “black hat” methods are often penalized or banned.

“White hat” organically builds your content, seeding the internet with relevant data strategically placed in reputable forums. “White hat” methods are long-lasting and do not get penalized by the search engines.

6.How many keywords and key phrases can I have?

The number of keywords or key phrases you can use depends on the package you choose. You can choose a package with three, six or ten keywords or key phrases.

7.Can I change my keywords and key phrases?

You can add keywords or key phrases with an account upgrade or you can switch out your existing keywords and phrases. Please remember that new keyword or key phrases will be starting from scratch and will take time before they perform as well as those that have been previously established and managed.

8.Can I change the information on my account?

Please contact our Customer Support by email with the changes you wish to make in your account. We will confirm and implement the changes accordingly. Allow time for the changes to be reflected in the search engines, your assistance will be needed in the confirmation process.

9.How long after I register will I see my listing online?

Please allow 10-14 business days for your listing to appear on Google® and Bing™ once you give us your confirmation PIN. Yahoo!™ has their own review process that can take up 3 to 8 weeks, other search engines vary.

10.Do you guarantee my ranking?

No one can guarantee specific rankings but all of our clients are on the map for several keywords or key phrases, and land in the first page of search results for their other keywords and key phrases. Your ranking will continue to progress with time as long as you are managed by BusinessLocalListings.com.

11.Will all my keywords and key phrases rank equally?

We work daily for the high ranking of all your keywords and key phrases but they do not rank equally in search engines. There are many factors affecting rank and certain keywords rank differently in various search engines.

12.Will my business be found only in searches for my keywords and key phrases?

Your business will be optimized in searches for your specific keywords and key phrases but it will also be found in searches for your business name. In addition to that, your business may also be found in searches for variations to your keywords and key phrases.

13.What locality will my business be listed under?

You will be listed under the actual address of your business. You may also choose to add other adjacent localities to your keywords. Please remember that it takes considerable time and effort to be ranked in a region where your business is not physically located.