Brand Building via Links & Mentions Mary Bowling

Authority Links* can help you to rank in Google organic results * From sites that Google trusts as authorities on certain topics

Local Links and Mentions proxies for location prominence can help you rank in Google Maps & Packs http://blumenthals.com/blog/2009/06/08/what-is-location-prominence/

BUILD YOUR BRAND! Build your brand in your own market area. Spend your efforts doing things that have the potential to bring you more new customers and encourage former customers to return. Icon credit

Visibility X Reputation = BRAND Icon credit

Best Links & Mentions drive phone calls & store visits

What Would You Do to promote your business to the people in your area if the internet didn’t exist?

#1 Upgrade Existing Listings examine current links and mentions and improve them, where possible

Check Your Incoming Links

1.Use these settings 2. View URLs 3. Look at linking pages

4. Is info about you correct and complete? 5. Can you list products/services, service areas, hours, credit cards? 6. Can more photos/videos be added?

Check Your Mentions

2. Look at first 2 pages of search results to see where info is found 3. Look at info on these pages

4. Is info about you correct and complete? 6. What else can you add? 5. Can more photos/videos be added?

Check FB, Yelp, Bing

#2 Get Supplier Listings ensure you’re listed as a dealer on the sites of manufacturers whose products you sell & service

1. List your brands and suppliers 2. Check their websites for dealer listings 3. Make sure you are listed correctly and completely 4. No dealer directory? Encourage one!

http://www.jacuzzi.com/hot-tubs/dealer-locator/ http://www.sundancespas.com/hot-tub-dealer-locator/

#3 Become a Member join appropriate professional groups for your industry and for your location

1. Review and consider possible professional memberships and certifications

2. Research and consider joining possible local business groups

#4 Go Local/Hyperlocal get listed on websites associated with the cities, towns and neighborhoods from which you’d like to draw more customers

1. Research opportunities and consider listings on local and hyperlocal websites

#5 Earn Community Karma Get listed as a sponsor, volunteer, donor or contributor on locally-focused websites

1. What efforts do you already make to help your community? 2. Do the websites associated with the causes you support give your business online recognition? If not, suggest they do so 3. Can that recognition be improved in any way? 4. If you’re not already involved, what causes would you consider supporting in your area?

5. Get more ideas for community karma links and mentions from Google Search

#6 Promote Your Niche get listed in topic-specific directories Woman owned, minority –owned, speak different languages, free wifi, green, handicapped-accessible, etc, etc

1. Think about what’s special about your business and research opportunities 2. Consider listings in niche directories

#7 Become a Barnacle get listed on sites that rank for the terms you want to rank for

View Localized Results searchers usually see different organic results depending on their location

2. Choose Google organic Or Maps 3. Enter search term 4. Get specific 1.https://www.brightlocal.com/local-search-results-checker/ 2. Choose Google organic Or Maps 3. Enter search term Free tool 4. Get specific

5. Check pages 1 & 2 of localized organic

6. Find and note listing opportunities

#8 Get Good Links Your Competitors Have and good links and types of links top rankers in other areas have

Competitive Link Research 1. Identify your top competitors for terms 2. Check links of top rankers 3. Look for opportunities sites in or near location sites about location sites about industry 4.Check links of top rankers elsewhere for ideas

3. Run search for Google organic 1.https://www.brightlocal.com/local-search-results-checker/ 2. Enter term 3. Run search for Google organic Free tool

4. Identify competitors ranking organically on page 1 5.Record URLs

6. Search again on Google Maps

7. Record URLs of top 10 rankers

Use Open Site Explorer to check links of competitors (the way you checked your own links)

Check Competitor Links

1.Use these settings 2. View URLs 3. Look at linking pages 4. Look for possible opportunities for your business

Key Take Aways Get Links & Mentions Local and Hyperlocal Organizations Local and Industry Business Groups Niche Directories Suppliers and Manufacturers Well-Ranking Sites Good Links Competitors Have