More local search:
Internet Marketing E-mail Tip of the Week: "While Google's local search (called 'Search by Location') is set up similarly, they have also partnered with MapQuest in order to be able to show local matches on a map. If you're looking to get in a golf game around the Queenstown, MD area, a Google location search for 'golf' and 'Queenstown, MD' yields 326 results and maps 10 of them. Here are the Google Local Search results.

Google's Search by Location reveals tidbits of how it generates its results, which include site content with zip codes, town names, and addresses. Notice the second listing on the above search resulst page is for a bed & breakfast. It 'made the cut' because its site content aligned with the parameters of the search. If you are a local business that would benefit from these kinds of related searches, it seems it would behoove you to include keyword content not just related to your specific business.

Optimizing Your Site For Local Search

Along with basic search engine optimization (SEO), if you have a geographically-specific business you should be looking at localized SEO as well. Things may change in how the search engines eventually refine their local search technology, but it can't hurt to do a few simple things...and get a jump on your local competition.

1) Add your address in a prominent place on your web pages. Many sites use the very bottom of their pages for their address listings. Address location didn't use to matter. Localized search may change all that, so consider including all or part of your address nearer to the top of your page.

2) Add city and state information to your meta and title tags.

3) Add local information to your site's content. As demonstrated in our local golf search example, links to and information on other businesses and attractions in your town may end up helping to promote your own site.

The Kelsey Group which surveyed search and directory executives, the top four perceived obstacles cited were:

1) Most small businesses lack a web site so won't show up in local search results

2) Small businesses won't be able to bid for keywords against national chains

3) Pricing models for localized search may be too complex for small businesses to grasp (versus Yellow Pages)

4) Local search may be too labor intensive, like today's normal search results. Do small business owners have the time to keep up with localized SEO?

It may take a while for Google, Overture and the others to get their localized search solutions polished and refined, but you can bet that it's going to happen, and probably sooner than you're ready for. If you're not thinking about it now, get prepared.
"