Newsstand

June 27, 2011
SEO Basics: Getting Yourself Listed with Google, Yahoo and Bing [DMA11]

Some people view online advertising as a waste of time and effort if they run a brick-and-mortar business that’s solely reliant on local traffic. The problem with this kind of thinking is that it’s incredibly short-sighted. The fact is, more and more people these days are using their computers and their mobile devices to find information about local products and services, kicking the phonebook aside for a much easier method. By utilizing a few SEO basics, you can increase your company’s visibility in a far more effective way than you could through print or radio advertisement.

The first step is getting your business is listed. We’re not just talking about the Yellow Pages, either. Today, it’s becoming increasingly important to be listed with online search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing – each of which provide links to relevant businesses in their online maps – to maximize your local exposure.

Say you own an independent bookstore and a potential customer in your city types “book store” into their mobile device’s web browser. As long as your business is listed on that particular search engine, it’ll bring your company name up in the map results and give the customer directions on how to find you, among other information. By failing to have your business listed with the top search engines, you’re missing out an entirely free method of online advertising.

The great news is that getting yourself listed on the three major search engines is entirely free and requires only the most rudimentary understanding of SEO basics to accomplish. All you have to do is visit their individual search engine websites and follow the instructions:

• Google.
• Yahoo.
• Bing.

The upcoming DMA2011 Conference & Exhibit happening in Boston this October 1-6 will feature sessions, workshops, and exhibits from global vendors who can help you get educated on the best methods to ensure that your business gets the maximum exposure and visiblity in the major search engines. Visit www.dma11.org for registration and pricing information.

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