Local Business Rank in Google

Over the past few days, I have been working hard trying to move my business to the first page of Google Maps/Local results for “New Orleans Tutor” searches.

As of today, I appear 14th in the listings (D on the 2nd page). This is a step up from 20th in the listings, but only part of the way there.

The funny thing about all of this is that my Google AdWords ads (in pink) appear at the top of the listings for these results. But I don’t want to rely on paid advertising for search placement … Wouldn’t it be nice if ads counted for your rank in Google?

Anyway, I ‘ve done a few small things that I think helped me to move up in the rankings a few places here and even in regular Google searches:

1. I started blogging and linking to other sites, which helps build your clout with search engines like Google and Bing.

2. I changed my Google Local entry to contain the word “Tutoring” as part of my business name.

3. I got listed in a couple of more business directories.

My next step will be to ask clients for reviews.

Sources I’ve consulted in this project:

-http://www.davidmihm.com/local-search-ranking-factors.shtml

-http://www.leveltendesign.com/blog/neil/seven-ways-raise-your-local-business-listing-rank-google

-http://www.searchenginejournal.com/how-to-rank-for-your-local-keyword-in-google-maps/8547/

-http://www.webpronews.com/blogtalk/2007/06/05/how-to-rank-higher-in-google-local

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