Local Flower Shop Needing Better Rankings Fast??

[lightningyang]

We run a family-owned flower shop that used to be #1-5 in several areas in Google a couple years ago.

Now it seemed with all of the Panda, Penguin and other updates in Google that we have become almost Non-existent online. We used old Link-building tactics that are no longer good like before.

We have a regular Wordpress Site/Landing Page and an Ecommerce website. The Landing Page used to rank first page all the time (now it's not ranked) and now the Ecommerce site shows up more often. But still nowhere where we need to be.

We just need to get ranked on Google Places and/or first page in Google again.

Please assist with strategies, systems or ideas??

Thank you,

Luke

[duanermb]

Hi Luke,

There's certainly not a quick answer, especially if you've been penalized.

#1 thing I would do is claim as many local directory listings as possible and make sure your site is properly localized from a keyword stand-point.

I've worked with lots of local florists, and still do, including my own wife's shop.  I'd be happy to have a look for you.

Duane

[BedeFahey]

If you can nail down a date that you saw a specific rankings drop, it would help to diagnose the issue - 24th is when Penguin rolled out. I believe the most recent Panda version happened on the 19th. Anything before that may have been Panda, too.

Would you be comfortable sharing the URL?

[lightningyang]

Bede,

They had been up and down but relatively #1-3 for a year or so. Then I think it was close to around the same time Google did all the Panda updates. Now since the Penguin update none of them consistently show on Google. It seems like every other day there is a differant website that is #1-5.

[BedeFahey]

Out of interest, when did your rankings drop?

[lightningyang]

Thanks Mark. I have done all of those SEO efforts in the past and was #1-3 on Google Places, but now I'm no longer there. I have contacted you though about the referral.

[lightningyang]

I will check to see if I have any messages from Google. Thanks.

[Mark_Jay_Apsey_Jr.]

Luka-

You need google places citations and reviews.

You need to make sure that your google places listing is SEO optimized; pictures; seo keywords; description; etc.

You need to do some offpage seo to counteract the old link building issues. Focus on geotargeted keywords in your specific area.

If you have multiple locations, make sure every location is listed correctly in google places.

Make sure your wordpress site is seo optimized.....are you using an seo plugin?

If you don't have the time and need some quick results I can refer you to a small firm we use that has fixed pricing and doesn't get paid until they get you ranked in google places....no brainer....

Hope this helps.

Mark

[alsvik]

Start by visiting your Google Webmaster Tools account and read (and deal with) any messages from Google!

If you start from zero, make sure to deal with all "three legs" (1.Text, 2.Technical stuff and 3.Links)  of SEO and find a good IRTA guide or hire professionals.

/Regards Alsvik