What can I do to improve my site's local search ranking?

[ScottImageWorks]

I've read a lot about the "Magic 7" ranking factors for local search, and I feel like in a lot of ways, my site (www.imageworkscreative.com) is doing all the right things and still not having terrific results.  The only thing I can think of to really improve upon is how often our local keywords are mentioned on our pages - maybe setting up a local blog or something similar would be helpful?  Adding footers that include the names of local cities?

Does anyone have any pointers for me?  We would really like to rank for things like dc web design, web design va, etc. - and fast.

We have (recent) links from two local Chambers of Commerce and we're working on getting accredited by the BBB.  I feel like those listings will help us, but there has to be more we can do.

[ScottImageWorks]

Thanks. Our address is on our site, and we have hundreds of citation. We are a paid YEXT partner as well as Locaeze.

Our area (DC Metro) has literally dozens of towns wihtin miles, so we need a stratgy for us (and our clients that works) We feel we have tried everything. THanks so much for your reponse!

Scott M
/CEO ImageWorks

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Jess,

Website design and SEO companies are not considered to be truly local by Google, and it has been a handful of years now since Google showed them in the local pack of results. It is Google's opinion that these types of businesses conduct most transactions virtually. Google's local index is meant to be used only by businesses that make face-to-face contact with clients at the company's physical location (like a dentist) or at the clients' locales (like a plumber). While it's certainly true that some design firms do have face-to-face transactions with some or all of their clients, Google feels that, in general, this is a predominantly virtual category of businesses.

Because of this, your firm will not be able to take the local search marketing steps that a dentist or plumber would, and will need to rely on organic SEO to compete with other design firms which are also striving to rank for a variety of city terms. Your best shot at this will likely involve creating unique content about your existing clients in these target cities and pairing that with other work, such as the earning of links and social media involvement.

Hope this helps!

[Digital-Diameter]

Nice website. It sounds like you are thinking along the right track, but here are my thoughts based on your question:

1. If you do decide to use more keywords, be sure to use the exact phrase for which you'd like to rank in a very limited number of places, but be careful not to over do it with keyword usage. It's very easy to cross into spam-land on this with G.

2. Web design in a major metroplex like DC or statewide for VA is competitive and consistently raking highly for this if you are not will likely take some time, particularly as web firms tend to be very active online. Having said that your site is established as an analysis of your link profile could also be helpful in planning what is needed as far as anchor text and types of links.

3. The key to local SEO are citations and high quality, relevant content. Citations include the chamber of commerce and BBB, both of which you mentioned, so again you are approaching this correctly. The real key is to be thorough (go through the usual citation list an then I recommend whitespark.ca) and to start with your Google Local and Bing Local accounts as those are the lowest hanging fruit. I have not done a full analysis, so I apologize of you have already done some of these steps and I am covering them twice.

The following is a blog post on how to properly build citations (full disclosure, I am the author).

http://www.digitaldiameter.com/marketing-blog/build-local-citations/

Let me know if more detail on any of this would help,

Michael

[TheeDigital]

Jess,

There's a lot that you can do.  Please review this post from David Mihm(the local search God): http://moz.com/blog/local-search-ranking-factors-2013

Some suggestions right off the bat.

• Going after local citations is great. So the Chamber of Commerce and BBB are great for building up local citations, but keep in mind that there are hundreds of them. If you haven't used GetListed.org, I would highly recommend it.
• Add your address to your website. I didn't see it anywhere.  It should be on your contact page or on your footer.
• Claim your Google+ Local page and get reviews.  Google loves to see reviews for small businesses.

I hope that helps.

• Richard.

[EGOL]

You need to watch tomorrow's Mozinar...

How to be a Local Search Superhero

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/678805582