Hi there

Ideally, create one page that serves both search engines and users, because you want users to find your page via search engines and you want search engines to be able to crawl your content. It's thought that Google is getting better at crawling Javascript, but you need to make sure that you text or content is readable in a text-based browser or is visible to Google with Javascript off. Here's a resource for you.

That being said, focus on having one page for the content you're trying to create, so you can put more SEO efforts into building the equity in that page. You can also build other pages around variations of that topic that link back to that page, and link to these new pages from the one main topic page as well. This will help build your site from both a topic standpoint and passing linking equity throughout your site.

Let me know if this makes sense or helps. Best of luck!
Patrick

Hi there

No do not do a canonical tag to one page because that's a bad user / search experience. Keep this structure on your site, but keep a few things in mind; I wanted to share an article from Search Engine Journal with ideas I was going to post as an answer.

One quick note that I will emphasize - your customers / audience in different locations is different, so make sure that the content on these location specific pages is specific to that audience. Things to think about:

• How long has that location been around?
• What services / products do you offer to that location only?
• Who works at this location?
• What are reviews specific to this location?
• Are there any specific partnerships / certifications in this location?
• etc.

You can definitely make each page unique with content, you just have to be logical / use common sense in what information a user or potential client would want about that location.

Hope this helps! Good luck!
P

Hi there

Google recommends using a local number for different locations when possible, so try to stick to that methodology when possible. Are these actual business locations or just addresses that customers would not go to? In that case, I would also check out service-area businesses on Google My Business, as this sounds like it could be applicable to your business model.

When it comes to the business name, do not include a city in the location. If you are properly listing NAWP & category information, then you should not have to list the city name in the name. Stick to the business name with no location information.

You can utilize bulk listing tools like Moz Local, as well as Whitespark. Both will put your business information on relevant citations and listings outlets. Focus on properly categorizing and listing your business information, and you should be all set.

Hope this helps - I am sure more people will have more details to add! Good luck!
Patrick

Hi there

No idea if it works or doesn't, but I'd be interested in hearing about it from a curiosity standpoint. My thought is if someone has thought to make a service / try it, Google is five steps ahead in preventing it from working in their algorithm. But yeah, would love to hear thoughts if someone has used it as well!

Thanks for starting what could be a really interesting discussion dude!
P

Hi there

No, I would not add these. To Thomas' point, search engines don't bother with this as a ranking factor, and putting in meta keywords could also give your competition an idea of what keywords you are going after, essentially showing your cards in a poker game.

If you're looking for a great beginner resource, check out Moz's Beginner's Guide to SEO. It's loaded with tips and articles to help you get off to a great start and focus on items substantially more important than meta keywords! There are also other great guides and resources as well!

Hope this helps! Good luck to you!
P

Hi there

I like to include brand or site names from a branding perspective, it just looks more authoritative to me and it helps the user remember who they are reading. It also helps from a branded search perspective.

Let me know if this helps or if you have questions beyond. Good luck!
Patrick

Hi there

I wouldn't do this. What I would do is offer both sets of products under one site with distinctive brand names and markup. That way, your products will appear for their branded searches, with their own pages and rich snippets. I would not "mask" anything or try to trick search engines / users, because that's how you get penalized.

Hopefully I am understanding your question. I would really focus on what Dan Thorton said here...

"If there's no differentiation between the two brands, then there's no point in having them. But if one is targeting a different demographic, then there's a reason to create unique content which will appeal specifically to their audience. The actual product and data may be the same, but the benefit of bespoke content for the right audience will be an increase in conversion rates to actually purchase your services, rather than simply avoiding any SEO penalties..."

You have an opportunity here to have content that's targeted to two different audiences, and increase the overall conversion rate of your website by doing so. I would stick to this route and focus on building great content for each product, pleasing it's target audience.

Let me know if this helps or if you have any questions. Good luck!
Patrick

Hi there

While it may not hurt you in a lower search ranking, it will hurt you in the user's eyes. What I would suggest doing is adding a review feature to your website, focus on Yelp! or Google Reviews, and certifications like the BBB or other relevant industry certifications. These are usually where Google and other search engines will pull from and they are usually harder to manipulate. I would focus on reviews there and getting established on those sites.

Also, whether a legit review is good or bad, always follow up, thank the person, and see where you could be of more service. It's a good look for your brand and company when doing so.

Let me know if you have any other questions or comments, good luck!
Patrick