Local Search Ranking Presentation - SMX LoMo 2008

I spent last week traveling including a visit to San Francisco for SMX Local Mobile.

All I’m saying is I don’t know why more of you weren’t there. As far as I’m concerned this was a big time win for anyone in attendance. I got some great tips from the speakers and an equal amount of good stuff from the attendees, some of which will be the focus of future posts.

I had the pleasure to sit on a panel with 3 really smart guys: Gib Olander , Michael Jensen of SoloSEO.com and Stephen Espinosa of eLocalListings. I’d had some experience with Michael and Stephen prior and I highly recommend reading their blogs.

highwebrank.com (Gregory Fort) Thinks I'm a Chiropractor

High Web Rank is trying to help me rank better for Chiropractor New Orleans with their 13,000 sites.

For a little background please see my Links Hog post.

Hello,

I was looking at websites under the keyword ‘ chiropractor new orleans ‘ and came across your website http://www.ifindsales.com/. I see that you’re ranked number 2 on page 15.

I’m not sure if you’re aware of why you’re ranked this low but more importantly how easily correctable this is.

Are you aware of what the difference between first page and page 15 would mean to your business?

Will Scott Head Shot’s for SMX Local Search Ranking Tactics

Will Scott Head Shots for SMX Local Search Ranking Tactics

I’d like a little help here please. Like my friend, Portland OR Web Designer, David Mihm I needed a head shot for SMX Local Mobile where I’ll be on a panel with a fine bunch of fellows on ranking factors for local search.

I went to see one of our clients Jessica Johanningmeier a New Orleans Wedding Photographer to have her shoot a few.

“Make me look young, thin and beautiful” I said and she felt right at home.

So without further ado I give you the choices. Please have a look and tell me in the comments which is your favorite:

Quick Followup to Yelp / Scream

I placed a comment on Greg Sterling’s writeup of the Yelp issue pointing him to my post.

In a reply to my comment Greg Sterling says , and I totally agree:

“There also need to be clear rules at these sites to that SMBs understand the “Hows” and the “Whys” of these systems and they’re not surprised by something they thought was OK.”

This triggered a thought process which reminds me of a discussion I often have with prospective clients and other interested parties.

I believe in links! In fact I believe links are often more important than content.

Yelp Makes Small Businesses Scream

I got this link by email from one of our clients (for Botox, San Francisco folks can’t go wrong with Dr. Roy Kim – yes, it’s a blatant link-drop) and it got me going on a pet peeve of mine:

Small Business owners giving up control over their own online destiny.

From the SFGate (San Francisco Chronicle Online): Merchants angry over getting yanked by Yelp

This article brings to a head a few issues of significance from professionals like us and from the service providers.