With all the hype out there about local search, Googles chief SEO expert, Matt Cutts cuts through some of the hype about using press releases as a local SEO strategy. With so many different components that are used by Google to determine local search relevancy, Cutts says that press releases may not be one of them. Local businesses may want to rethink their strategy of using press releases, forgoing them for things like description and social signals.
Usually when local businesses want to heighten awareness to a new service or product, they run to a press release service for creation and distribution to get the word out, and boost their local rankings in Google.
Cutts responded to a thread on the Google Webmaster Help forum, asking whether a businesses search ranking would be promoted or penalized if those links from press releases pointed back to their site to quickly. Cutts response to the question was offered days later: “Note: I wouldn’t expect links from press release web sites to benefit your rankings, however.” There is no current evidence that Cutts or Google offered about how press releases would affect their site in a negative or positive fashion. With this being said, most in the industry still say that press releases, that are included in the over all SEO strategy, still play a role in improving their websites rankings.
Along with the numerous other SEO strategies like updated description, article creation and distribution, backlinking, social signals, on page and off page optimization, mobile websites and Local Internet marketing to name a few, press releases will still help improve the rankings in the major search engines for local businesses. By utilizing all the different facets that will get your site to the top of the major search engines, as stated above, local businesses must be diligent in their efforts on a daily basis, implementing and utilizing all the technology that will not only get their local business in front of their local customers, but also help them compete with the national and multi-national companies.
One of the biggest faults is that they tend to do it for a while, then see some improvements and stop…only to see their ranking plummet. It’s like trying to bake a cake with only a couple of the ingredients…you’ll get a result, but not the result you desire. Check out what this Billionaire said about all the emerging technology…
“Anyone who thinks new technology isn’t going to keep changing the world has got their head in the sand. We are seeing progress every day online, and businesses are doing their level best to keep up and get ahead. However, when you get to the very top of companies, there is a surprising lethargy about using the online tools already available: social media. Embracing social media isn’t just a bit of fun, it is a vital way to communicate, keep your ear to the ground and improve your business. So why are only 16% of CEOs currently participating in social media? IBM’s 2012 Global CEO Study found that most CEOs are clearly not taking social media seriously. Only one of more than 1,700 respondents had their own blog! Some are on LinkedIn, fewer on Twitter and even less on Facebook, Google+ and elsewhere on the web.” Sir Richard Branson
In order for all businesses to compete, they MUST add an online and mobile strategy to their marketing plan…and this strategy must be carried out in a systematic and consistent daily basis in order to see sustained results. With the ever changing SEO landscape, and Googles constant updates to improve the searchers overall results, local businesses must stay on top of things…or fade away into the great abyss of failed local businesses not willing to adapt to the new age of marketing.
Ron Richardson – Founder at LocalBizHelp.ca works with businesses looking to get found online and get more customers. Through SEO, social media, mobile marketing / SMS marketing, YouTube marketing, WordPress website design and more. Working with you, developing an online marketing strategy bringing you high quality leads consistently via the internet. "LocalBizHelp.ca – Get Your FREE Website Evaluation Report Today…this is where you start.