The myriad of changes that Google has made over the past year regarding Local Search – most notably showing the local 7 pack  in the web results for searches made without geographic terms – has really brought it into the forefront for small to medium businesses. The 7 pack is most definitely the place where they all want to be found and the marketers who have the skills to get them there currently enjoy a real advantage.

Local Search Engine Optimization differs greatly from regular SEO. Different ranking factors come into play and, if you don’t understand the algorithm, you don’t know which strategies to use to rank better in Google Maps and in the Local Pack. Common online marketing tactics that seem harmless can hurt you immensely in Local Search.

Do you understand the new Local Business Listing Quality Guidelines? Can you perform a Local Search Audit for a business to determine where problems and opportunities lie? Can you devise a solid plan for increasing the number of new customers they attract from their internet marketing? Do you know which local businesses to target as good prospects for your services?

If not, you may be interested in a live online Local Search training offered exclusively by Planet Ocean, the publisher of Search Engine News. For the first (and maybe the only) time this valuable course is available to non members. You can learn more about it here.