The Search Engine Strategies conference in San Jose has been chock full of interesting and useful tips and information for marketers and business owners. One session that took place was about the convergence of phones and local search.
I probably don't have to tell you that mobile web browsing is becoming increasingly popular. Where do you think it's going to be this time next year? The year after that? Five years from now? Ten? It's going to be the absolute norm. Just as everybody has cell phones now. Eventually, everyone's going to have smartphones (which are only going to get smarter).
Mobile local search is only going to become more important as a result. But guess what. It's pretty important already.
21% of consumers have conducted a local search on their mobile device, and another 22% said they have tried directory assistance, according to Gregg Stewart, SVP, Interactive, TMP Directional Marketing.
Maps and driving directions are key. Consumers are looking to purchase based on proximity, he says. There is no one-size-fits-all strategy. Just do your homework. Usage varies based on the sophistication of phones.
Josh Siegel, Product Manager of Mobile Local Search at Google says they're starting to integrate users' location into search (with permission). This means searching based on GPS location. He says to search for Google Local Business Center, and claim your business address. Make your listing as comprehensive as possible.
Bing is doing its own work in the mobile, local search realm too. Group product manager for Bing for Mobile says mobile tasks are shorter and more time sensitive than those of PC users. They are very specific and very direct in what they want. Make sure your site is optimized for the mobile experience.
Bing's mobile browser is task-oriented, so people can get instant answers while they're on the go. Bing itself is optimized for mobile, so it adapts to specific devices.
Tips for Getting Your Business found in Local SearchesGoogle Doesn't Have the Only MapsLocal Search Growing More Rapidly Than Regular Online SearchDon't Look Past Your Local Internet AudienceMobile is Changing Search, Bringing Businesses More OpportunitiesSearch as a Local Marketing ToolLocal Business Listings With Bing12 Steps to Using Google's Local Business Center2 Less Obvious Things to Consider in Local SearchEmbracing Mobile Marketing
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Comments
It's a great idea...
I think people searching on their smart phones for among other things, safety and security products is a great idea. I'm getting more and more traffic from Bing every day. Thanks, Chris
He interesting and useful
He interesting and useful tips and information for marketers and business owners. I have bok mark this to read agin and again new SEOupdate.
Mobile local search is
Mobile local search is getting huge. The use of smart phones and gps is great and whats unique is the upcoming technology for applications with "augmented reality".
Basically how it works is in layman's term is: type into the query of your mobile devices for window contractor. You then point your camera phone north and see that the view shows West Coast Vinyl is located 2 miles ahead. You point the camera east and you see Joe's Windows Exteriors, etc..
Or maybe you're just looking for a nearest pizza joint and lo and behold its right there on your mobile phone screen.
For a product this is still in the works, don't know how it works for if someone is looking to buy a stone finish bird feeder.
Local Search
It certainly makes sense that people would search for local businesses on their cell phone. If you were searching for something out of town, you would likely be on your home computer. Some newspapers like Houston Chronicle are actually offer its mobile classifieds to compete with local search.
Local Mobile Search
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