Are you optimized for local search?

The more time you invest in making sure potential clients get the best picture of your company online, the more business you will earn.

The second step in a basic local search optimization campaign is to lock down your company name across a variety of social media channels. At checkusernames.com, you can find a variety of social media opportunities to lock down your company name (so no one else can steal it).  Be sure to populate these profiles with just enough information to keep them healthy…and where ever you can, link back to your primary domain.

As recommended by a wiser SEO than I, make sure to register your name on Naymz, Linkedin, Myspace, Facebook, Squidoo , and AboutUs wiki. Provide as much geographical information as you can while making your contact information as visible as possible (without going overboard).

The third step is one of the more versatile and most logical. Find the forums, message boards, and communities ( BoardReader.com, ForumFind.com, Big-Boards.com, BoardTracker.com, iVillage) where people would likely discuss what you have to offer – and GET ACTIVE. 

It might take you fifteen minutes a day to drop a comment or get involved in the discussion…but that one comment, thread, review, or poignant counterpoint will help bring you targeted traffic on a consistent basis.

The fourth step might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s something that many small businesses tend to overlook as an element of their website.  Make your contact information VERY accessible.  Invite people to get in touch with you.  Ensure your contact information is accessible or visible from all areas of your website.  Be available and respond to inquiries as efficiently as you can.

Bottom line: make it as easy and convenient as possible for people to reach you.