To get the most out of your Search Engine Optimization (SEO), this is a must! With Google Local, your clients will see local listings appear above even the organic listings. Not only is this a great way to crawl to the top of the search results, but it also affords you a great opportunity to get your name out there and tell a little bit about your company. Google Local also allows you to view stats on your listing by logging into Google and viewing your dashboard.

Google Local listings allow for the following:

• Company came, address and map
• Company type & description
• Phone number & email
• Website URL
• Reviews
• Coupons
• Details such as payments accepted, areas served, languages, etc.
• Photos (could be used as a portfolio piece) as well as company logo

Google Local listings are an easy and effective way to give your business an advantage. To start using Google Local visit Google Local, click “Add new business” and fill in the required information. After you verify that you are the business owner by phone or mail, you will be provided with a verification code that you type into the appropriate field and you’re done!

Website vs Web Site - Which term is correct?

Website is way more popular than Web Site! So, there you have it! As a company, we’ll design either (as they are exactly the same product) a web site or website for a client! We prefer to use the term website as it’s more popular and widely used.

This is also a good example of not sticking to the dictionary because it’s grammatical, rather, focusing on terms that are actually used. For search engine optimization, keep this in mind and do your research!

A successful web site can make a positive impact on business, but a poorly developed one can turn away business. The key is choosing the right firm from the beginning, as moving from developer to developer is very costly and the project can become convoluted. There are many firms / individuals that claim they can develop web sites, however, at least 90% of them dabble in it because it interests them, not because they’re necessarily good at it.

The Right Development Firm

After 10 years in the business, we’ve developed the following checklist to assisting in determining whether or not the developer is a good fit for your company.

Well rounded and complimentary skills

There are several skill sets that contribute to the development of a successful web site. Rarely can you find one individual with all the skills, but many companies are structured with a team environment harnessing everyone’s strengths.

Here is a list of the types of web developers you might run into and the skills they possess. When blended together, you’ll see stronger results:

• Internet Strategists:
  More of a marketing mind, Internet Strategists determine what’s necessary to compete online and continue to keep your site matched with your marketing plan and achieving the objectives set.
• Website / Graphic Designer:
  The Designer plays a key role in the visual aspect of the site, and create graphics that help display the proper message.
• Programmers:
  A Programmer codes the backend of the site and any custom functionality needed.

Communication

If you can’t communicate with the firm you’re partnering with, your web experience will be miserable. Look for a strong group committed to communication, and not afraid to invest time and money in the structure that supports healthy communication. With the technology available today to assist with communication, it’s not a matter of not having the right tools, rather, whether or not the firm you choose uses those tools successfully.

Committed to Technology

Technology changes rapidly, which means your web site can get outdated fast. Find a group that spends the time to stay up on these trends. You will be looking to them for advice and direction as it becomes available, and they should take ownership of your project and have that commitment.

Quality, Not Price

It’s true, you usually always get what you pay for. There are many different pricing models for site development, and the budget obviously needs to fit, however, don’t make your entire decision based on price. Price is a definite piece, but many times first and foremost in a companies mind. Rather, look at quality first, because a poor site will cost you more than going with a higher priced better quality site.

Reputation

You need to partner with a firm that will be around for years to come, and will deliver on what they promised. You’ve probably heard many horror stories today of ones signing a contract, giving a deposit, and never hearing from their developer again. Look at the companies reputation, call their current customers, spend time getting to know them and build trust with them.

Making this decision is an important one. Choose the right developer and reap the rewards that can come from this amazingly useful technology.

Written by Zachary Daily, CEO of DNA, a full service web development firm. For further advice / consulting contact him at zach@dnawebagency.com, online at www.dnawebagency.com, or call 541.582.8154.