6 Blogging Tips for Local Businesses

So many blogging tips focus on the national and even global stage, but there are small and medium businesses that only serve the local community, not the entire country. Although the concept and purpose of blogging remains the same for both local and international SEO, you need a different approach when targeting just your geographical area. If you have a local business in Montreal, these are the blogging tips for you.

1. Integrate the local atmosphere. Make your site reflect the local culture, art, architecture, landscapes, etc. The goal is to make site visitors feel the local flair through your content. Design your blog (or higher a designer) so it celebrates Montreal's community. Site visitors from your area will find that you're creative and they can truly identify with your content. 


2. Connect with organizations that reach out to the community. Local news, charities and associations often strive to increase their visibility online and offline. Build a profitable relationship that can also benefit the organization. One way to do this is by offering your blog as a channel for their local news and event updates. The news doesn't have to show up on your entire blog; a section dedicated to the latest news can be something site visitors will appreciate. Both your blog and the local group will receive a wide audience that can pave the way to a lucrative joint venture.


3. Supply local media with good content. Many local radio stations and newspapers find it difficult to deliver excellent local content. By emailing them your locally-focused news and events information, you can be a valuable resource for them. You can also show your support by retweeting and liking their statuses.


4. Reward or give free stuff. Who doesn't love free or discounted items? Give special discounts to your blog readers or promote special offers. Not only will you be able to advertise your business, your store location will also have more visitors.


5. Social media can take your blog one step further. A lot of website traffic is attributed to social media marketing and recommendations. When you have a large following in online social circles, you have more opportunities to expose your content, engage regular site visitors, and get more clicks. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Reddit and Stumbleupon are among the top social-oriented sites that drive a flood of traffic to blogs. Aside from directly posting your content on the social networks, include social media buttons in your pages so site visitors can easily share your content as they will.


6. Use local SEO tactics. Remember that your blogging is just one part of the whole online marketing ecosystem, but it's still an important part nonetheless. Make sure to post your business name, address and phone number wherever applicable. Place them in a prominent area on your blog. You'll be able to increase your citations, and allow visitors to find important contact information fast. Also, use Google Keyword Tool to know how Montreal residents are finding your blog. Incorporate the keywords and key phrases you find into your titles and content.

For more details on how a local SEO company can help you rank in Google Canada, please visit: http://www.wakondamarketing.com/seo-montreal/

Attract More Patients - SEO Tips for Healthcare Professionals

Internet marketing is applicable to most if not all industries. Even medical experts and practitioners should learn a thing or two about online marketing and use SEO Montreal services. How many times have you opened your web browser to search for a disease that may explain your symptoms? Even if the Internet is no certified doctor, healthcare shares a huge part of web searches in Canada. In fact, according to a Pew Internet Project survey, four out of five Internet users say they have used the Internet to gather medical information, particularly details about specific diseases and treatments.

The most frequent searchers of health information are women, most often those who take care of kids, relatives or friends. Other big users are adults with a college education as well as young adults.

The essentials of search engine optimization are valid among all industries. For the health sector, you have to tailor your online marketing campaigns so you target the right demographic and talk about topics relevant to your practice. Here are things medical professionals, doctors and clinics should know. Note that this guide will start with the basics.

1. When setting up your website, buy all possible combinations: .net, .com, .gov, .info, etc. 

2. Make sure your website explains how it can be of service to patients. Clarify what you can do for them.

3. Center your website on your strengths and specialty. There are all types of doctors: pediatricians, gastroenterologist, dermatologists, neurologists, and whatnot. Show your website visitors your expertise the moment they land on your site.

4. Focus on the geographic location that you serve. Someone living in Saskatchewan won't be looking for a doctor in Montreal. 

5. Place your contact information and address on a prominent area on your website. Don't make it hard for site visitors to search for contact details. Many want to reach a medical expert as soon as possible.

6. Have a page dedicated to testimonials from patients.

7. Create an account on LinkedIn and join social communities based in your local area.

8. Create a blog and fill it with news and updates about your expertise.

9. Give web searchers what they're looking for — information about the symptoms, causes and treatments of certain diseases related to your field. 

10. Create a Facebook and Twitter account, and post status updates about news and information of the services you provide.

11. Be listed on local online directories.

12. Be bilingual as much as possible. If you're targeting the people of Montreal, chances are they need information in either French or English.

13. Design your website to appear simple and clean but informative. Don't make the layout look "busy" because you want visitors to feel welcome. A presentable, professional look will encourage people to get your services.

14. Apply link building to your website. Your site can rank higher in the results pages of search engines if relevant websites link to you. When you have a high ranking on search engine results, you have a better chance at being found via search engines, like Google, Bing and Yahoo.

15. If you lack the manpower to perform online marketing, outsource. Find a reliable SEO company in Montreal that can increase your practice's online visibility and profits.

Take advantage on all your competitors and Click here to find out how your business can do better.