Region Based SEO

[trade_globus]

If I am targeting any specific region for SEO. Suppose I want to target France then what regional based SEO strategies should I follow? Can anyone share a brief plan?

[satyendratm]

In Google webmaster there is option with name "Geo-Targeting" through which we can tell Google about our target region. Apart from this we can also do local business listing in business directories to improve our visibility in target region. Getting back links from region specific websites will also improve your ranking in local search.

[francishong]

yes I totally agree with satyendratm,your website is in France,your most parts of back links are in French，then you get ranking in France.

[jamesfreak]

You can use Local directories or yellow pages sites to promote your business locally. Also you can enhance your possibilities by adding your site to the local business listings for that region.

[jackflaming]

There is no any specific strategy for region specific SEO. You just need to add your region in your keywords such as if you are providing your services in Ireland specific then your keyword may be your company name-Ireland.

[Nyagoslav]

Originally Posted by trade_globus

If I am targeting any specific region for SEO. Suppose I want to target France then what regional based SEO strategies should I follow? Can anyone share a brief plan?

Some fast tips:

1. Google Webmaster Tools has an option to set the geo-target of your site.

2. Using a local domain is always very valuable. For example .fr if you are targeting France.

3. Geo-tagging your content with schema markup.

4. Using localized language. For instance, in the UK you would spell "localise", not "localize", etc.

[C.Rebecca]

On page techniques for Geo targeting
- Use country specific language for non-English countries
- Placement of anchor text from pointing to country specific websites
- Mention your tangible address if possible

Off page techniques
- Set your preferred location in google webmaster tool
- Get backlinks from target country
- Submit your site on local search engines
- Get listed on local classified websites
- Get listed on Google maps, Yahoo! search marketing, Bing local listing

[MarkHeron]

I just want to add that some people will suggest you host your website on local servers (i.e. servers that are actually in France), but that's crazy talk. It's one of those myths that arise when there are no other answers to certain problems ("Why did my AU site lose ranking? Oh, it's not hosted in Australia!").

[titleseo]

If you are targeting France then you should get high quality backlinks from france regional website. If may directory, blog, article directory or others. For capture local market you should optimize your website as per their local market needs. Create your website in france language.

[vishal_vivek]

Set target country as France in Google Webmaster tool. Register in Google places, get links from local directories and sites.

[dbinto]

Finding links from sites in the local region would not only help with your SEO efforts but it could deliver real visitors.

[Donnie]

Originally Posted by MarkHeron

I just want to add that some people will suggest you host your website on local servers (i.e. servers that are actually in France), but that's crazy talk. It's one of those myths that arise when there are no other answers to certain problems ("Why did my AU site lose ranking? Oh, it's not hosted in Australia!").

I have heard this as well, many times from very good sources. Why is hosting locally a myth?

[GeraldNitram]

I'd like to ask the same question as Donnie. Thanks for bringing that up, man.

Anyway, to answer your question, try ranking for keywords that have your specific region in it. Only a few people may search for it since it's a step towards (or it's really) a long-tail keyword, but it's a step towards being seen on the web.

[MarkHeron]

Originally Posted by Donnie

I have heard this as well, many times from very good sources. Why is hosting locally a myth?

Because Google now uses data in Webmaster Tools (the country you set) and other factors such as localized domain and of course the search user's IP in displaying rankings for local search. Google understands that some countries simply don't have the necessary web hosting market to support local websites. You can find case studies about this online. Many people, mostly US/UK folks, tried moving their servers around and see if there was a significant change in local rankings based on that factor alone. Turns out there weren't.

[RankedZillaSEO]

Find out which regional keywords you want to rank for. Do a competitor analysis to see who's ranking at the top and see where their backlinks are from.

[patco]

First, a very important step is required! You should check the keywords in your region. Then try to build some backlinks from HIGH authority do-follow websites... And then just submit to local directories and search engines (you can also use local forums to promote it further!)

[Pawpoint]

I agree with Jamesfreak (even though he is banned) - Local directories have helped my site out no-end. Google looks on them as highly relevant links.

[ChrisTrack]

You need to set your Webmaster tools to GEO-target the location that you want.

You then need to find quality high authority backlinks from local websites.

I have also used local directories in the past and they have been great for helping me get ranked for regional searches.

[ket]

Your keywords should contain with local area, then you have to do normal seo but do some extra step like, submit info in some pupular local sites, do local listing in different search engine etc.

[Noahqw]

One way to help target a specific area of the world is through the Google Webmaster's tool for GeoLocation.