Local Directory Lead Tracking Question

[VTDesignWorks]

Hi,

We are trying to find a way to track leads for our clients from local directories, including Google Places, Yelp, Superpages etc.. We try to keep their NAP consistent across the board, so using a tracking phone number doesn’t seem like a good solution. Does anyone have a suggestion on a way to quantify the number of leads/phone calls resulting from a local business listing?

Thanks!

[Catalyste]

Hi, You can use Google Url Builder avalaible here to tag the links you enter on these local directory to be able to have their tracking in Google Analytics.

As for the Phonecall, they are tricky to mesure if you're not using a different number for this directory. I usually do that on microsite with a dedicated VOIP number so I can track call + traffic,

Hope this help

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Gridless, Thanks for coming to Q&A with your question. I'm the Local SEO Associate here in the forum. You are correct that the use of call tracking numbers is not advisable.

Here are some good resources on the subject of lead tracking for local businesses: http://www.seobook.com/tracking-offline-conversions
http://www.seomoz.org/blog/tracking-traffic-from-google-places-in-google-analytics
http://searchengineland.com/for-local-seo-lack-of-call-tracking-solution-spawns-cloaking-70198
http://searchengineland.com/be-wary-of-call-tracking-numbers-in-local-search-26895

I'm hoping the reading you do through these will get you off to a good start!

Miriam

[VTDesignWorks]

Hi Catalyste,

The url builder is an interesting idea, but wouldn't you only be able to track those people who clicked through from the local directory to the website? Still, its sounds like a great place to start. Have you run into any problems where the tracking url is pulled to other directories?

Thanks for the suggestion!

[VTDesignWorks]

Thanks Miriam, these are some great sources!

Unfortunately, not seeing much about call lead tracking, but maybe using custom urls and google analytics is the best we can do. Other than making the URL look a little strange, is there any downside of using this method?

Thanks again,

Gridless