National Consulting Firm Home Based Business - And Filling Out The GetListed.org Listings

[ChadEisenhart]

I have mainly focused on SEO for local businesses and one of the 1st steps after optimizing my on page SEO I would attempt to claim all my free listings as those on GetListed.org.

But this client is focusing on a more national market and lists an 800 number on his website.

Should I suggest he display his local number also.

And when I reference his phone number on the Get Listed.org opportunities should I also use his local number?

Thanks

[Mike.Goracke]

Hi Chad,

You are correct. You should list the local phone number on the website and the GetListed.org directories. While 800 numbers are convenient, they do not give any indication as to the location of the business.

Hope this helps.

Mike

[NakulGoyal]

Chad

My opinion on this would be to use the 800 number as the primary number and if their is a secondary number field, use the local number. Think about it, if you are a national company, like a United Airlines or a Coast to Coast moving company, would you rather see a 567-453-xxxx number or a 1-800-xxx-xxxx ? As Mike said, they are convenient and that's what you want to provide to the user. If not, what's the point of having those numbers in the first place ?

Again, I hope this helps.

[Mike.Goracke]

For clarification, the main reason I suggested the local phone number is it will actually look more creditable (in my opinion) when a user is searching business directories.

For instance, if I visit YP.com (which is one of the GetListed directories) and search for "consulting" near "Stockton, CA" I get many results:

1. ABC Company (800)XXX-XXXX

2. DEF Company (209)XXX-XXXX

3. GHI Company (209)XXX-XXXX

...

If I searched for consulting near an area I specified, I personally would rather find a company that has a local area code. This would make more sense to me, because I specified an area... so clearly I want to work locally. If I specify an area and the results return an 800 number, I personally become a little suspicious as to whether the company is actually local or if they just employees in the area that can help me.

I think that when you are adding your information to business directories, I would lead with the local number, then 800 number, because people that are using these directories are looking for solutions for a specific area.

On your website, I would suggest leading with the 800 to establish you have a national presence, then your local phone number.

Good luck.

Mike

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Chad,

You must use the local number on the website and on all of the local business listings if the client wishes a Local SEO campaign to be part of his marketing strategy. For all your local SEO, the local area code phone number is his primary number and the toll free number has no value at all. And the area code of the local phone number should match the client's city of location.

Hope this helps!

[ChadEisenhart]

Thanks to all that answered.  I went with the local number listed 1st and if there was room for a 2nd list the 800# 2nd.

[NakulGoyal]

That makes sense, thanks for clarifying Mike. I was looking for a "local" plumber and I would obviously prefer somebody with a local number in my area, rather then a 800 number.

Let's say I am in Boston. I would prefer somebody with 617-xxx-xxxx that I'd like to call. If somebody with 800-xxx-xxxx or an area code that I am not familiar with in my area, I might not call them.

Considering that, if it's a global company servicing clients nationwide, I am sure it makes sense for them to invest in local numbers for each major city/state they service.

Thanks again. Thumbs Up