How to handle clients who want to target far away from their location?

[Red_Spot_Interactive]

In general, How do you recommend handling clients that are persistent about targeting a location that is very far away from their physical location, i.e. the client is in Providence, RI, but wants to target Boston, MA.

I typically give them a discussion about how they will not rank in the 7 packs, particularly post pigeon, but wanted to know if the Moz community had any other tips since this seems to come up so frequently.

Thank you!

[jlane9]

Hello there,

I think you are right and a ranking in the top / local spots for main keywords would be difficult.But you do have some options and potential.

You could do a separate page with a long tail keyword to get exposure in other areas much easier.  www.domain-name.com/target-keywords-target-city  For example Page title could be  www.your-domain.com/Buy-Blue-Widgets-Boston-Ma

I would write a great sales page about how and why you are a good option to sell blue widgets in that city/ area and how you could support those customers. You may not rank as easy for " blue widgets boston " but could rank for "where to buy blue widgets in Boston" or "Best place in Boston to buy blue widgets" potentially easier.

You would need to do some keyword research and determine where the easy to beat competition is for longer tail keywords and add a section on your website for services areas, or other cities you services so that the web page is also in line with your domain.

I hope that helps,

Joe

[MiriamEllis]

Hi There Red!

What is the client's actual relationship to customers in Boston? Is there one? A few more details on this might help.