Local SEO Over Optimization

[GrouchyKids]

We are targeting a bunch of services for our local business that works in and around their location.  I'm concerned about over optimization and need some guidance on whether these points should be resolved.

The company is based in a city and works mostly in the city but also in the surrounding areas.  Currently, the site has 6 services pages (accessible via main nav) targeting the same location i.e. “Made Up Service London”, “Imaginary Service London” (with URLs and H1 tags etc. in place containing this location).  However this is soon going to become 9 services pages, I am concerned that the repetition of this one location is starting to look spammy, especially as its where the company is based.

Initially, I also wanted pages targeting the same services in other nearby areas.  For example “Made Up Service Surrey”, “Imaginary Service Essex”. This has not happened as the info available has been too sporadic.  I was going to add links to relevant case studies into these pages to beef up the content and add interest. To that end, we came up with case studies, but after a while, I noticed that these are also largely focused on the primary location.   So out of 32 case studies, we have 19 focused on the primary location again with URL’s and H1 tags etc containing the location keyword.  So in total, we have 25 pages optimized for the location (soon to be 28 and more if further case studies are added).

My initial feeling was that the inclusion of pages targeting services in other locations would legitimize what we have done with the main pages.  But obviously we have not got these pages in place and I question whether we ever will.

What is my best course of action moving forward?

[jasongmcmahon]

He there,

Your approach is fine WRT targeting - I recommend that you ensure that you create content for each location or use canonicalisation.

[GrouchyKids]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for your answer,

Not sure I quite understand what you mean by "... or use canonicalization" I assume you're talking about the canonical tag but not sure where your suggesting I should/could apply it.

Justin

[ClaytonJ]

Hi

Each page should have a clearly defined purpose and respond to a customer query.

So if each page is unique ie plumbing toilets London, plumbing sinks London, then with great contextual relevant content that is spot on and will help the customer. ie as Each page chases local search but addresses a niche within the plumbing field.

How if both pages were to target plumbing toilets London and the content is essentially the same - that is a waste of resources for all.

So hope that helps, good luck.

[GrouchyKids]

Thanks for the clarification.

[jasongmcmahon]

Hello,

Yes I do mean canonical tags as don_quixote correctly pointed out "Each page should have a clearly defined purpose and respond to a customer query." however if you must use the same page for different locations...

1. www.url.com/plumbing-services
2. www.url.com/essex/plumbing-services
3. www.url.com/camberwell/plumbing-services

I would add the following code:

to the esses & camberwell pages

 

[GrouchyKids]

Hi Joe,

So canonical tag if the pages have the same (or very similar) content.

The page for each location would have different content (adding as much value as possible to the user).

So it sounds like I'm on the right track.

Thanks for your help.

Justin