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I would create a separate page for each city instead of one page with content covering many cities.

Linking out is a good thing. Ask yourself, "Will these links improve the users experience"? If yes, then include them.

It may be working for them now, but using the same recycled content is not a good long term strategy. Plus, if the content stinks it doesn't really matter how well they rank because people with hit the back button (and google keeps score of that).

Focus on creating content that's going to make users have a positive experience on the site. Use case studies, photos, testimonials, videos, city/town resources that are relevant.

If the site was about construction - link to official city/town page with relevant permit info, ect - things like that.

I would use the following format: .../service-areas/city-name/

I've successfully used this URL structure, but creating these city pages is a ton of work. A lot of companies get this wrong and recycle the same page over and over while switching the city name throughout the page.

Focus on creating content that's going to make users have a positive experience on the site. Use case studies, photos, testimonials, videos, city/town resources that are relevant (if the site is about construction - link to official city/town page with relevant permit info, ect).

I use WP Engine and I'm very happy with them. They're a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for.

Since you have more than a few sites, you can get a plan that hosts multiple sites which will offset some of the costs.

I recommend hiring Yoast: https://yoast.com/hire-us/website-review/

This might only work if the sites offer something of value. I know that's kind of a vague answer, but a lot of people used this strategy with a set-it-and-forget-it plan.

For the social meda sites, if you're not going to be active then don't bother. Try offering coupons, trials, user generated content, top x# lists, ect.

Try RankChecker by SEO Book. I'm not sure how far back it goes, but it's more than 100 results.

http://tools.seobook.com/firefox/rank-checker/

Provided that you do everything James is suggesting, you shouldn't have an issue.

I've noticed small dips in rankings immediately after a redesign, only to regain their original positions within 2 weeks (or so).

On the Rankings report page, export your full rankings report to CSV. Image attached.

mpgLSzF.png

It depends how many services you offer. Right now you're listing 3 and that fits fine in your navigation, but at some point you may want to add more services.

I think what you're doing now works, but I'd create a services menu if you have other services.

We can only give you opinions on this forum, so you should test both and see what works better.

Try sharing your site on Google+, and other social networks.

Having a Google Analytics and Webmaster Tools accounts can help you monitor what phrases your site is ranking for...meaning your site is indexed.

Links from Ezine Articles wont help you.

Check out this video from Matt Cutts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuhSmwsL7s

The emphasis on optimizing your mobile site should be the users experience. I know that sounds like a vage answer, and it is, but UX is important.

Can you post a link to the site?

It can take a while before OSE shows the link, if at all.

If it's not indexed by Google yet, I'd try to find a way to share it on G+.. I don't reccomend pimping URLs just to get indexed, but if you can do it conguently with your audience then it may help get the URL indexed faster.

To add to this, I think a huge mistake businesses make is the just cut and paste content from their website to fill out their Yelp page. This is duplicate content! Write something original and ask them to take action (call or click to your website).