Improve SEO Through Geocoding

There are thousands of business websites around the world that show maps to promote their business locations. These maps are common sights for any one surfing the net. However, how are these maps made? What other purposes do they serve aside from simply showing location? In this article find out how a map can affect search engine optimization. Also, find out how you can geocode your addresses to create more dynamic maps that are perfect for your business.

Searching online for local businesses often brings you to these pages: “Locations” and “Contact Us.”Both of them may or may not contain maps that show directions for customers. Some maps are simple, some are more dynamic and interactive. The latter is hyperlinked to free mapping softwares like Google Earth and Google Maps API for best viewing experience.

An interactive map is definitely way better than a static map don’t you agree? While it is common notion that having interactive maps costs much, this theory should be debunked. Again there are free mapping services like Google Maps API which can transform your simple maps into dynamic tools that can help you market your business. Here are some tips so you can use this tool.

1. Sign up with Google Maps API to secure the API key you need to transport the map from your domain name.

2. Geocode your address. Wikipedia defines geocoding as “the process of finding associated geographic coordinates (often expressed as latitude and longitude) from other geographic data, such as street addresses, or zip codes (postal codes). With geographic coordinates the features can be mapped and entered into Geographic Information Systems, or the coordinates can be embedded into media such as digital photographs via geotagging.” Simply put, you need to change your business address into latitude and longitude coordinates either manually or with the use of software mapping tools. Manual geocoding requires GPS. No need to purchase a geocoder if you will seldom use it. Again you can use free geocodes using Google Maps API. However this may prove challenging to those who have little knowledge in programming languages.

3. After geocoding, check the map to ensure that everything is correct.

4. Don’t forget to put your business details such as your business name, address and contact numbers. These texts are needed for search engine optimization. The information you will provide will be used to link your website to business directories. As you may know, keywords are the way to go for SEO.

These are the basic steps you need to take in transforming your simple business maps to a dynamic and SEO friendly tool.

Do you need help in geocoding your business address but tight on the budget? Drop by Drew Kesler’s site and see how his mapping tool can help you get affordable geocoding and mapping services.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 23rd, 2010 at 2:20 pm and is filed under GPS. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.