Local search engine enhancement has become such an important factor in small to medium business strategy that the Search Engine Strategies folks have created a workshop around it. You'll have to get to Denver Colorado, and you'll have to fork out $1,345 for the one day class. When you return home, you'll then need to turn you focus away from your business, and onto implementing all that you've learned.

These are the default #1 search results for businesses that depend on geo-targeted search traffic.

It cannot be emphasize enough, the above point. These are the default #1 search results for businesses that depend on geo-targeted search traffic. What's critical to understand is that the ranking and placement of businesses within this new interface are almost entirely exclusive of the power of their websites. In fact, there are some searches for which the top search results don't even have a website! The reason is that the top listings in the Local interface are derived from a completely independent algorithm, though many traditional SEO factors still apply.

This is both good news and bad news for small businesses. The good news is that typically, it's not very difficult to rank well in these new Local algorithms. The bad news is that typically, your regular SEO, web site design firm, or internet marketing consultant hasn't got a clue of the basic structure needed to fare well in the local search market. So small businesses trying to market themselves effectively online now have just one more essential avenue to pursue. Not only must they incorporate traditional SEO within their marketing budget and strategy, but they need to integrate their online presence with a solid Local SEO strategy.