If you're a local business you probably already know Google has replaced the phone book. Local businesses that don't show up on the first page of Google are not likely to generate a lot of calls. You need good ranking on search engines like Google to drive traffic to your local business. Here are 3 ways to improve your local search ranking.

1. Claim your Google Business page.

By going to Google.com/business you'll be able to let Google know important information about your local business and include it in their search engine. This is also a great way to make sure the information that appears about your business is accurate. For example_ store hours, phone number, and physical address.

2. Consider local keywords while doing SEO.

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. If you're a local business and you're optimizing your website you should be using all of the geographical names of the areas you serve in both your website copy, page titles, descriptions, and meta keywords.

For example_ If you're a plumber and you service a city like Seattle you'd also want to include keywords and content for each neighborhood you service within the major metropolitan. In addition you should be breaking down each service you offer in that region.

3. Get Local Listing from WebStarts.

Local listing will ensure your site is submitted to the most popular local search engines and directories. The more places you can appear online, the more frequently your site gets crawled, the higher your ranking, and the more people will visit your website. You can learn more about Local Listing by clicking here.