Keyword Optimization for the Small Businessman

I am proud of my success in placing 100% of my clients on the first page of Google Local on important keyword searches, and I would like to share with you some of my secrets of good keyword list building.While there isn't space to detail all the techniques I use, and describe in my eBook, "Getting Your Business on Page 1 of Google Local in 4 Hours or Less," http://www.wexpresssubmit.biz/submissionebook.htm, I will describe some of the most important principles which every businessman should keep in mind when making his keyword list.
The number one secret, which I can't overly stress, is being diligent, and thoughtful, but not overly clever. Google and other major search engines are programmed by human beings, who want to help Internet searchers find what they're seeking. That's the goal of their complex algorithms. They seek out every clue that will help them determine what services businesses are offering, and conversely, what services businesses are not offering.
Don't try and trick the engine ranking process. Instead, before you even choose a single keyword, prioritize and determine the exact services your business excels at, and which ones you want to be found for. Then use appropriate keyword tools to find the search terms people will use to search for those most important services. Don't focus too much on hunting after "popular keyword choices," and "underused keywords," focus instead on selecting keywords that describe the services you're best at. For one thing, if you're like most savvy businessmen, you're using online classifieds on a daily and weekly basis to promote your business. You're filling your ads with descriptions of your company's most important services. If you have a web site, then those very keywords will hopefully be appearing on your web site as well. So when a search engine such as Google registers your local listing submission, and then compares it to information on the world web, it may find that the search terms you've submitted are associated with your company name in many other places. This resonance will give your business listing a significant boost in the rankings. And don't pick keywords that are too general. While it's still possible to get listed as handyman in many cities, it is just as important if not more valuable for a handyman who loves to do kitchen remodeling to list that service as well. More specific and multiple word keyword terms are definitely more and more popular as Internet users are becoming more and more experienced with online searches.