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How can a company without a website get a higher rating on yahoo local then one with a website?

I own and operate a web design and development company in Milford PA 18337 (Lake Area Webs) and in Yahoo local search for the term "Web Design" in my area 18337 My website shows up as number two. That is good except the fact that the listing in the number one spot does not even have a website. I am wondering how that can be possible. The only thing I can think of is if the Yahoo! directory is somehow skewed by telephone directories or is being paid off somehow. Paid advertising is normally in a different color though and in this case they are not. I would love to have this explained to me by someone who knows from experience. I feel like any SEO effort I do will be for nothing as all SEO tactics are done through a website. So far it seems if I was to have a few friends give me a good review on yahoo local I might take back the number one spot if it was not just bought outright. I just don't understand how a company can have a web listing there with no web site on the top of the list. It goes against everything I have learned about SEO and SEM so far. That company on the top spot has no website to review.

Public Comments

1. A lot of companies buy the top spot for a certain period of time to expand their clientele. Don't be worried about being second. Also have your customers post comments and good ratings about your company on Yahoo. People read reviews to help them chose which companies to use.
2. I don't remember the news article, but I do remember the website http://www.yelp.com The article talked about a salon who all of the sudden got super popular for some strange reason. The owner later found out that the webpage yelp had some great reviews by some customers. These reviews in return got additional clientele. That might be an explanation to your question. If I find the article I will post.
3. Both Yahoo Local and Google Maps have no requirement that a small/local business have a Web site in order to be found in their listings. If you think about it, it makes sense -- there are hundreds of thousands of plumbers, contractors, painters, etc., who really have no need for a Web site. When you go into Yahoo Local (and Google Maps) they both offer a "web presence" for businesses without formal web sites. A basic page/listing is free, and I believe you can pay for more features. That said, with appropriate local search optimization, you should be able to overtake the company without a Web site. So, rather than use this as an indicator that SEO is pointless, I think the message is quite the opposite. I wrote about local search quite often on my blog, and invite you to read if you're interested. Hope this helps.
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5. I am not going to answer this with theory but will offer you a tip. Try putting a term that you want to be found for in your company name... :)
6. Hi Kevin, I took a moment to visit Yahoo! Local, and do a search for "Web Design" in the ZIP Code 18337 to see exactly what you were describing. There is no paid or sponsored results at work in this case. I would suggest a few minor changes to your Yahoo Local listing that may move you into the top spot for this particular search, and at the very least will give potential customers a little more information about your company: 1) Consider including "Web Design" in your title, such as "Lake Area Web Design" or "Lake Area Webs - Web Design" 2) Include your specific address so the "Map It" feature becomes enabled. 3) Expand your "Business Overview" section further, perhaps adding more detail on the services you provide. 4) Ask some current / previous clients if they would write a favorable review for you on your Yahoo Local listing. As others have mentioned, a website isn't required to establish a profile on Yahoo Local. I think it's good that you've linked your site to your profile, though, and that should give you a leg up. Basically I would advise completing your profile with as much information as you can, then soliciting positive comments from those that can vouch for your work. Best of luck! Jason - eNCarolina.com