Using SEO for your cleaning business

SEO, can be very effective. I also highly regard online marketing.

Since this thread began in '09 I think the Yellowpages have died.  Unless your target market is senior citizens you have to be found online and the bigger the city the bigger the dogfight to get your site ranked higher.

yeah you're right. mixed with other areas seo is a powerful aspect to all websites and should not be over looked for any carpet cleaning company.

Hi

SEO is very daunting and does require knowledge although, once you have the basics you will be 90% ahead of your competitors.
Good Luck
Ash, Newcastle Cleaning Company


Newcastle Cleaning Company
Newcastle Cleaners

Hey guys ck this out: http://www.domaintools.com/

One of the biggest things to do with Google in recent times is Google Maps/Places.  I've been working at getting my business listed in the top 7 results that come up for many of the search phrases describing my company locally.  The beauty of Google Maps is it shows up on page one.  So if you try different search phrases (such as "your city carpet cleaning"), you'll be able to find out which phrases people might search to find a company like yours that actually have a so-called '7-box' or a '3-box' (ie - the Google Maps search results for that search phrase.  Some show 7 results, others only 3).  Once you find out which search phrases you're targeting, submit your business info to Google Places.  Try to be discrete when you use keywords or Google won't like it, resulting in your Place being penalized and relegated to the Maps page 2 or 3, where nobody will find it.  A Google Place is easy and free to setup, and well worth the time.  You'll have to wait a few weeks for Google to send you a postcard with the activation code once you do set it up. 
Tips:
- Add as many pictures and videos as Google allows on your Place page.  This will, in theory, help with it's ranking. 
- Make sure you use your actual real life business name in the info.  DO NOT add keywords to your business name that aren't already part of it, especially not your city name.  If you do, your Google Place page will be sure to end up where nobody will find it. 
The Google algorithms are very smart.  Don't try to outsmart them.  You'll fail.

I hope this explanation made sense.  If not, feel free to ask for clarification.
All the best with it!

I've been trying to use SEO for the past month for my father's business, and it's slow & tough.  I'm just afraid that since the site doesn't have many pages that the google webcrawlers wont index it properly.

Should I list every city that we do on a page so google crawls those keywords?  I know that blanketing keyword text can get you in trouble, so, I don't want to go too far.