The process of validating a client’s website profit monster review , phone number, business name, and physical address is the true starting point of any solid SEO effort. Most large search engines, local directories, and online social networking services will require some type ofreal-world verification when validating the true existence of a company. Most of the time the verification comes in the form of a phone call or mailed PIN to the listed business address. Currently, the phone call verification requires a phone number local to the geographical area of the business and does not permit 800 numbers. The validation process usually allows for 2 options: An automated call with a PIN, or a text message with a PIN. The mailed PIN option ships to the physical business address and has the code concealed in an envelope or within a taped postcard. The reason for this is logical and simple — to make sure that only real businesses with a physical location and valid local phone number show up in map results. Google, Bing, and Yelp all stopped unverified users from creating potentially fictitious business accounts. The process can be annoying to most legitimate business owners, but to us real SEO companies, this process is a beautiful thing. In the mid 2000s, there were more fake map listings than real ones. At that point in time, companies and online marketers alike were frantically creating additional bogus listings to try to take over the newly introduced placements on Google’s first page. The mad rush was urged on because all of a sudden there were more than 10 listings on the homepage of website profit monster review. The new maps injected up to 7 additional listings of local businesses. It was the Wild Wild West (or WWW, pun intended). Fortunately, this phenomenon lasted only 18-24 months. Such listings were quick to set up, quick to rank, and quick to disappear. That time period was truly the Dark Age ofthe Internet’s map history. As consumers began to show up to physical addresses of businesses that didn’t exist, their faith in Internet map results quickly waned. Of course, with search engines fighting over market share based on the new maps, the situation had to be better monitored. What was left was tighter verification, and the regulations and validation became more rigorous each year. This was a frustrating time, because my company had always focused on real-world companies. Explaining to real companies why fake companies were outranking them was not a pleasant experience. In some cases, one competitor using fake addresses would have the top 7 listings. That’s why now I always explain to new clients that the validation process is very important. It really is an asset to any real-world business. Currently, brick and mortar businesses have a huge advantage over would-be online competitors. Although the process can be tedious, our clients usually love getting PINs, calls, and texts. It helps them feel like they are a part of the process. It also lets them know that their newly hired marketing company is following through on their SEO plan. After carefully examining what I had always done for successful clients, I realized I had been using a basic initial list that I now call the OptFirst List. What is this magical list? Well, it is more pragmatic than magic. The list has changed and will continue to change, as the criteria for high rankings on search engines shifts constantly. The changes to the list are always based on the current landscape texture. The list also takes into account what’s in vogue, and it deciphers fact from fiction. Following blogs and search engine news releases also helps me make necessary changes to my website profit monster review. In deciding whether or not to make a list change, the most important questions I consider are as follows: • Does this news make sense in respect to where the Internet is heading in the next few years? • Why would this search engine or ‘expert’ release this information? • Are they selling me a new product, service or belief that ultimately benefits them financially? • Is this a classic misdirection tactic by those who have a vested interest in keeping the true state ofsearch engine rankings a secret? When advising clients and other SEO companies, I recommend using these filters to sift through search engine news before changing any SEO plans. Details: