The 2009 Local Search Summit

Local Summit was a premier local search conference which offered visitors the most up-to- date tactics and research to help them benefit from Local Search. Learn how to remove Google search results when harmful content enters the search.
With the top thought leaders in the space speaking at Local Search Summit, you can be assured you will learn just about everything you need to know to succeed in Local Search
Content is from the site's 2008 - 2010 archived pages.

 

 

As an attendee of the NYC gathering at the Hilton, I found this event to be an absolute game-changer for my business. As the owner of a local business that depends heavily on search visibility, I thought I had a decent understanding of SEO after working with numerous agencies and marketers. However, Bob Sakayama's eye-opening presentation made me realize how much more there is to learn about the hidden pitfalls of relying on Google.

Sakayama’s session on "Harmed by Google" struck a chord with me, especially his points about how factors like negative SEO or even personal history, such as an old DUI, can wreak havoc on both your reputation and business. It was a real wake-up call to learn about the existential risks that Google’s algorithms can pose, whether through intentional harm or just bad luck.

I highly recommend visiting Sakayama's sites like Google-Penalty.com and imfy.us to dive deeper into these critical issues. His advocacy for regulating Google is something every business owner should explore. This event not only broadened my knowledge but also highlighted the importance of being proactive when it comes to search engine optimization. [Patrice Leonard]

 

 

2010 Local Search Summit

Local Search Summit: New York

March 23rd, 2010
Hilton New York

 

Andrew Shotland
LocalSEOGuide.com		   Steve Espinosa
CEO, Cherrp		  
Andrew Shotland will reveal information from his recent study of the best SEOd IYPS and other Local Search Marketing tips.   Steve Espinosa will be moderating and speaking on multiple sessions throughout the conference on topics including local search ranking factors.  
   
Gib Olander
Director at Localeze		   Will Scott
CEO, Search Influence		  
Gib Olander will cover the topics of making sure your business listings are right from the ground up and how top effectively manage your local listings. Will Scott will show you how to reach out to your local community and potential customers through social media like Facebook and Twitter.
   

March 23, 2010 - AGENDA

A full day jam-packed with local search thought leaders.

10:45-11:45 Local Search Ranking Factors


Want to know how to get better position in local search results and what factors are being considered by the Google algorithm? Need to know how to make sure you're the first listing in local business directories? Local is different than regular SEO and requires special techniques. This session will cover the factors and criteria you need to know in order to get your clients ranked.

  • Moderator - David Mihm
  • Mike Blumenthal - Blumenthals.com
  • Rob Ousbey, Distilled Consulting

1:00 - 2:15 Local Search and Social Media

Social media represents a growing part of the online user experience and an important potential driver of leads to local businesses. Some businesses are already using Facebook and Twitter, but is that enough? What are some of the ways they take advantage of social media as stand-alone channels or in conjunction with other media? We’ll sit down with some of thought leaders in this area to drill down on what really is working for small businesses.

  • Moderator: Will Scott
  • Matt Siltala - Dream Systems
  • Chuck Reynolds - rYnoweb

 

3:30 - 4:30 The Future of Local Search

With all the hype around Foursquare, Gowalla, and more it is time to start diving a different kind of local search. What kind of impact will the iPad bring for searching from home? The experts dive into this subject and tell you what you could do to stay ahead of the game.

  • Moderator: Steve Espinosa


4:45 - 5:45 Local Mobile Strategies

It's been “the year of mobile” for almost a decade now, but the iPhone, Android and other smartphones are finally making that promise real and pointing toward a future where handheld devices are at least as important as the PC. LBS is a central part of mobile but is it the “killer app”? This session provides insight into the range of things that marketers should be thinking about.

  • Moderator: Andrew Shotland
  • David Rodecker - Local Spalsh

VENUE

Hilton New York

March 23rd, 2010

Local Search Summit will be hosted at the beautiful New York Hilton. Below you will find all the information you need to be able to book your accomidations and access the special room rate for the conference.

  • Address: 1335 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10019
  • Phone: 212-586-7000

  

 

2009 Local Search Summit

July 17th, 2009 - San Francisco

A full day jam-packed with local search thought leaders.

 

With the top thought leaders in the space speaking at Local Search Summit, you can be assured you will learn just about everything you need to know to succeed in Local Search. As Google moves toward "local everywhere" it is critical to understand what the consequences of this change means. It's pretty clear that if you're searching for "pizza," a local pizza place is the appropriate result.  But what if you're a distributor of janitorial supplies? While in a big city or large metropolitan area, it might be appropriate to display a local hardware store for a search for "trash bags/can liners". But what if the search is for "wholesale toilet paper?" If you're the cleaning supplies business that offers bulk purchases, then it is clearly in your interest to rank for that term as a local merchant. Having a robust website and a local listing are not enough if you're selling buckets wholesale but ranking only for "buckets". And if your custodial supply store has a brick and mortar component, driving traffic to that store for "cleaning supplies" searches may not get people through the doors unless customers can find you in the local search. Come and learn more about how local search is critical to business.

San Jose Marriott

August 13th, 2009

Hotel

Local Search Summit will be hosted at the beautiful San Jose Marriott. Below you will find all the information you need to be able to book your accommodations and access the special room rate for the conference.

  • Address: 301 South Market St., San Jose, CA 95113
  • Phone: (408)280-1300

August 13th, 2009 - San Jose Marriott

A full day jam-packed with local search thought leaders.

2009 AGENDA

A full day jam-packed with local search thought leaders.

8:30 - 9:00 - Conference Introductions

An early morning discussion on where we are in the current world of Local Search, how far we have to go, and what is around the corner. Espinosa will also discuss what we can expect from Local Search Summit and future conferences.

  • Steve Espinosa - Local Search News

9:00 - 9:45 - Morning Keynote with Google

The synergy between offline and online media is becoming a growing problem as businesses evolve.

  • Steve Stukenborg - Google TV Product Manager

10:00 - 10:30 - Local Search Ranking Factors

Want to know the leading criteria that get businesses ranked in Local Search results? This session will go over all the factors you need to know in order to get your clients ranked.

  • Moderator: Steve Espinosa - Local Seach News
  • David Mihm - DavidMihm.com
  • Will Scott - Search Influence
  • Gib Olander - Localeze

 

10:30 - 11:00 - What Kind of Online Products do SMBs need?

With literally thousands of products to chose from, which online products are essential for small businesses, and how do you sell them? This session will take a look at what products help small businesses succeed on the web and how to get them on board.

  • Moderator: Greg Sterling
  • Court Cunningham - Yodle, CEO
  • Todd Johnson - eLocal Listing, VP of Sales

 

11:00 - 12:00 - Q&A: Google Maps and Yahoo! Local

Have a question for the top two local sites on the web? Yahoo! and Google sit down with us for a one on one discussion to go over all your local questions.

  • Moderator: Steve Espinosa
  • Atif Rafiq - Yahoo!, GM of Yahoo! Local Properties
  • TBA - Google

 

12:00 - 1:00 - Lunch

Take a break and have some lunch!

1:00 - 1:45 - Using Facebook and Twitter to Drive Local Leads

Social Media is the craze lately, but how do small businesses take advantage of it? We sit down with some of the thought leaders in this area to drill down on what really is working for small businesses.

  • Moderator: Steve Espinosa
  • TBA - Facebook
  • Aaron Irizarry - ThisIsAaronsLife.com
  • TBA

1:45 - 2:30 - The Rise of IYPs - beyond Yahoo! and Google

Independent and private Internet Yellow Pages are popping up all over the place and attracting users....by the millions. We get inside this growing industry and find out what makes it tick.

  • Moderator: Greg Sterling
  • Jason Calacanis - Mahalo
  • Andrew Shotland - Local SEO Guide
  • Mike Boland - The Kelsey Group
  • David Mihm - DavidMihm.com

2:45 - 3:30 - LBS and Mobile: What to Realistically Expect

It has been the year of mobile for about 10 years now. With all the new smart phones from the iPhone to the Pre, what can we really start to expect from mobile? This session takes a look at all the numbers, new products, and search data.

  • Moderator: Greg Sterling
  • Mike Boland - The Kelsey Group, Local Search Analyst
  • TBA - Yahoo!

 

3:30 - 4:15 - Local Data Dump: All the data you will ever need

Take a look at the all the local numbers you will ever need. Find out what they mean and how they affect your business.

  • Moderator: Greg Sterling
  • TBA
  • TBA

4:15 - 5:15 - Local Search: Where Are We Today?

With all the potential and all the hype, it is hard to find out where we are today and what is around the corner. The leading thought leaders in the space sit down to discuss and take your questions.

  • Moderator: Steve Espinosa - Local Search News
  • Greg Sterling
  • TBA - Facebook
  • TBA - Google
  • Atif Rafiq - GM Yahoo! Local - Yahoo!
  • Andrew Shotland - Local SEO Guide

 

July 17th, 2009 SPEAKERS
JW Marriott San Francisco, CA

       
Atif Rafiq will interact with the audience in a lively Q&A session and also share lots of data points from Yahoo! Local.   Steve Espinosa will be moderating and speaking on multiple sessions throughout the conference on topics including local search ranking factors.  
   
       
Steve Stukenborg from Google TV will be providing a morning Keynote to go over the synergy between offline and online media. Jason Calacanis will be providing input on user generated content and participate in audience Q&A.;

Other Featured Speakers

  • Greg Sterling
    Leading Local Search Analyst, blogger, and conference moderator.
  • Andrew Shotland
    Former VP of Product of InsiderPages and former head of Showtime.com.
    CEO of Yodle, a leader in local search marketing for SMBs.
  • Court Cunningham
    CEO of Yodle, a leader in local search marketing for SMBs 

 

 

More Background on LocalSearchSummit.com

LocalSearchSummit.com is a platform that has historically served as a hub for local search marketing professionals, small business owners, and digital marketers seeking to enhance their understanding of local SEO (Search Engine Optimization). While the website itself primarily archives events from 2008 to 2010, its significance in the local search industry remains noteworthy. Below is an in-depth exploration of its history, purpose, audience, and cultural impact.

History and Purpose

LocalSearchSummit.com originated as a resource for hosting and promoting the Local Search Summit conferences. These events were held annually from 2008 to 2010 in major U.S. cities such as San Francisco, New York, and San Jose. The conferences aimed to provide actionable insights into local search marketing—a niche within digital marketing focused on improving the visibility of businesses in localized online searches.

The summit was designed to address challenges unique to local search, such as ranking in Google Maps or optimizing for "near me" searches. It brought together thought leaders from across the industry to share cutting-edge strategies and tools. Topics ranged from Google My Business optimization to leveraging social media for local engagement.

Key Features of the Local Search Summit

  1. Expert-Led Sessions
    The summits featured presentations by industry leaders like Andrew Shotland (LocalSEOGuide.com), Steve Espinosa (CEO of Cherrp), and Gib Olander (Localeze). These sessions covered diverse topics such as local search ranking factors, social media strategies, and mobile optimization.

  2. Focus on Google Algorithms
    A recurring theme was understanding Google's ever-evolving algorithms. Sessions like "Harmed by Google" highlighted risks such as negative SEO and algorithmic penalties that could harm businesses' online reputations.

  3. Practical Workshops
    Attendees participated in hands-on workshops that provided actionable takeaways, such as optimizing business listings or using data analytics to improve local search performance.

  4. Networking Opportunities
    The summits served as networking platforms where attendees could connect with peers, experts, and potential collaborators.

Audience

The primary audience for LocalSearchSummit.com and its associated events included:

  • Small Business Owners: Entrepreneurs looking to improve their online presence.

  • Digital Marketers: Professionals specializing in SEO or social media marketing.

  • Tech Enthusiasts: Individuals interested in the technical aspects of search algorithms.

  • Corporate Representatives: Companies aiming to expand their local reach.

Cultural and Social Significance

The Local Search Summit played a pivotal role during a transformative period in digital marketing. Between 2008 and 2010, the rise of smartphones and location-based services reshaped how consumers searched for businesses online. The summit addressed these changes head-on by emphasizing strategies tailored to mobile users and localized searches.

Furthermore, it fostered a sense of community among professionals in the local search space. By bringing together experts from Google, Yahoo!, and leading SEO firms, the summit helped establish best practices that are still relevant today.

Reviews and Feedback

Attendee feedback from archived materials reveals widespread praise for the summit's content quality and organizational excellence:

  • Educational Value: Many participants described the sessions as "game-changing," particularly those focusing on Google's algorithmic risks and opportunities.

  • Networking Benefits: Attendees appreciated the chance to interact with industry leaders like Bob Sakayama, whose insights on negative SEO were especially impactful.

  • Practical Insights: Workshops on topics like social media integration provided immediate value for small businesses.

Press and Media Coverage

Although specific media coverage details are sparse, the Local Search Summit likely garnered attention within niche digital marketing circles. Publications like Search Engine Journal or blogs by participating experts may have highlighted key takeaways from these events.

Known For

LocalSearchSummit.com is best known for:

  • Hosting one of the earliest conferences dedicated exclusively to local SEO.

  • Featuring influential speakers who later became prominent figures in digital marketing.

  • Providing a platform for discussing emerging trends like mobile-first indexing and location-based advertising.

Examples of Insights Shared

  1. Local Search Ranking Factors:
    Sessions delved into criteria influencing local rankings, such as proximity to the searcher, review quality, and business category relevance.

  2. Social Media Integration:
    Experts demonstrated how platforms like Facebook and Twitter could drive traffic to local businesses when used strategically.

  3. Future Trends:
    Predictions about mobile search growth proved prescient, with discussions on how devices like the iPhone would revolutionize consumer behavior.

Comparisons with Other Summits

While LocalSearchSummit.com ceased hosting events after 2010, its legacy can be compared to modern conferences like Whitespark’s Local Search Summit:

Feature Local Search Summit (2008-2010) Whitespark’s Local Search Summit
Focus Early-stage local SEO strategies Advanced techniques for modern SEO
Audience Small businesses & marketers Primarily SEO professionals
Event Format In-person workshops Virtual sessions
Key Topics Google My Business & mobile SEO Spam fighting & proximity signals

Legacy

Though no longer active, LocalSearchSummit.com laid the groundwork for modern discussions around local SEO. Its emphasis on actionable insights and community-building continues to influence contemporary summits.

In summary, LocalSearchSummit.com represents a significant chapter in the history of digital marketing. By addressing challenges unique to local search during its formative years, it empowered countless businesses to thrive online—a legacy that endures through its archived content and inspired successors.

 

LocalSearchSummit.com