Optimizing a Directory for National vs. Local Search

Can it be done?

[pdivi]

I pay an industry directory a premium for a "National" listing. On the directory site itself, there is no distinction between the national and local listings -- they all appear in the same section. I asked the people who run the site how they justify the premium -- they said that national listings (landing pages) are "optimized nationally" on the search engines, whereas local listings are only optimized locally.

I understand how a landing page can be optimized for a local market using local keywords, but how can a page be "optimized nationally"? Sounds like a scam -- although the listing is producting results, so I don't want to upset things if their claim makes any sense.

[Chicago]

pdivi,

thanks for the post.

>> there is no distinction between the national and local listings -- they all appear in the same section.

>>whereas local listings are only optimized locally.

unfortunately, i am confused as the above appear to be contradictory statements.

i can imagine some viable scenerios, but i need to look at it. if you sticky me i will take a closer look.