Customers are now searching for your business.
Do you want to appear at the top of local search results?
Want those future customers to see your business in their Google searches?
Wish you knew exactly which ranking factors could help your business rank higher?
you can.
With local SEO, Google uses a separate ranking algorithm that considers various factors to produce the best results – we have the latest information on Google’s algorithm updates.
On April 6, I hosted a webinar hosted by Birdeye Digital Marketing Evangelist Justin Meredith and Wiideman Consulting Group CEO and Senior Search Strategist Steve Wiideman.
They take a deep dive into Google’s latest search algorithm update and offer strategies for leveraging local search to improve search rankings.
Here is a summary of the webinar. To access the entire presentation, complete the form.
Google Algorithm and Search Appearance Updates
They say the only constant in life is change, and Google loves that. Below are the latest Google updates affecting local businesses.
- New maps and local interface in Search (December 2021).
- List updates can be made directly in Search (Dec 2021).
- New Google Business Profile properties (February 2021).
- Google News Showcase (February 2022).
[Discover How Those Algorithm Changes Impact Your Business] Access the webinar now →
Despite all the changes Google has made, the one thing they seem to have been consistent with is the reasoning behind those changes.
Google’s goal is to provide consistent, reliable information to consumers searching online.
Tip #1: Do your research
Make sure your business information is correct. Conduct a local SEO audit.
During the audit, you will need to check:
1. Data accuracy.
Your phone number, address and pin on the map should be correct.
2. Optimize local landing pages.
Make sure that the pages your visitors click on are helpful to their needs and location.
Last year, Wiideman’s team studied more than 300 local landing pages for big brands like Starbucks and McDonald’s, which sometimes have thousands of locations.
These big brand discoveries contain very useful tips for local business sites.
[Learn The Optimization Tips They Discovered] Access the webinar now →
3. Relevant citations.
Make sure you get citations from:
- search engine.
- Navigation engine.
- Industry Directory.
- Localization directory.
- Websites that get traffic.
4. Manage a good reputation.
Reviews are essential, so be sure to ask customers to leave reviews and add photos to Google Maps if possible.
[Discover Exactly How Reviews Help Local SEO] Access the webinar now →
Tip #2: Create a Comprehensive Google Business Profile
In addition to leveraging every field available in your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), you can:
- Incorporate language from reviews into actual product and service descriptions to think more like your customers.
- Let your best customers ask questions that appear in search results and answers.
- Upload pictures and videos related to your business.
[Learn The Easiest Way To Do This] Access the webinar now →
Tip #3: Build a Strong Review Management System
In this day and age, the power of word of mouth cannot be underestimated.
Nine out of ten consumers read reviews before buying a product.
Make it easy for customers to leave reviews, then listen to both positive and negative reviews.
Bird’s Eye, April 2022[Discover The Best Ways To Respond To Reviews] Access the webinar now →
Tip #4: Create Comprehensive Content
It’s critical to provide content for every possible search method that people might use to find your product or service.
Don’t just think about what your customers are searching for and how they are searching.
On the organic side of local searches, make sure you appear below the map for more long-tail queries.
Tip #5: Use Links and Citations
Local businesses can gain links and citations by engaging their neighbors and communities.
You might need creativity and some calf work here, but it’s great for PR and delivers rich results with event mode.
[Discover How An Attorney Got Free PR With Links & Citations] Access the webinar now →
For off-site visibility, prioritize location page test listings to improve organic rankings.
Tip #6: Increase activity
Help show search engines that your business is active, active, real, and that people are searching for you and coming to your location.
● Refine every available field in GBP.
● Use Google Maps when traveling.
● Take pictures.
● Utilize Google image recognition algorithm.
Be proactive and hold yourself accountable each month to improve each activity metric.
Wiideman also shows how to get an SEO KPI tracker for free, which helps with overall accountability.
[Find Out How To Get The SEO KPI Tracker] Access the webinar now →
[Slides] Google Algorithm Updates and Local SEO: 6 Top Tips From the Experts
Here is the presentation:
Google Algorithm Updates and Local SEO: 6 Top Tips From the Experts From search engine magazine
Join us for our next webinar!
The State of Organic Marketing in 2022: Top SEO Tasks
Do you know where your marketing efforts will be focused this year?
How is your organization adapting to the changing global event landscape?
Learn what top marketers are doing to better understand their challenges and how they can expect to be successful in 2022 in this webinar on the State of Organic Marketing on April 13 at 2 p.m. ET.
Image Source
Featured image: Paulo Bobita/Search Engine Magazine
