SEO has always geared up for a changing mode. If you buzz about the past, local businesses often ignored learning the current trends of local SEO.
In recent times, every business has its online presence on every platform. Moreover, customers expect to discover their local firms in the search results. So, if you’re not there in this situation, then you are missing something.
Now, the question punches the clock by asking how you stay ahead of your competitors?
In this year, local search has become much more focused on customer experience. It means that things such as mobile site optimization, voice searches, plus always look at how different factors influence the customer experience.
Now, let us look at important things that are turning into the latest trends, what one can do with this info, and what the stats say to achieve success.
1. Voice Search’s Significance For Local Search
When communicating over smart speakers or smartphones, people use their internet searches for the voice box instead of typing these searches into the search bar. Such searches are usually longer.
It means that one has to think deeply about how people talk in a natural way when searching for content if you wish to have an appearance for local voice search results.
2. Zero Click Results
Zero click results may sound depressing to you as it’s one of the significant trends to watch out for in 2021 for your business.
In 2020, over 50 per cent of every Google search resulted in a user having the info they required from the search results page. It implies that the users did not click on the website of a business.
So, is this helpful info? What will you do with this? Well, for this, once have a look at your GMB page (Google My Business) page plus your Google Maps info for your evolving business.
Please keep this information fresh since it’s where people are likely to discover the info they require regarding your business.
For such a concern, try creating high-quality content for your site that they can’t have on the search results page. Moreover, put efforts by paying attention to keywords that attract people to your site.
3. Video Content Make A Difference
As discussed above, today, several searches performed are zero-click results only. We encountered a plethora of these searches for every local business with Google My Business or Google Maps. Also, many other businesses are met with Instagram or YouTube videos appearing in the results.
According to Forrester research, video content has 50 times more possibility to be appearing on the SERP.
Consumers love video content. Additionally, the video makes your services, businesses, and products look much real in this virtual or digital world. The icing on the cake is your video content can create brand awareness and trust among your customers.
As per the study, 84 per cent of people quoted videos as part of their recent buying decision.
4. Text Content Is Still Valuable
According to an Orbit Media study, today, successful blog posts on an average comprise 1,142 words. And this length will grow progressively if the trend continues to stay.
Following this, if one wishes to rise in the Google ranking considering their local business, one may also need to recognize how much content (or how many words) your website has for viewers/target audiences.
Now, further, the query says, what information do your local customers wish to know? Do they have any unique issues? So, based on these concerns, you can create contents that address their problems perfectly.
5. Search Intent Is Much Prominent Than Ever
Do you know terms such as “to buy” multiplied search usage by around 500% in recent years? Additionally, there are basically four kinds of search intent. These searches involve buying something, getting information, getting to a business website, searching, and lastly, comparing products.
Now, Google customizes its results for meeting the search intent. If anyone needs their local businesses to rank higher, they have to have content that matches their search intent.
For example, if you are selling eco-friendly and organic coffee, customers would probably like to know how you made that coffee. They just want more information regarding the flavours or your roasting methods.
One can further develop a FAQ page. So, on this page, you can write content in a natural way targeting your local searches more.
6. Bull’s Eye On Your Online Reputation
Are you aware of the fact that about 87 per cent of the customers prefer reading online reviews? Well, of course, Google is knowledgeable about this.
And it’s the reason why online descriptions of your business are more important for your search rankings. Therefore, content matters a lot. And by linking your reviews on websites such as Facebook and Yelp, you confirm to link your site to those reviews and hence, make a significant connection for Google, precisely Google My Business.
And remember, when you professionally respond to your reviews, you give yourself a chance to improve customer engagement. Also, it shows Google that your site effortlessly manages complaints, offers solutions, and interestingly engages with the customers.
So, now business reviews matter today so much as Google rewards them!
Make An Award-Winning Online Presence in 2021
On a final note, the online presence of local businesses matters a lot more than ever. So, build a high-quality site, stay engaged, plus always keep in mind the best user experience your business can offer to them. It’s important because Google rewards a customer-first approach. And with this, your ranking will continue to step up every day.
So, we are here to support you at your fingertips if you want an outstanding online presence for your local business. We are just a call away, so ring us at +44-740 006 7342.
