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Local Search Updates You Need To Know About In 2023

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Google updates its features constantly, and this time, the local search feature has some new updates for 2023. If your company relies on previous versions of Google’s local search, it’s time to refresh your approach. Unwired Web Solutions offers businesses options with local search engine optimization. We help companies improve their search engine performance. Here’s what you need to know about the updates for local search engine strategies in 2023.

Revamped Merchant Experience

Starting off, there’s a completely redesigned merchant dashboard for local businesses on Google.  The Google Business Profile Manager interface is out and the “New Merchant Experience” is the new standard. The new interface uses a SERP-style dashboard to manage local SEO strategy tasks. Now, users must make updates to their businesses via the search engine results page or the Maps app.

Hear About This Place

Next, Google now has a new feature on local business listings in Google Maps and the search engine results, a “hear about this place” button. Under the listing’s business profile, some users may spot a button icon with an audio symbol and the text, “hear about this place.”

So far, the “hear about this place” button only appears to be present in some regions of the United States. The update appeared in October 2022, and SEO experts aren’t sure when and if this feature will be introduced to all areas and users. When you click on the audio button, you’ll hear the name of the business and other details read aloud.

Customer Reviews

Another new change in Google’s local SEO features is in the way Google displays customer reviews for a business profile page. Customer reviews and ratings are an essential element to a local company’s recipe for success.

Now, Google may start to display reviews by the percentage of positive to negative reviews in a graphic. Currently, users have to click on filtering results to get a percentage bar to show up in the reviews tab, so it only displays when users look more carefully at the specifics of a business.

Engagement Clarification

Google has also quietly updated its policies for local businesses regarding customer engagement and reviews. Language is now in its Webmaster Guidelines strictly prohibiting a business from influencing its customers from writing positive or negative reviews.

This means businesses should not ask customers to leave positive Google reviews on their business page, and they shouldn’t discourage negative reviews. Additionally, software that manipulates customer reviews shouldn’t be part of a local SEO marketing plan. The reviews should be an accurate snapshot of customer feedback about a business.

Restaurant Changes

Local restaurants that use SEO strategies from Google also have a change to their business profile pages that may help them bring in more foot traffic. Businesses can select the preferred menu that will display on the business profile instead of having Google gather multiple menus from different sources.

Soon, users may also have a new option to search for specific restaurant dishes instead of general cuisine. Restaurants that offer that individual dish, such as Kung Pao chicken, will be part of the photo results page in the search engine listings.

Local Search Engine Optimization To Promote Your Business

Local search engine strategies are a crucial part of making your business more successful. If you want more customers in your store, you have to master the local SEO Canada listings for your neighborhood. We assist local businesses with Google’s search engine tools. Navigating each update can be a challenge, but we understand the ins and outs of each new change.

There are a lot of moving parts in search engine optimization for local businesses. Unwired Web Solutions helps companies boost their search engine performance and increase customer engagement.

How Does Google Rank Your Local Business

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For local small businesses, it is vital to understand how Google ranking works. Without a firm grasp on it, business owners could end up spinning their wheels. If you own a small business, you most likely already know that potential customers turn to Google to search for what you offer. But if they can’t easily find you, they may turn to your competition. 

No matter what type of business you may be, a local SEO company such as Unwired Web Solutions may be able to help grow your online presence. Over the past five years, Google has changed dramatically in the way it ranks local businesses.

A Continuous Process

Optimization needs to be done continuously to make sure your website gets the ranking it deserves. The days of hiring an SEO specialist to get your website ranked and then sitting back and doing nothing for ten years are gone.

Although there have been a lot of changes, the core factors for SEO haven’t really changed. They still depend on keywords on the website and links from external sites. But because of Google’s new changes, SEO professionals need to stay ahead of the game and find ways to help clients rank.

A Different Way of Looking at SEO

A few years ago, when Google started changing results based on local intent, local businesses needed to change the way they thought about their SEO strategies. Google Business Profile was also launched, allowing local businesses to claim their business listing and add information similar to a Facebook business profile.

Google Business Profile changed the game for several reasons. Customers could now learn about your business without even clicking on your website. Google Business Profile and local search algorithms also added new core ranking factors such as:

  • Reviews
  • The proximity of the user on the map
  • Photos, posts, and videos of your products and services
  • Description in the “About” section

Google My Business

More Complex

Over the years, ranking factors for local businesses and franchised locations have become much more complex. There are over 100 factors that may impact how your company ranks in the local area. Experts suggest that the most important part of ranking locally is through keyword optimization. It is extremely critical to take the time to do the research as there are hundreds of keyword combinations that can be used to find businesses. When thinking of keywords for your business, you will need to consider which ones have the most search volume and which describe your core service or product.

Understanding keywords

Understanding keywords can be tricky. Those with the most searches aren’t always the primary keywords for targeted optimization. Sometimes it’s better to be ranked number one for the secondary keyword for a profitable service than being ranked number 18 for the keyword with the most searches. Keyword optimization is a constantly evolving process, with rankings changing every day. With the help of a local SEO company, they can help you track average rank and analyze search traffic to determine your monthly adjustments.

Social Media

All search engines and social media platforms are paying attention to each other. When Google looks at ranking a local business, they are closely watching every aspect of your business. Some of the most significant factors in Google ranking include:

  • Are you actively using Google Business Profile?
  • Are you actively logging in and using listing sites such as Yelp and Bing?
  • Are you updating your events and information?
  • Are you posting on social media regularly?
  • Are you uploading photos and videos to Google Business Profile and other platforms?

As you can see, activity is critical when Google is ranking you. When Google looks at solid and active businesses, they appear as thriving companies using these platforms, which shows they care about their customers since they are showing concern about their online reputation.

A strong, active online presence will help your reputation and clickthrough rates to help convince more customers to contact you. As Google is the search leader who has a highly advanced algorithm, it may be essential to work with a local SEO company that can help with the process. Contact our team at Unwired Web Solutions today to get started with your local SEO plan.