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3 Things to Know About Local Search for 2015
With new algorithm updates, Google features and increased competition, it's important to stay up-to-date on the current state of local SEO.
Every year the local search engine landscape changes. With new algorithm updates, new Google features, and increased competition, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the current state of local SEO. Here are 3 things to watch for heading into 2015.
Google Discontinued the Local Carousel
Google has replaced the horizontal Carousel-style local search results in favor of a look and feel more in line with mobile search results. Instead, Google now shows an interactive block of local listings above the first organic result. See the search for “hotels in Mystic, CT” in the image above as an example
Find out what's happening in Stonington-Mysticfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The same format is used to display local restaurant results.
Top Local Ranking Factors
Find out what's happening in Stonington-Mysticfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Moz released their 2014 survey of industry experts on local search ranking factors. Although Google does not explicitly give any insights into their actual ranking signals, the results of the annual Moz survey are highly regarded in the search marketing industry. Here are the top 5 local organic ranking factors, according to the 2014 survey:
- City and state in landing page title
- Domain authority of the website
- Page authority of the landing page
- Quality and authority of inbound links to the domain
- Quality and authority of inbound links to the landing page
73% of US Consumers Prefer to Search for Local Information on their Phone (ComScore)
Even when consumers have easy access to a desktop or laptop computer, they are choosing to perform searches on their mobile devices. Because consumers are connected to their mobile phones 24/7 – both at home and on the go – the potential to capture leads online is constant.
Start building your organic local search presence by focusing on the ranking factors mentioned above, paired with a well-designed mobile website. Then take even more of the mobile SERP real estate by optimizing your PPC campaigns for mobile search:
- Create mobile-specific ads
- Use a mobile landing page
- Take advantage of mobile bid adjustments
- Setup Location & Call Extensions
Have more questions about local search engine optimization? Contact our CT marketing agency online or call 877-887-7611!
