If you missed the excitement of our recent #LocalSEOChat on Twitter, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! On February 18, we gathered some of the brightest minds in local SEO to tackle your burning questions. Here’s what we learned from this fast-paced hour of sharing, problem-solving, and community-building.
Key Insights from the Chat
Q1: Do service areas on GMB profiles have any effect on local SEO and visibility in those areas?
Adam asked a crucial question that many service-area businesses grapple with. The consensus? Yes, service areas do impact your local SEO. When optimized correctly, they can boost your visibility in those specific regions.
Q2: Should office hours on GMB profiles reflect when practitioners are actually in the office?
Nathan raised an important point for practitioners with multiple locations. The answer is nuanced; while it’s beneficial to keep hours accurate, the focus should be on transparency. Misleading information can hurt your reputation and rankings.
Q3: What are the first five things agencies should do for new clients?
Tim led a spirited discussion on the best initial strategies. Key actions include verifying GMB listings, ensuring consistency across citations, optimizing the profile with relevant categories, gathering reviews, and analyzing competitor listings.
Q4: What are best practices for home-based companies that don’t want to show their address online?
Ron highlighted a common concern. The best approach is to utilize service areas instead of a physical address and ensure you comply with Google’s guidelines. This way, you maintain privacy while still being discoverable.
Q5: How important is mobile page speed for ranking on SERPs?
Wes made it clear: mobile page speed is essential, especially for the specific page you want to rank. Prioritizing user experience is critical—after all, Google’s algorithm favors sites that provide quick, seamless experiences.
Q6: Are press release distributions with GMB embeds helpful or risky?
Dennis brought attention to this tactic. While embedding GMB links in press releases can provide some SEO benefits, be cautious. Misuse could lead to penalties, so approach this strategy wisely.
Q7: How to get social media badges on GMB?
Emily asked about enhancing GMB listings with social media badges. The best method is to integrate links in your posts and update your profile regularly to encourage visibility.
Q8: Tips for boosting engagement on GMB listings?
Gyi emphasized the power of images. “Post fresh images!” he advised, encouraging businesses to showcase their products, services, and team members. Engaging visuals can significantly boost user interaction.
Q9: Do keywords in reviews help with map rankings?
Jara inquired about the effectiveness of keywords in reviews. They do matter! Strategically using keywords in customer reviews can enhance your rankings, making it easier for potential clients to find you.
Q10: How do social signals from platforms like Facebook and Twitter affect local rankings?
Chris posed a question about the impact of social media. While it’s not the primary ranking factor, social signals can contribute to your overall online presence, positively affecting your local rankings.
Q11: What types of videos should be added to GMB?
Joseph sparked a conversation around video content. Recommendations include behind-the-scenes looks, client testimonials, and educational content about your services, all of which can enhance user engagement.
Q12: Why do local rankings fluctuate?
Henya expressed confusion over ranking instability. Fluctuations can result from several factors, including algorithm updates, competition changes, or even new user data. Staying vigilant and adaptable is key.
Q13: What’s going on with local rankings?
This question encapsulated the frustrations of many in the local SEO community. The consensus is that while ranking can be unpredictable, continuous optimization and engagement are your best strategies for maintaining a strong local presence.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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