If you’ve been in the digital marketing game for more than a hot minute, you know that local search isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the bread and butter of small businesses, agencies, and freelancers alike. The 2023 Local Search Industry Survey has just dropped, and it’s packed with insights that could change the way you approach your local SEO strategy. So, let’s cut the fluff and get into the numbers that actually matter.
The State of Local SEO Salaries: Are You Getting What You’re Worth?
Let’s talk money—because if you’re not, you’re missing the point. The average salary for U.S. local marketers jumped 15% this year, landing at $109,575. That’s a hefty increase from last year’s $91,152. But before you pop the champagne, it’s worth noting that 46% of local marketers are still just “somewhat satisfied” with their paychecks. Why the disconnect? Rising costs of living might have something to do with it. “More money doesn’t always mean more satisfaction,” as one marketer put it. And if you’re in a junior role, you might be feeling the pinch even more—48% of junior marketers are downright unhappy with their earnings.
Knowledge Is Power—and It Pays, Too
Here’s the kicker: 92% of local marketers rate their SEO knowledge as “good” or better, but only 25% consider themselves “excellent.” If you’re in that top-tier bracket, congrats—you’re likely one of the highest earners in the industry. The takeaway? Master your craft. The better you are at local SEO, the more you can command in salary. And guess what? Those with “excellent” knowledge are also the most satisfied with their pay. Coincidence? We think not.
Freelancers vs. Agencies: The Revenue Divide
Freelancers, it’s time for a reality check. Over half of you are pulling in less than $50,000 a year. Agencies, on the other hand, are living large—22% are raking in between $1 million and $5 million annually. If you’re a freelancer feeling stuck, it might be time to rethink your pricing strategy or consider scaling your operations. The gap is widening, and it’s not looking pretty for the solo players.
What Clients Really Value: Are You Offering the Right Services?
Let’s talk about what’s actually driving value for your clients. While you might be obsessed with the technical side of things, clients care most about Google Business Profile (GBP) management, content creation, and—surprise, surprise—website design. So, if you’re not offering these services, you might be leaving money on the table. And don’t sleep on PPC; 29% of clients see it as one of the most valuable services you can offer, even if it doesn’t always get the love from marketers.
The AI Revolution: Are You Ready?
If you’re not experimenting with generative AI yet, you’re officially behind. A whopping 93% of local marketers have already dipped their toes in the AI pool. And the verdict? 75% of them see AI as a game-changer that’s going to bring new business opportunities. Whether it’s content creation, data analysis, or automating the grunt work, AI is here to stay—and it’s time you got on board.
The Big Picture: What Does It All Mean?
So, what’s the bottom line here? Local SEO is evolving, and so should you. Whether it’s boosting your knowledge to command higher fees, diversifying your service offerings to meet client demand, or leveraging AI to stay ahead of the curve, the opportunities are there for the taking. The only question is: Are you ready to step up?
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.
Comments