If you’re in the local SEO game, it’s time to sit up and take notes. The Local Search Industry Survey 2022 is here, and the numbers speak louder than ever. Whether you're hustling as a freelancer or running an agency, there are insights here that could change the way you play the SEO game in 2024.
Let’s break down what matters most—and how you can use this data to stay ahead of the competition.
LinkedIn Takes the Lead for New Clients
First off, LinkedIn has officially taken over Facebook as the top social platform for landing new clients. If you’re still spending all your time in Facebook groups trying to get leads, you might want to reconsider.
"It’s no surprise—people on LinkedIn are in ‘work mode,’ and that means they’re more receptive to business services," says one of the survey respondents.
So, update that profile, start connecting with local businesses, and get ready to see LinkedIn as your new best friend.
The Gender Pay Gap in Local SEO
Brace yourself: male local marketers are making up to 32% more than their female counterparts, depending on which country you’re in. This is happening in the U.S., UK, and Canada—and it’s not just a small gap. It’s a canyon.
"It’s not just about fairness, it’s about good business," said one agency owner. "If we don’t fix this, we’re going to lose great talent."
It’s a wake-up call to everyone in the industry—if we’re going to push the boundaries of local SEO, we’ve got to make sure that everyone’s on an even playing field.
GBP Optimization Is the MVP of Local SEO
If you’re not optimizing Google Business Profiles (GBP), you’re basically leaving money on the table. According to the survey, 92% of local marketers are offering GBP optimization as a core service. It’s the single most important factor in local rankings—and it’s not going away anytime soon.
"We doubled down on GBP for our clients, and it’s been a game-changer," says one agency head. "It’s the difference between showing up in search results and getting lost in the noise."
Retaining Clients: The Real Money Maker
It’s cool to land new clients, but you know what’s even better? Keeping them. And according to the data, nearly half of local marketers are holding onto clients for three years or more. How do they do it?
The secret sauce is a mix of:
GBP Optimization
Content Creation
On-site Optimization
Citation Building
If you’re not offering a full suite of services, you’re making it too easy for clients to leave you for someone who does. It’s time to become a one-stop shop for local SEO, so you’re not just a vendor, you’re a partner.
The Bottom Line: What’s Next for Local SEO?
So, what should you take away from all this? Local SEO isn’t a “set it and forget it” game. It’s about adapting, scaling, and offering more value than your competition. Whether you’re focusing on GBP optimization or looking to tap into LinkedIn for new leads, you need to stay flexible and keep your strategies evolving.
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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