Local Search in 2023: What You Must Know and Do to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Jan 7, 2023 -- Posted by : admin

race car ahead of curve

In the next four years, local search is about to undergo a dramatic shift. By 2023, staying ahead of the SEO curve is essential for local businesses and marketers. To remain competitive, businesses must understand the implications of local search and how to effectively use the ever-evolving tools and strategies. With the right strategies and knowledge, businesses can capitalize on the opportunities presented by local search and stand out from the competition. From optimizing content to leveraging the latest technologies, businesses must stay ahead of the game and tailor their strategies to their specific local market. To remain competitive in 2023, local businesses must learn how to make the most of local search.

The importance of local search in 2023

The concept of local searches has existed since the early days of search marketing. Local businesses have always catered to nearby customers in person. However, the importance of local searches has grown significantly with the development of online and digital marketing. Customers now expect local searches to be just as efficient online as they are in-person. In fact, 58% of customers use online searches to find local businesses. And, thanks to Google’s local listings, users can find and contact nearby businesses in a matter of seconds. As a result, local businesses who don’t have a strong online presence are at a significant disadvantage.

Local SEO strategies for 2023

Today, as customers increasingly turn online for information and services, local businesses must optimize their web presence to stay competitive. Local SEO strategies have evolved over time as new technologies and tools have become available. And, as technologies continue to evolve, local SEO strategies will also change. In the next four years, local SEO strategies will remain the same, but evolve to accommodate new technologies and strategies.

Local content optimization

One of the most important aspects of local SEO is optimizing website content for nearby searchers. Today, Google’s algorithm is primarily focused on understanding the intent of the user’s search. If a user searches for “pizza nearby,” for example, Google wants to show results for nearby pizza joints. With a focus on intent, Google’s algorithm doesn’t only look at keywords. It also examines the other elements of a page, such as page structure, design, and content. Google’s algorithm is constantly evolving to better understand the intent of each search. In 2023, it’s likely that Google’s algorithm will continue to evolve and become even more intent-focused. With a focus on understanding the intent of each search, Google’s algorithm will be better equipped to present relevant results to each user. To stay competitive, local businesses must optimize their website pages with relevant, useful content that meets the intent of the user’s search.

Local keyword research

Keywords are one of the most important aspects of local SEO. They help Google and other search engines understand the topic of each web page. In the past, it was possible to find long-tail keywords with multiple words. Long-tail keywords are generally more specific, and therefore more relevant, than single-word keywords. Long-tail keywords help businesses rank for a larger range of search terms. Long-tail keywords are also easier to rank for than single-word keywords. In the next few years, long-tail keywords are expected to decline in popularity. Google is making a move towards understanding intent more than word combination. With a focus on intent, Google will likely drop the relevance of long-tail keywords. In the next few years, Google might also move towards understanding more than one word per search. While it’s too early to determine the future of long-tail keywords, businesses should begin to research single-word keywords. While long-tail keywords are more relevant than single-word keywords, single-word keywords are easier to rank for. In the next few years, businesses should focus on creating content relevant to single-word keywords.

Local mobile optimization

As mobile searches continue to rise in popularity, local businesses must prioritize mobile SEO. In 2023, local businesses who don’t prioritize mobile SEO risk falling behind. Mobile SEO is a relatively new concept. As smartphones have become increasingly popular, Google’s algorithm has been shifting towards mobile searches. To better understand the intent of the user’s search, Google’s algorithm examines the user’s device. If the user is searching from a smartphone, Google’s algorithm is better equipped to serve quick, local results. To include local businesses on smartphones, Google’s algorithm first indexes nearby businesses from desktop computers. Then, Google transfers the data to the phone and adds local results. However, Google’s algorithm is quickly evolving towards a more unified system. The shift towards a unified system will happen when Google’s algorithm is capable of indexing local businesses from handheld devices. When this shift takes place, local businesses who haven’t optimized their websites for mobile will be left behind.

Leveraging local search technology

As technologies continue to evolve, local businesses must evolve their strategies to stay relevant. As the algorithm continues to shift towards intent, it’s likely that Google will introduce new technology. In 2023, Google might introduce a new algorithm, or introduce a new type of ranking factor. Google might also introduce a new type of data, such as a user’s intent. Google’s new technology is likely to focus on understanding the intent of each search. Once Google’s algorithm is more intent-focused, local businesses must leverage the latest technology. While earlier technologies focused on keywords, new technologies will focus on intent. This shift in technology will allow businesses to better understand the intent behind the search. With a better understanding of the intent behind the search, businesses will be able to present a more relevant and useful product.

Local listings and citations

Local SEO is all about getting your business listed on Google’s map and local search engine results pages. Local businesses can accomplish this by creating a Google My Business account. However, it’s important to note that Google’s map is changing. To accommodate new technologies and algorithms, Google has been gradually moving to a new map. The map is expected to be fully implemented in 2023, and will be a more unified system. The new map will be fully integrated with Google’s algorithm and intent. With the new map and algorithm fully implemented, businesses who don’t have a My Business account will be left behind. Local businesses who don’t have a My Business account will only be listed on Google’s map if they’re listed on the Bing or MapQuest map. If a local business isn’t listed on the map, it won’t be included in the results. To stay competitive in local search, businesses must create a My Business account. They must also ensure their contact information, hours of operation, and details are accurate and up to date.

Tracking and measuring local search success

As technologies evolve and new strategies come into play, businesses must closely track and measure their success. Tracking and measuring local search success will be easier than ever before. With the current state of technology, businesses can track and measure their local search success through Google’s Map Reporting Tools. These tools allow businesses to track and measure traffic from Google’s map and local search results. With the new technologies, tracking and measuring success will be even easier. With the unified map and algorithm, businesses will be able to track and measure their success with Google Analytics. With Google Analytics, businesses will be able to track and measure their success across all devices and platforms. Local businesses must closely track and measure their success in 2023. By closely tracking their success, businesses will be able to determine what works and what doesn’t. They’ll be able to identify which local search strategies are effective, and which need to be improved.

Conclusion

In the next four years, local search will undergo a dramatic transformation. To stay ahead of the curve, businesses must understand the implications of local search and how to effectively use the ever-evolving tools and strategies. With the right strategies and knowledge, businesses can capitalize on the opportunities presented by local search and stand out from the competition. From optimizing content to leveraging the latest technologies, businesses must stay ahead of the game and tailor their strategies to their specific local market.

- Ed Moore, SEO Coach