The Trends of Local SEO: 11 Ways to Dominate Local Search

As a small business, you are a hidden diamond waiting for the perfect time to shine. However, if you don’t have that powerful online appearance, your business is comparable to a concealed gem, lying far beneath the digital sands. But what if we tell you that local SEO can transform your online presence from quiet to thriving? By keeping track of the most recent trends of local SEO, you will rise in search engine rankings and draw in a consistent flow of interested customers who want what you offer.

So, prepare to elevate your business from a well-kept secret to a celebrated local establishment as we’re about to explore the most popular local SEO trends for 2024 in great detail. With Local SEO leading the way, you’ll stand out more than ever.

Latest Trends in Local SEO

Did you know that 64% of small businesses are already using local SEO to get found online? It’s like having a prime spot on the main street but for the digital world. To stay ahead of the competition, it’s important to keep your local SEO strategy fresh and up-to-date. But with so many things to consider, where do you start?

To help you navigate this exciting space, we’ve compiled a list of the latest trends in local SEO, along with some tips for implementing them effectively. 

1. Target Local Keywords

Looking to climb to the highest position in the local search rankings? The key lies in targeting local keywords. People in your locality use these particular search terms to locate products, services, or information. By enhancing your content with local keywords, you can boost your position in local searches, enhance your organic traffic, and attract more customers to your business.

You can use tools such as Google Keyword Planner to help you discover and focus on local keywords for targeting, and identify the keywords your competitors are focusing on. Lastly, take note of the key terms found in the top search results for the specific area you are focusing on.

2. AI-Powered Local SEO Tools

AI-powered local SEO tools are your digital helper who is constantly up to date with the newest developments in local SEO. With it, you can discover concealed keyword possibilities, optimise your content expertly, and monitor your competitors’ actions closely.

AI-driven technology can serve as your competitive advantage. These tools can save time and effort by automating keyword research, optimising your content, and monitoring your competitors to improve your search engine rankings.

3. Voice Search Optimisation

Now, if you’re tired of writing countless search terms, would it be better to ask it on your mobile device and receive a quick response? That’s the secret of voice search which is now growing in popularity more than ever. To stay ahead of the competition, you must ensure that your content can be easily found through voice search.

To optimise your content for voice search, follow these tips:

• Avoid overloading your content with keywords. Instead, prioritise creating a smooth and conversational flow in your writing.
• Respond to inquiries: Predict the questions that your clients may have and offer direct, brief responses.
• Be brief: Voice search results are usually briefer than regular search results, so be quick and direct.
• Focus on local SEO: For local businesses, ensure that your content incorporates your location and pertinent local keywords.

4. Google My Business (GMB) Optimisation

Google My Business (GMB) acts as your business’s online shop front, significantly impacting local SEO. Improving your GMB profile can boost local search visibility, draw in more customers, and establish trust with your audience.

Make sure that your business information is complete and updated. However, that’s not all that there is. To make your GMB profile really shine, you must interact with your customers. Promptly reply to reviews, motivate customers to give feedback, and update about your business regularly.

Keep in mind that your GMB profile mirrors your business. Having a profile that is optimised well can assist in establishing a good reputation and drawing in additional customers. Your GMB profile should present your business in the most positive way.

5. Mobile-First Indexing

By the beginning of 2024, Google had a whopping 95.4% of the mobile search market worldwide. That’s a huge deal, right? It shows how dedicated Google is to making it easy for people to find what they’re looking for on their phones.

Google has a strong hold on mobile search, no doubt about it. Ensuring your website is mobile-friendly is essential for making your business easily discoverable by smartphone users. Besides, is there anyone who enjoys waiting endlessly for a web page to load on their small screen?

To make your website very mobile-friendly, maintain a simple and tidy design, incorporate large buttons that are simple to click on, and ensure it is easy for users to locate desired information. Additionally, create text that is optimised for mobile devices, incorporate relevant keywords, and provide additional details to enhance search engine comprehension of your site. Ensure to test it on various phones, gather opinions from individuals, and monitor its performance.

6. Local Link Building

Next is all about enhancing your local link-building strategy. Keep in mind that the greater the number of top-notch backlinks directed toward your website, the more elevated your position will be in search results. However, it is not only the number that counts – the quality is also important. So, prioritise establishing connections with well-regarded local websites and obtaining backlinks from them.

Begin by producing top-notch content that is compelling enough to attract other companies to link back to it. Then, make connections with influencers in your community and work together to increase your visibility. Also, remember to participate in local business associations and go to industry gatherings to connect with other businesses in the area.

7. Local Schema Markup

Looking to distinguish yourself and attract attention from search engines and prospective clients? Then it is the moment to harness the potential of local schema markup. Utilising schema markup can enhance your business’s visibility in Google’s Knowledge Graph, which is a side feature showing detailed information on companies and groups.

To incorporate local schema markup, you will have to insert a snippet of code into the HTML of your website. Despite appearing complex, there are numerous online tools and resources that can assist you in getting started.

8. User-Generated Content (UGC)

Think of your business as a well-known star. The more people that talk about it, the more followers it will have. This is where user-generated content (UGC) plays a role.

UGC is like having a private group of brand advocates. When clients share their feedback, ratings, and images of your company, it lets prospective clients know that you are a reputable and dependable brand.

So, start by making it simple for your customers to share their experiences to promote user-generated content. Incorporate social media sharing icons on your website and host contests or giveaways to motivate customers to share about your company. You also have the option to contact your most dedicated customers to request reviews or generate content for your brand.

9. Hyperlocal Targeting

Now to become the ruler of your neighborhood’s market, your main focus should be on hyperlocal targeting. Through the utilisation of location-specific targeting, you can customise your marketing strategies to connect with individuals within proximity to your business.

Consider it as throwing a fishing net in a small pond rather than the wide ocean. Focusing on a particular geographic region increases the chances of attracting the appropriate customers, just as catching the right fish.

10. Local SEO for Video

Video content is now extremely popular and serves as a strong weapon for enhancing local SEO. You can increase customer attraction and visibility by optimising your videos for local search.

To maximise the benefits of video content, make use of well-known video platforms such as YouTube and TikTok to expand reach within the local community. You must also prioritise optimising your video titles and descriptions by including relevant keywords and location details. This will assist search engines in comprehending your content and displaying it to the appropriate audience.

11. Local SEO for Podcasts

Listening to podcasts is similar to hosting a casual BBQ gathering with your buddies. This is a very excellent method to establish meaningful connections with others and form relationships.

For better local search optimisation of your podcasts, begin by coming up with a catchy title and a great elevator pitch. Then, ensure that the content is both engaging and educational while incorporating key terms and mentioning your location.

After producing your podcast, make sure to submit it to well-known podcast directories. Keep in mind that the greater the number of listeners your podcast has, the higher the chances they will become your clients.