Latest Local SEO Trends and Google My Business Updates

The world of local SEO is constantly changing, and 2024 is no exception. Businesses must modify their tactics to be visible in local search results as user behaviour and search engine algorithms evolve. Here are the critical local seo trends in 2024.

Top Local SEO Trends In 2024

1. Voice Search Domination: Siri and Google Voice search dominance has wholly transformed the SEO landscape. In 2024, optimising for voice queries will be crucial. This means using natural keywords like “best gluten-free pizza place near me” and focusing on answering questions users might ask with voice searches.

2. Mobile-First Everything: The popularity of virtual assistants like Siri and Google Assistant has fuelled voice search, drastically changing how consumers locate nearby businesses. It is one of the most essential local seo trends. In 2024, expect Google to prioritise mobile optimisation in local search rankings further. Ensure your website loads quickly, has a user-friendly interface for touchscreens, and displays information clearly on smaller screens. To get a mobile-optimised website, visit a seo agency in mumbai.

3. Google Business Profile (GBP) as the Hub: Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) remains the central hub for your local SEO presence. In 2024, keep your GBP listing up-to-date with accurate information, high-quality photos, and positive customer reviews. Responding to reviews promptly and professionally demonstrates good customer service and can further boost your ranking.

4. Content is King: Creating engaging and high-quality content for your local audience is one of the most evergreen local seo trends. This could include blog posts on regional topics, videos showcasing your expertise, or informative guides relevant to your industry. Focus on EAT (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) by providing valuable content written by credible sources.

5. Evolving Local Search Results: Local search results pages (SERPs) are becoming more dynamic and visually engaging. Expect Google to showcase more snippets, images, videos, and local listings directly within the SERP. To take advantage of this trend, ensure your company information is consistent across platforms and enhance your website with relevant images. Take help from a seo agency in mumbai to get the best results.

Additional Factors To Consider

Here are some additional factors to consider for a well-rounded local SEO strategy in 2024:

• Online Reputation Management: Customer reviews significantly influence local search rankings. Actively respond to reviews from satisfied customers and address negative reviews promptly and professionally.
• Local Link Building: While backlinks hold less weight for local pack rankings than traditional SEO, they’re still crucial for organic search results. Creating quality backlinks is still a part of seo service in Mumbai. 

• Social Media Interaction: Social Media-Social media interaction may raise brand recognition and improve website traffic. A good seo service in Mumbai can optimise your social media account for higher reach.

• Track and Adapt: Regularly monitor your local SEO performance using analytics tools. A good seo service in Mumbai analyses keywords, user behaviour, and competitor strategies to identify areas for improvement and adapt your plan accordingly. 

List of Google My Business Updates in 2024

Google is constantly evolving its tools for businesses to manage their online presence. Here’s a breakdown of some critical updates to Google My Business (now known as Google Business Profile):-

Farewell  To Google My Business Chat

While Google My Business chat is being phased out, fret not! Google is introducing direct messaging functionality within Google Business Profiles. This allows customers to initiate conversations directly through your profile on Search and Maps. This streamlines communication and keeps everything centralised for both you and your customers.

Schedule Google updates for multiple locations.

Managing multiple locations can be a juggling act. Google heard your pleas! They’ve introduced the ability to schedule updates to your Business Profile in advance. This lets you plan promotions, announce new opening hours, or update descriptions for all your locations simultaneously, saving you valuable time.

Add social media profiles on Google Business Profiles.

There’s no denying the significance of having a strong social media presence. Google acknowledges this and permits companies to include connections to their social media accounts directly in their Business Profile. This makes it easier for customers to discover your brand across different platforms, fostering better engagement.

Manage GMB Profile directly on Google.

Gone are the days of needing a separate app to manage your Google My Business Profile. Google has simplified things by allowing you to access and edit your profile directly through Google Search and Maps. This allows for quick tweaks and updates, no matter where you are.

Google Business Profile Messaging Arrives on Desktop

Previously limited to mobile, Google My Business messaging is now available on desktops! This means you can seamlessly respond to customer inquiries and maintain communication, regardless of your device. By leveraging these features, you can ensure your Business Profile is accurate, engaging, and reflects your brand effectively.

Wrapping It!

Remember, local SEO is an ongoing process, so stay updated on the latest developments and continue to refine your approach for optimal results.