This is BIG. For a small business owner, having a commanding presence online can be the difference between rolling in it or having to close up shop. Google’s Local Search has gone through many updates over the years and we’ve all had to periodically scramble to figure out how to make our businesses benefit from their new changes. As you can see Google has replaced yellow pages and everything else when it comes to generating more phone calls. It’s the end all be all/ holy grail for local businesses. When we get our local clients in the top 3, we double or triple their business 90% + of the time. If you aren’t in the top 3, you are an idiot. There is nothing more important for a local business than to be in the top 3 on Google’s local search.
On August 7, 2015, Google’s search results have taken a turn for the worse. Previously, Google’s local results displayed a variety of features such as business name, business website, star rating and how many reviews, local teardrops labeled from A-G, and the top 7 businesses for a local search. Google recently made a major update to their local search engine results page (SERP) and now only displays a “3 pack” of the top local businesses instead of a “7 pack”.
What does this mean for businesses who were in the top 7 but not the top 3? Well, most likely these businesses will see a decrease in phone calls and sales, which could lead to a loss in profits.
With this new “3 pack”, it’s becoming more clear that this will only benefit local businesses in the top 3 position and the rest will be placed in a separate page that is only accessible through a link below the top 3. Users will have to take an extra step in order to see other businesses that rank below the top 3. The chance of your business being seen in local search results has decreased by over 50% . This will cost companies Millions of Dollars. What can you do to make your businesses survive this new Google update?
This SERP “3 pack” seems daunting, but there is a solution that can solve your Google update issues. SEO and proven marketing tactics are key to battling against the negative effects of Google’s update. If you’ve been getting by fine with basic SEO tactics, chances are that it will no longer work for your business. The “3 pack” carousel will force you to put a little more work into raising your rankings in Google’s local search so that your business will show up in the top 3.
The Five Most Important Strategies to Increase Your Local SEO is:
- Optimize your Google + page.
- Choose all categories related to your company
- Make sure that your Map is correct and displays your correct, name, address, and phone number.
- Add a company description.
- Add pictures to make your sites unique and more attractive.
Have a consistent NAP (name, address, and phone number)
- Whatever Google shows on your google listing, make sure it is consistent throughout all other platforms.
- ex. If your Address displays with Ave. on your google listing, then it should say Ave. for all your online business listings.
- Whatever Google shows on your google listing, make sure it is consistent throughout all other platforms.
- Have more local listings than your competitors.
- ex. If you only have 2 listings and your competitor has 20 listings, your competitor is more likely to be shown.
- Have your listings be of high quality.
- ex. Google, Yelp, Facebook, Bing, Yahoo, and Citysearch
Social Interaction
- Get people to leave reviews on your Google+, Yelp, and Facebook.
- You also want to prompt people to discuss on your listings/posts.
There is GOOD NEWS! According to a recent article, Google’s August 7, 2015 update may have some benefit to small businesses after all. The previous local pack of 7 only showed up in the number 1 spot in a web search 25% of the time. The new local pack of 3 shows up 93% of the time in the number 1 spot on a web search. Very Interesting indeed!
Implementing an effective marketing and Local SEO strategy can be a big pill to swallow and with the added pressure of worrying about your business, juggling both can be overwhelming. Make sure you choose an SEO partner that has a proven track record, can give references, actually answers their phone and provides regular in person updates to show you the progress or even shares screens with you so you get to see what is being done.
Feel free to grab one or more of our free resources here on this page:
- If you would like to instantly know where you need improvement to rank higher click here for a Free Local SEO Audit.
- If you would like to get more information on how to rank higher locally, get our handy Local SEO Cheat Sheet
- If you would like even more information, sign up for our upcoming webinar “Learn How to Rank On Page 1 of Google Maps Without All the Mystery”. In this webinar we will share our Top 3 Secrets to include: 1) Why your nap is costing you thousands per month 2) Discover Why Your Webmaster Is Unknowingly Hurting Your Rankings 3) Learn What KPI”s To Measure To Determine If Your SEO Is Working
- Click here if you would like to apply to receive 30 Days FREE Local SEO.
Cheers to you increasing your profits! Oh, almost forgot, if your local SEO rankings are dismal, feel free to pick up the phone and call us if you have any questions or are interested in knowing more about our SEO services. We are here to help.
