Recent changes in the digital marketing industry have had a major impact on search engine optimization (SEO) strategies. For instance, post-omicron consumer buying behaviors haveboosted “near me”-type searches and conversion rates between local shoppers and businesses. Google has responded with a host of adaptations, introducing new Business Profile features and free local SEO tools. The platform also continues to factor websites’ visuals, backlinks, and mobile responsiveness into results rankings. Therefore, SEO remains a crucial marketing tool that you should take advantage of with the help of a local SEO service agency like KME.digital.
KME.digital is a Washington, DC, digital marketing agency that helps local businesses develop their online presence and achieve success. In addition to SEO, we offer social media, web analytics, responsive design, and graphic design services. For a digital evaluation, fill out a contact form or call (703) 585-3321 today.
Below, we describe SEO updates that could impact your business this year:
New Google Business Features
You may have noticed that Google My Business recently rebranded to Google Business Profile. That shift involved further changes, including several new features. For instance, business owners can now add or update their digital storefront right from Search or Maps rather than having to navigate another app or platform.
Additionally, you can apply several new attributes to your Google Business Profile, including Black-owned or Woman-owned descriptors. Attributes for online classes, quotes, and appointments are also available with new call logging and messaging features. Attributes can help your business stand out by reaching more qualified leads and tracking missed opportunities.
Additionally, “in stock” and “who has” searches have increased more than 8,000% year over year. In response, Google has simplified the process of updating online inventories. Instead of manually adding and updating products on your Business Profile, Google has Pointy integration. With Pointy, businesses can automatically update their in-store product inventory so local shoppers can always find what’s in stock.
New, Free Local SEO Tools
Google also launched a few new tools that could prove useful to local businesses. These include the Common Knowledge Project, which provides geographic data and visualizations from local to national levels, and the Census Mapper Project, which allows you to collect, visualize, and analyze regional data, which the Associated Press provides.
Both of these tools could be particularly useful in determining target markets for Google search engine optimization and pay-per-click (PPC) purposes. Furthermore, they could help in identifying new, local trends and insights to fuel your business strategy.
Why Visuals, Backlinks, and Mobile Matter
Visuals are important for Google search rankings because optimized images increase engagement and accessibility to your website. Furthermore, the Bing search engine introduced updates that integrate more visuals in their search results, including expandable carousels, infographic-like results, integrated visual search, and intuitive highlights.
Google also investigates backlinks when determining rank. It prioritizes them because its programmers recognize your business’s value if outside content connects to it. A backlink is essentially another website’s permanent endorsement of yours (or vice-versa) that readers might use to move between the sites. For these reasons, backlinks remain the most powerful determinant of domain authority, page authority, and ranking on Google.
In March 2021, Google’s mobile-first indexing took full effect, which means Google prioritizes the mobile version of the search engine results page for ranking and indexing purposes. This is more than enough reason to optimize your website for mobile browsers. Since a majority of shoppers use their mobile devices when searching for local businesses, providing a seamless mobile experience is essential anyway.
KME.digital: Local SEO Services Available for Businesses in Washington, DC
A leading provider of local SEO services in Washington, DC, KME.digital has increased traffic by an average of 43% and generated over 600,000 leads across our clients’ websites. We take a collaborative approach to marketing and pride ourselves in developing strong client relationships. To receive a digital evaluation, visit our website or call us at (703) 585-3321.
