Recent trends suggest the future of local SEO will prove interesting. Here are the top 7 trends digital marketers should keep an eye on:
- Video Content
Even now, there is no substitute for written content from a search engine crawler’s point of view. Multi-media content like images, infographics and videos act as peripheral additions. However, in 2016, we witnessed the introduction of video-based apps like Periscope, Vine and Snapchat which have helped supplant written content for many users. Google has picked up on the trend by introducing video ads within search results, giving B2C brands the opportunity to reach out to more customers and enhance the overall ROI through video content.
- Mobile Optimization
2016 marked the first time mobile searches surpassed the number of desktop searches. Google has already declared that it is giving equal significance to both mobile and desktop search traffic. Within the next 5 years, desktop searches are expected to be insignificant sources of leads for local businesses. Google has introduced a local results 3-packs technique emphasizing its commitment to a mobile centric experience. You can see an example by doing a quick Google search on your smart phone for local businesses in Edmond or Oklahoma City.
- Digital Assistants
Search queries are increasing in complexity due to the growing use of digital assistants for search engines. There is a great difference between typed queries and those given by spoken language to apps like Google Now, Cortana and Siri. In effect, greater attention has been given to long-tailed keywords. It is expected that web pages containing conversational content would be rewarded over those sporting more keyword-rich titles.
- Aggregated Content
A new feature called Moments has been introduced by Twitter wherein images, videos and aggregate posts unfold into a singular channel for the ease of people to watch. This new technique has made users themselves the new content creators, allowing others to watch the events unfold. Twitter is not alone in this innovative trend. Advanced algorithms have already compiled news based stories gathered from different pieces of existing information. In the future, the reach of content marketing will likely narrow if any given article has not been automatically sourced. To gain more search visibility, the importance of tutorial content and opinion editorials will rise.
- Indexing Social Content
You may have noticed that with Tweets appear in your Google searches. This is because Google has deals in place with Twitter and Facebook. Going forward, more and more platforms will have content indexed for searchability. Social posts will be ranked in importance similar to any individual web page. The difference between social media and web content grows smaller every day from a digital marketing perspective.
- Deep Links in Mobile Apps
We have already mentioned the significance of mobile searches, and the introduction of “deep links” by Google has taken this a step further. Deep links help index mobile apps more efficiently by pointing at a certain section or page of an app. Digital marketing experts believe that, like with web based deep links, mobile based deep links will impact their indexing methods. The process of app store search optimization will grow in significance in turn. That is why good practices for local SEO in Edmond recommends every small to medium sized business get an app developed to help their customers in some small way or get listed in other local search apps like Yelp.
- Very Local Search
Local searches have never been more local before 2016. Wearable devices such as the Apple Watch along with the growing sophistication of local indexing processes have made local searches extremely targeted. Soon enough, your business rankings may be based on your neighborhood or street corner rather than by the city or the state.
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More Blogs for Reference
How To Do Local SEO For Multi-Location Clients
How Local Websites In Edmond Can Get Greater Exposure?
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