You may remember a few years back when the “age of the Pigeon” started in 2014. This marked the beginning of the Google Pigeon update, and everyone thought that there was no more need for local SEO. 

With the pigeon update, Google maps would give you three visible results when you searched for a business. You could also take advantage of the ‘click more’ option under the three results for more locations. This made directory listing a thing of the past. Before the pigeon update, you could list your company in the most popular online directories, check your name, address and phone number (NAP) for accuracy, add keywords and a backlink, and you were included in Google Map results when someone searched for a local business in your niche or zip code.

Google was taking over the local market and only wanted to feature the top locations and brands that people are most familiar with at the top of search engine results.

 What Does This Mean For Small Businesses?

As a small business or a new company, it may seem like Google will make it more difficult for people to find you, since you can’t build a bunch of links or start a social media campaign to get to the top of Google Map search results. However, your prominence in your community is what will help you show up easily on Google Maps, even if you’re a small brand. That’s why local SEO is still important.  

 Small businesses are often known and loved for offering value and customized service to patrons. Americans spend almost 79% of the funds they’ve allotted for shopping in stores, and the majority of these customers find the items or services they need by searching social media platforms and Google.

 So, if you have a small business or your company has several locations, selling to customers in your area and becoming well-known for customer service is essential. Local SEO is one of the best tools to use in your digital marketing strategy, especially if you have a small business and the majority of your customers come from a specific area.

General SEO vs Local, Regional, National and International SEO

  To understand how effective local SEO can be for your business, it’s vital to know how local SEO differs from general SEO, as well as regional, national and international SEO. Learn more at IslandSeoConsultant.com. 

SEO is still a fairly new marketing tactic; it was introduced in the mid-1990s and has developed substantially since its inception.

When Google was introduced in 1997, SEO essentially came with it, since it is directly connected to the results you receive from your search engine. Algorithms have continued to develop along with SEO to help companies appeal to more customers.

  In the past, SEO was primarily utilized by larger, international businesses; now, smaller companies make the most of it.  

  What SEO Means For Your Business  

While you may have a basic understanding of SEO, it’s important to know what local SEO can mean for the future of your business. Before listing the essential benefits of local SEO, you’ll need to know more about the term. SEO basically ranks your business among the best when customers are looking for location-based services. You’ll appear in the top three search results when you use SEO to your advantage. Since people rarely search beyond the three results unless they have to, ranking high makes it easier for customers to find your business and to get the impression that you’re among the best in your field.

 People may be searching for things like “Montana dentist,” “New York Italian restaurants,” or “Tennessee car rentals,” and will count your business among the best if you show up in their search results. Local search can be further customized by using geo-qualified terms like a zip code or street number. People who live in your city or region will often use these qualifiers.

Local SEO is also very popular with people who are searching for a business on their phones. Google picks up the location of the user and shows results in their area for “near me” search results.

 As you can see, local SEO is beneficial for all involved parties – for you as a business owner and for search engine users who want to find the best products and services closest to them. Island SEO also offers software development, click here to learn more.

Local SEO is definitely not outdated. You’ll need it to attract more customers and to maintain your positive reputation with your current client base. Keeping your information updated regularly and providing excellent service ensures the positivity of search engine results for your company.